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53 <br /> 1 and metal objects becoming dangerous projectiles. These are sensible concerns, and function <br /> 2 as significant stressors already causing harm to our citizens. <br /> 3 <br /> 4 Aside from my own reports, we have letters from the resident's doctors documenting the <br /> 5 harm that could come from these stressors and urge you to consider how this proposal violates <br /> 6 the standards of health and safety when considering these less visible, but no less important <br /> 7 mental health and emotional factors. <br /> 8 <br /> 9 My third point involves the proposed large fences which have ironic and contradictory <br /> 10 purposes. They are supposed to act as a pleasant screen with plantings, and also as a <br /> 11 formidable security barrier with posted signs saying KEEP OUT, DANGER, HIGH VOLTAGE. <br /> 12 <br /> 13 Most of the community has been here for many years. Over 35 years, I've built two <br /> 14 houses in the Falls of New Hope as my family expanded. This project will change the nature of <br /> 15 the main intersection at Cascade and Falls Drive from rural residential to industrial utility. We <br /> 16 will be greeted by a locked security gate and prominent warning signs. The applicant might <br /> 17 argue that these signs and fence are there to protect us and their facility. However, the security <br /> 18 fences communicate that we are unwelcome intruders in our own neighborhood. I ask you, <br /> 19 should residents of their own established community have to feel like intruders in their own <br /> 20 homes and streets? The 8 foot high security fence connotes a prison camp, not a <br /> 21 neighborhood. <br /> 22 <br /> 23 It's my professional opinion that the County will be harming its citizens if it allows this <br /> 24 array in this residential neighborhood. Falls of New Hope was hit hard by Hurricane Fran. No <br /> 25 one voted for that disaster. Unlike Hurricane Fran, this is a disaster that you can stop. <br /> 26 <br /> 27 Thank you for your attention. <br /> 28 <br /> 29 David Rupp: Questions? <br /> 30 <br /> 31 Michael Fox: I don't have any questions for this witness. <br /> 32 <br /> 33 David Rupp: Thank you. Sharon Ryan. <br /> 34 <br /> 35 Sharon Ryan: Commissioner Jacobs, Orange County Commissioners, Mr. Hallenbeck, Orange <br /> 36 County Planning Board, thank you for allowing me to address you this evening. <br /> 37 <br /> 38 My name is Sharon Ryan. I live at 5701 Cascade Drive in Falls of New Hope. I would <br /> 39 like to give a brief introduction, address two points, and make my conclusion. <br /> 40 <br /> 41 I have lived in Durham and Chapel Hill since 1970. I have rented or bought eight <br /> 42 different houses during that period of time. Falls of New Hope is by far my favorite area that I <br /> 43 have lived. <br /> 44 <br /> 45 In the spirit of full disclosure, I grew up on a farm in Connecticut, I have been interested <br /> 46 in environmental issues for more than twenty years, and I was the first Chapel Hill <br /> 47 representative for the solar company called Citizenre. <br /> 48 <br /> 49 According to the online research I performed and from speaking with local planning <br /> 50 departments, there are seven existing solar utilities in Orange, Durham, Wake and Chatham <br /> 51 Counties, six built by Strata Solar in Chapel Hill and one built by FLS Energy based in Asheville. <br />