Dear Commissioners,

I am writing to plead with you to reject the Lee Property Special Area Study (SAS) and to fund full protection of the property through purchase.

As you know, the Hickory Sink Strategic Ecosystem that exists on the Lee Property has environmental features that provide significant benefits to our county including vital aquifer recharge. You are also aware there are NO protected natural areas west of Tower Road. The Haile area comprises a significant property tax base within Alachua County and it is high time for conservation funding to be put to use here. 

We do not want the additional traffic on Haile Blvd., or on area E-W roads which are already far beyond capacity. The development and clearcut pressures within the area are already far beyond creating a liveable community. With the recent development from Tower Road to Jonesville, we see unsustainable traffic every morning along with deer and other wildlife being forced into neighborhoods where they are hit by cars. Additionally, extending the Urban Cluster Line to provide services and allow dense development in rural/agricultural areas will erode the strength of our Comprehensive Plan and allow the continuation of urban sprawl throughout the county. 

As one of 47 areas in Alachua County identified as worthy of special protection, it is time to ensure that it is indeed protected. 

PLEASE, PLEASE preserve this critical land for our future.

Sincerely,