Expansion into the Greenbelt…

Expansion into the Greenbelt should absolutely not be considered. The Greenbelt is intended to protect the lands from growth and development. This plan is the exact opposite.

"When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money."

This does not take into consideration population decrease - and relies heavily on the assumption that populations will continue to grow. Rather than continuing to increase exponentially, researchers argue the global population is headed for a steep decline—and in many countries, that decline has already begun. (Source Book: Empty Planet). There is a great shift that is outlined in this book and the data on birth rates, immigration, emigration, and fertility rate - all show that populations will decrease in the years to come.

This is a short-sighted move, that will be irreversible. We can't expect everything to keep growing. There will be nothing left.

More attention needs to be paid to the Natural Heritage system. It seems like an afterthought. Biodiversity will suffer. The beauty of the region will suffer. Traffic will increase from the sprawled homes each with a car. Make living walkable, sustainable.

Please go back to the drawing board. Reconsider.

This plan was made for what seems easiest now. Not what is right for the future.