Descending hundred something teenagers and college kids fueled by the prospect of winning some of the $1,800 price money hardly proved to be a sound method to extract invasive species. Even five years later the sites that were subject to the “Park Renewal” look more like a post-apolcalyptic movie set. What was once lush green with vegetation, what was once the habitat to tortoises, silver owls, and blue herons exposes now bare dirt, fallen trees, and old tires.

Neither of these parties have any concern about the devastating environmental impact and the hardship on the residents that this invasive act causes.

The tragic legacy of the past four “Park Renewals” has remained mostly unnoticed as their sites are remote from the main area. Only few follow the trails into the woods. 2012 will be a different chapter: the destruction will be in clear sight.

Residents of Deerwood Dr, the 2012 target of the “Park Renewal”, have expressed their concerns and opposition to Dave Butler (Greenspace Environment Manager, DeKalb Co. Natural Resources Management Office), Peter Michealson (CEO, Renewal Design Build) and the so called “Beautification Committee” of the Midwaywoods Neighborhood Association. The concerns about safety, environmental impact, and destruction of the beautiful natural landscape have been ignored, or tried to be silenced by delay tactics.

There is still debris from each of the last 3 years in the park so we also fear an additional nightmare. In addition, there will be 200 people yelling and screaming directly across the street. This isn’t down the block, but literally across the street.

As of now there is no plan for emergency vehicles and we have several elderly residents, who at a moment’s notice would need emergency care.
We want the event to be held, just in a different section of the park. and not in our front yards.