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Thursday, 14 September 2006 |
Laurelmor worries Boone, Blowing Rock
Ginn Resorts at Laurelmor, the 6,000-acre behemoth neighborhood between Blowing Rock and Boone, is a bad idea.
From environmental issues to increased housing costs, the resort-neighborhood is an inconvenience and nuisance.
According to Laurelmor.com, “Mountains are forever; every sunrise sheds
light on new opportunities; every legacy begins with the first step.”
While these motivating words are appealing for potential
multimillion-dollar buyers, the neighborhood is hypocritical in its
mission.
How can a neighborhood larger than Blowing Rock and Boone combined pride itself on becoming one with nature?
Utility shortages, such as water and electricity, are already a problem
for existing Boone residents. This mega-neighborhood, with no less than
1,500 residential plots, may be detrimental for dwindling area
resources.
Furthermore, the development is visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a construction eyesore for all.
The Parkway is a National Park and should be treated as such. There is
no reason why neighborhoods and mini-cities, especially the size of
Laurelmor, should be tolerated.
Worse still, Laurelmor could create a domino effect for other development companies interested in building off the Parkway.
One of the reasons the land around Appalachian State is so beautiful is because it has not been tainted with over-commercialism.
Students and community members realize the importance of nature
conservation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet Laurelmor clearly ignores
this value.
Another point of contention with Laurelmor is the tremendous increase
in the price and value of land the neighborhood will create.
The cost of housing in Boone and Blowing Rock is already high enough – Laurelmor offers lots starting at $500,000.
Many Appalachian State faculty and staff members find it financially impossible to live in Boone.
Laurelmor will certainly only aid this growing problem.
Representatives from Laurelmor claim the neighborhood will be a huge
economic help to the surrounding area, as it will offer new jobs.
First off, the jobs created in the Laurelmor neighborhood are short-term, menial positions.
Secondly, these jobs are insubstantial and meaningless in terms of building the economy of a region.
Bus boys, lifeguards and wait staff, the type of tedious jobs available
in the complex, are hardly enough to provide an economic foundation for
Boone and its surrounding area.
No matter how pleasant the neighborhood drawings may be, once
bulldozers start clearing out 6,000 acres, Laurelmor’s true ‘beauty’
will be revealed.
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