To the editor:

I am writing this letter in response to an article in Sunday’s paper regarding the urgent annexation of property in western Douglas County for the purpose of the creation of a business park (distribution and retail center). The article states how vital this annexation would be economically for the Lawrence community due to its proximity to Interstate 70.

I have concerns regarding the nature of this annexation. First is the water usage. Being a resident of the same rural water district as this project, I am concerned about the future available sources for this district since this district already has many development projects on the table.

The second concern is the loss of vital agricultural acreage. The most jarring issue is the future intended use of 155 prime acres of pasture. As quoted in the article, “Many know its (the acreage) long-term future isn’t to grow grass and fatten cattle…” A recent New York Times article stated how locally grown food is now priced as competitively as food that has been shipped from outside the area. From an economic standpoint in times of uncertainty, greater fuel costs and world hunger, would it be more practical to save our farmlands to build up and support our local producers and create a local sustainable market that may be needed for all in the very near future?

John Oliver,
Lawrence