To the editor: I just have to ask Clarkesville city leaders one question: Why does Lew Oliver have so much influence over the discussion of growth in our town? As a property developer from out of town, he presented a plan that was not overwhelmingly popular (or feasible), yet city leaders refuse to abandon his vision.
There were multiple aspects of the public presentation of the plan that raised concerns for me, not the least of which was Mr. Oliver’s repeated statement that growth needs to be controlled to attract “the right kind of people.”
Apparently, Mr. Oliver thinks “women from Atlanta dripping with diamonds” are the right kind of people. Those are words I heard directly from Mr. Oliver in the presentation at City Hall; check the video if you don’t believe me.
Why are you letting the pipe dream of becoming a tourist destination override the needs of residents who live, work, play and pay taxes here?
Valarie Dye
Clarkesville