Letter: Mid-States ‘least damaging’ option destroys undeveloped land

The proposed ‘Route P’ is the least damaging ‘build’ option, except for the new-terrain aspect. The ‘231 improvements only’ choice has more to recommend.

The presented description for this option states an intention to not disturb ‘developed’ areas and to sacrifice yet more undeveloped land. This has the values precisely backward. Instead, let’s cherish the land-as-God-made-it, and utilize the land already degraded by humans. Upgrades to 231 can be done, and would accomplish ALL the stated objectives of an ‘improved highway connection’.

It is obscene to even consider bulldozing a new highway parallel to and within sight of 231. At great cost, this would create myriad ‘walled off’ acres unfit for habitation by humans or wildlife.

We must not forever incrementally destroy the landscape given by the Creator, in obeisance to concrete and commerce.

Nathan Pate, Paoli