Lincoln Voice is seeking to raise $150,000 to appeal in Environmental Court after Selwyn city councilors voted to repurpose 190 acres of rural land to facilitate the subdivision of 1,700 units of the Carter Group.
The June 8 decision followed two rounds of public consultation and independent commissioner David Caldwell who recommended that the district council approve the necessary plan change.
Residents argue that the municipality was not equipped to handle an expansion of that magnitude.
Lincoln Voice, which was founded on July 1, has until August 4 to appeal.
Lincoln Voice member Denise Carrick created the Givealittle page last Wednesday, which reads, “Help us protect Lincoln’s soil and save our future,” and took on the challenge of running it on the district council.
“I’m sure some will think it’s an impossible battle, but we really want to stand up for the future of our soil, our ability to grow food and our neighborhood to make sure it grows in a logical, healthy and sustainable way. being developed,” she said.
“The amount of money we are trying to raise may seem huge, but once you start looking at the costs of specialist lawyers and expert witnesses, the amounts add up quickly, and we are warned that these cases can be deliberately dragged into our resources and wear us out.”
It was estimated that $7,000 would be needed to prepare and file the appeal, while the $150,000 amount should cover legal fees. Any excess funds would be applied to future projects.
Thursday was $4040 contributed by 43 donors.