After Monday’s meeting, Whitfield issued the following statement: “The McDowell County decision to table the recommended changes to the LJPO disappointed, but did not surprise me. They want to study the fine print. I urge McDowell County to call their counterparts in Burke County and ask questions, as the proposed stronger protection ordinances have been in effect and working in Burke County since 2003/4. I urge the Planning Board to pass the changes at their next meeting and forward their recommendation to the McDowell County Commissioners for their November meeting. If you question the need for going forward ASAP with the new ordinances, take a drive around Lake James. New developments have popped up in 2016. (see Waters Edge off 126, another tract off 126, The Peninsula at Lake James, the intersection of Benfield’s Landing and Powerhouse Road). Every open piece of land is under pressure to be developed. Development is not inherently bad, but it needs to be done in a way that protects our water for enjoyment and drinking. Even better, let’s find ways to keep some lake land for public use (state park, public landings, county parks). We all own the waters of the lake; clean water is a public right and resource for all to enjoy.”