Dear City of Decatur Zoning Board of Appeals, City Manager, and Environmental Sustainability Board:


I understand that the proposed WSE Development Weekes Street variance to build 300+ apartments and 500+ parking places (known as "The Heights at East Decatur") would:

     1. Place 280 feet of Shoal Creek underground permanently.

     2. Remove a mature tree forest canopy in the stream buffer of Shoal Creek.  Up to an acre of trees would be removed for the project.

     3. Intrude into protected buffer of another branch of the stream.

     4. Add 550 parking spaces and potentially result in traffic issues in the vicinity of S. Columbia Dr.,  College Ave., Talley Street,  and Commerce Dr.

The necessary studies to evaluate and mitigate these impacts have not been done.  The developer and City must study habitat issues, tree loss, and traffic, including pedestrian safety.

I oppose this variance.  This level of environmental harm is unacceptable in the City of Decatur.  This plan goes against our vision for ourselves and our community.  High density development has a proper place in the City, but it should not be placed on top of an existing stream and forested area.  Traffic and pedestrian safety must be considered and prioritized.  The City should consider alternatives to the Weekes Street Project which do not pipe the creek or destroy the existing tree cover.

Thank you.