Concerns over the Farrington Preserve concept plan took center stage at the Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting, as local resident Betsy Krause voiced her strong opposition to the proposed development. Krause, a long-time advocate for environmental preservation, highlighted the ecological significance of the area, which she has been monitoring since 2007.

Speaking passionately, Krause described the beauty and biodiversity of the Farrington Preserve, emphasizing its role as a crucial habitat for wildlife and a natural filter for water quality. "The Folkberry Creek wanders through the whole space... it collects all the sedimentation and remediates nutrients from the wastewater treatment," she stated, underscoring the area's importance in maintaining ecological balance.

Krause raised alarms about the potential impact of increased housing and wastewater treatment in the region, warning that it could overwhelm the existing natural systems. "With more water from more houses... the hundred-year flood level is just not adequate anymore for protecting a wetland," she cautioned, calling for a reevaluation of the development plans.

The discussion around the Farrington Preserve reflects broader concerns about environmental sustainability in Chatham County, as residents and officials weigh the benefits of development against the need to protect vital natural resources. As the Board considers the future of the area, Krause's testimony serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between growth and conservation.