WHY WE OPPOSE THE CLIFFS
The Cliffs at High Carolina is a sprawling gated development of more than 3000 acres that is bad for Swannanoa Mountain, local farms and working people in Buncombe County.
High Carolina’s multi-million dollar mcmansions will:
- Deface fragile slopes and wooded ridgetops.
- Contribute to landslides and flooding.
- Exploit dwindling water resources.
- Drive property taxes out of reach for family farms and working families.
High Carolina’s golfcourse will:
- Cause water pollution in sensitive streams and private wells.
- Destroy valuable wildlife habitat.
- Increase traffic on winding rural roads.
The Cliffs at High Carolina represents the worst in uncontrolled sprawl and greedy backroom politics.
- Largest development in County approved with virtually NO democratic input.
- Not a part of any County comprehensive planning process.
- Cumulative impacts of similar developments on water availability, flood protection, landslide risk, natural resources, traffic/roads, and community character have not been considered.
The residents of Buncombe County and Western North Carolina deserve a say in giant developments like the Cliffs at High Carolina that destroy our sensitive mountains, pollute wells and streams, waste valuable water resources, cause higher property taxes and rely on our tax dollars to subsidize their unsustainable growth.
We demand that Swannanoa Mountain is protected, so that the rural character of local farms, orchards, and forests is preserved and accessible to all people – not just the very wealthy.
We advocate the purchase of the Cliffs at High Carolina land for a mountain park and greenway that enhances public recreation, ensures wildlife and watershed protection while continuing traditional local uses like farming and hunting.
With participation from our local neighborhoods and communities, we can work together to make a difference. Don’t let greedy developers and corrupt politicians determine our region’s fate. The future is in OUR hands! Stop the Cliffs and Save Swannanoa Mountain!
