Wednesday, May 7, 2003

A recent article [The Citizen, April 30] regarding the sale of our family's property in Fayette County characterized our attitude towards the county as callous and unconcerned.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Our family has invested deeply in Fayette, including farming, real estate and the community.

As challenging as it may be, I have no intention of giving up farming. Unfortunately, the simple truth is that the county has outgrown large-scale agriculture. Rapid development and tax increases have effectively excluded this business activity.

It would be unreasonable to expect our family to provide green space free of charge to Fayette County, especially given the cumbersome tax burden attached to it.

It is with a heavy heart that my brother Matt, myself, and all the friends who have helped us through the years must abandon most of the land that we love. Our long history here makes us more sensitive than most to the current and future growth.

The county's evolution has caught up to us. It is now time to step aside and allow it to continue.

Paul Rivers

Fayetteville