I am a friend of Clark Leming ["With reasonable negotiations, a Crow's Nest deal can be reached," Feb. 12] and, in the past, have worked with him on issues related to development in Stafford County.

I wish I could say I agree with him on the issue of whether or not Crow's Nest should fall under the bulldozers of a developer who is not a resident of Stafford and has only greed in his corner. But I can't.

If the residents of Stafford fail to protect their birthrights, no one else will. There will always be outside interests wanting to make a quick buck and ready to roll over every pristine piece of land left.

Crow's Nest is the last area of its kind in our region. It's been recognized as a jewel by the local, state, and even federal governments.

The proposal of cluster development being proposed by Clark Leming on behalf of his client is simply another way to say "development."

Those of us who want to preserve this area for the future of our state are not in it for the money. In fact, it's costing us money to make our case.

We have nothing to gain but the welfare of all. All except one greedy landowner, that is. The landowner in question has been offered a fair price; in fact, as I understand it, above market value.

For him to hold out for development--cluster or otherwise--is really a way of blackmailing residents and local and state officials into bidding up the price.

My friend Clark, like the old saying goes, is laughing all the way to the bank on this one.

L.B. Gschwandtner

Fredericksburg