Protect reservoir

Thanks to the Herald-Leader for drawing attention to the proposed development of the Peninsula on Reservoir 4.

As I watch a bald eagle soaring in search of fish and a kingfisher struggling to swallow his catch outside my window, my usual joy is mixed with sadness in contemplating the destruction of this special place, which provides habitat for a multitude of birds and animals, serves to filter pollutants and protect the water quality of our city reservoir, is an important piece of Lexington’s tree canopy and gives the adjoining community its unique character.

If development must occur, it should respect the Jacobson Park/Ellerslie Lake ecosystem by including a broad greenway to buffer most of the trees, including the trail extension joining the Squires Road bike/hiking path with Jacobson Park as called for in the Comprehensive Plan.

Density, now planned to cover virtually every inch of the Peninsula, should be significantly reduced. Let’s make this an environmental asset, not yet another annihilation of our disappearing wild spaces.

A public rezoning hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 1:30; comments can be made to the Planning Commission. More information is available on Facebook at Squires Road Development.

This story was originally published November 25, 2016 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Protect reservoir."