Wednesday, September 25, 2002

South Fayette County and Fayetteville citizens have had the privilege of seing "Citizen Power" in action. Three weeks ago, on Sept. 5, it appeared Fayetteville City Council's Southside annexation and development plan was on the verge of being a "done deal."

Aroused and concerned citizens have and are continuing to demonstrate that group action can result in: (1) tabling the annexation plan for "further study," (2) hiring a consulting firm to study and recommend revisions to council's "ready for passage" development plan, and (3) the appointment of a "task force" to study the plan.

The appointment of a "task force" consisting of land owners, developers, city council members and affected citizens to review the plan is refreshing, to say the least.

Concerned citizens may not be able to stop the "annexation train" but they are showing by their action it is possible to slow it down. Citizens now have the opportunity to see this issue for what it is: A density plan that will decidedly affect southside Fayetteville and south Fayette County citizens' ability to safely conduct and enjoy their daily lives long after the developers have gone.

Gerald Stoner

Fayetteville