Released: 08/07/2006
Statement By Sadie Dressekie,
Marketing Director, Arlie & Company
We were honored when the Friends of Buford Park recently contacted us and requested that we provide our business expertise and financial assistance to help them acquire and preserve the Wildish-owned property at Mount Pisgah.
The Friends of Buford Park made a compelling case about the attributes of this important parcel of land. And while we are real estate developers ourselves, we believe as they do, that some property should not be developed. This piece of property, which means so much to so many members of this community, is one of those pieces.
There is strong public sentiment that putting a development in that area would change not just the quality of the natural habitat and wildlife, but also severely impact the quality of recreation for thousands of members of the community. Protecting this property from development and extending Howard Buford Park would be a wonderful legacy, and we want to work with the Wildish family to ensure that this happens.
Our goal is that the land remain a public park in perpetuity, and that it be held and managed by a governmental or non-profit agency with the expertise to restore the natural habitats in the area and to ensure that it would be maintained for the enjoyment of our community for generations to come.
We feel strongly that we could not have found a more qualified partner in this endeavor than the Friends of Buford Park. They bring with them knowledge of the land, dedication to the cause and the spirit of the community.
We know the Wildish family is a long time supporter of many community organizations. We know they care deeply about our community, with their generous support for civic projects in the arts, youth recreation and education. We feel confident that the Friends of Buford Park and our organization can work cooperatively with them to preserve the 1,400-acre Wildish property at Mt. Pisgah for the benefit of the entire community.