NC CSE Battles Government Land Grab

NEWS! 1/27/04 NC House Speakers call for special session

North Carolina CSE has joined with the citizens of Beaufort and Washington counties and numerous organizations in opposition of the Navy’s proposed outlying landing field (OLF). Under the current plan, the Navy will acquire 32,000 acres of prime farmland owned by families whom have farmed their fields for generations. Many citizens, the majority of whom are seniors, will lose their generational homes.

The loss of 32,000 acres from the local tax roles will result in a substantial tax increase for the local people. Lower land values, loss of jobs, citizens choosing to relocate, decreased quality of life due to noise pollution, and environmental impacts are among the additional concerns. If constructed, the proposed OLF will be in the flight path of the huge waterfowl populations that inhabit the Poquoson Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Experts have stated that the resulting effect could be devastating to both pilot and bird not to mention the $80 million plus aircraft.

Photo 1: Kevin Beasley , son of local OLF opposition activist, Myra Beasley, and Kya and Sierra Hartkopf, daughters of NC CSE activists, Al and Kathy Hartkopf, from Orange County pose next to the entry sign to Tent City.

Photo 2: Near Tent City, local OLF opposition activists, Jennifer Aligood and Myra Beasley and son, Kevin pose with Orange County CSE activist, Kathy Hartkopf and daughters, Kya and Sierra

Photo 3: Kevin Beasley and Kya and Sierra Hartkopf rally around the Liberty Village sign at the tent city.

Photo 4: Tents at Liberty Village come in all shapes and sizes.

Photo 5: At Liberty Village, NO OLF rests atop the North Carolina flag.

Photo 6: A little tent repair after a snowy weekend at Liberty Village.

Photo 7: Local OLF opposition activists, Jennifer Aligood and Myra Beasley and son, Kevin, and Orange County CSE activist, Kathy Hartkopf and daughters, Kya and Sierra, rally around the CSE banner at Liberty Village.

Photo 8: Local OLF opposition activists, Jennifer Aligood and Myra Beasley and son, Kevin, and Orange County CSE activist, Kathy Hartkopf and daughters, Kya and Sierra, rally around the CSE banner at Liberty Village.

Photo 9: Local OLF opposition activists, Jennifer Aligood and Myra Beasley and son, Kevin, and Orange County CSE activist Al Hartkopf and daughters, Kya and Sierra, rally around the CSE banner at Liberty Village.

Photo 10: Residents show that they want to keep their home.

Photo 11: Kevin Beasley, Sierra Hartkopf, and Kya Hartkopf stand beside a NO OLF display.

Photo 12: Sierra Hartkopf, Kya Hartkopf, Kevin Beasley, and Samantha Stotesbury pose beside a NO OLF display made by Samantha’s family who will lose both their home and their business if the Navy continues with the proposed OLF.