I am very concerned about the possibility of Chimney Rock Park being purchased by a private entity either for resort/housing development or for an "enhanced" park (which really means amusement park). We have enough amusement parks in the region and we have more than enough housing developments/resorts.

State ownership is the only way to ensure that this unique property and the heritage that the Morse family developed is preserved in perpetuity. No matter which private enterprise purchases the property, a private operation must make a profit, and if that means selling off lots, adding light shows or roller coasters, that is what will happen.

Even if a single individual purchased it and built one home, while the land is temporarily preserved, the access to this beauty by the public would be gone. When that individual passed, or finances changed, the property would be in danger again.

More information is at the Web site savechimneyrock.net; please support making Chimney Rock a state park.

Roberta Proctor

Lake Lure