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Dear Editor:
I would like to add additional commentary to the article published on Oct. 8 regarding the construction of a gravel pit/quarry at Potter’s Bridge park.
All of the issues in the article are relevant to the protest, but what is not mentioned is the environmental impact on the White River wildlife corridor, and that the “artificial” lake is not a lake but a gravel pit, very deep, very steep sided, very cold and very dangerous, especially to young curious children. It will not be a lake accessible to on shore fishing or swimming or floats as the sides will be too steep and too unstable.
The article also doesn’t mention potential damage to the wetlands around the river, the river itself or increased flooding in nearby neighborhoods. I walk this trail daily and have seen white tailed deer, hawks (Cooper, Red Tail and Red Shoulder), and American Bald eagles fishing the river, in addition to a nesting pair of screech owls last spring, two pair of piliated woodpeckers also nesting last spring and innumerable native birds. The noise, disruption of the land would force this bit of nature out completely.
Additionally, Mr. Beaver’s “gift” land for the park would not occur prior to 2031 after 10 years of digging, so no benefit to the public would occur prior to 2031.
This is one of the most utilized parks in the county with people walking, running, bicycling, enjoying this little jewel of nature right here in Noblesville. On any given weekend, you can’t find a place to park; it is so full of guests enjoying this little bit of nature.
We only ask that the monetary interest of one business or individual not be allowed to take that from the rest of us. Thank you.
Pamela Wind
Noblesville
The Beaver gravel pit proposed for Potters Bridge must not be approved! I find it impossible to understand why the city has been developing the river walk area and would now destroy this scenic recreational area as well as nearby neighborhoods. All one has to do to see how the area would be affected is to drive south on Hazel Dell road and see the huge pit that scars the area. In addition, huge dump trucks present another hazard. The Potters Bridge area has many family neighborhoods with lots of young children that would be affected by truck traffic. There are too many negatives that would occur if this pit was approved. Tell Beaver to pound rocks somewhere else!