HomeMy WebLinkAboutVerbal presentation from citizen(Edited version for verbal presentation)
OCAS Board mtg., February 19, 2014, 6:30PM; Eubanks Rd., CH
Good evening! My name is Marilyn Kille. I’ve come here tonight to ask for your help.
I own Peppermint Spring Farm, the southern-most of the historic farms that remain
along Carrboro’s west side. Some may recall how, for nearly two decades, PSF was a
resource for OCAS -- using its truck/trailer to transport and our barn to stable injured or
stray livestock; assisting with outreach clinics and fund-raising; and rehabilitating
hunting-bred dogs deemed salvageable but which, otherwise, do poorly when
confined. In fact, at age 12 my daughter became OCAS’ youngest volunteer during
which she’d regularly promoted OCAS programs at area malls and events.
Sadly, we ceased doing such about seven years ago when some terrible things began
to regularly impact our farm, livestock, pets, my family, and me personally. And,
because I continue to feel helpless to resolve these matters, tonight I’m turning to you
for help. Or at least, for your understanding!
[Note: Illustration of OWASA GIS map]
Since 2007 my farm and its animals have regularly been targeted by vandals in many
ways. For example, road front board fences have been broken when neighboring
children climb them or cars driven through them. Some instances are opportunistic or
circumstantial; but in most they are quite deliberate-- and, largely, serve development
interests.
[Note: Photo of Christmas week damage to board fence]
Electric fence wires have been cut; electronic gate controllers and other equipment
damaged as well as stolen; gates, barn doors and stall doors have been opened;
hunters have driven deer through our rearward fencing; beer bashes and fireworks in
our pastures have terrorized our herd causing panic and thousands of dollars in
injuries; vehicles have been driven across fields; and our animals poisoned.
I can’t summarize all that’s happened in the 3 minutes allowed me, so I’m asking that
you each read the details in the hand-outs given you. But much of what continues to
occur has to do with my and my neighbors’ farms having been targeted for urban
development purposes. In effect, the owners of all 20 remaining farms are expected to
face loss of their homes and land beginning next year. Of this there is no doubt!
What solution exists I haven’t a clue.