The article in last Friday’s Bulletin regarding the Tryon International Equestrian Center’s request for a zoning change was interesting and alarming at the same time.

It seems that every request made by TIEC management for zoning changes have gone through a review and approval process as if nothing will be rejected — a rubber stamp, if you will. The request for a zoning change on the approximately 40-acre parcel should cause Polk County commissioners to take a step back and consider exactly what they are approving.

Does Polk County really need a huge, multi-story hotel blighting the landscape? What exactly is in scope for a property with the approval for “unlimited hotel rooms?”

For those who have seen it, the first thing that comes to my mind is the monstrosity, Sugar Top Resort, perched atop Sugar Mountain, North Carolina, which obstructs the skyline for miles.

Polk County has agreed to numerous zoning change requests from TIEC, and the impact on the Pea Ridge area has begun to be seen, both in development and property tax increases.

Do we really need a multi-story, unlimited capacity hotel complex dominating that part of the county?

Commissioners’ actions today will have far reaching, future implications for our quality of life.

Please do your due diligence and take a long, hard look at what you are approving. Our future and our rural way of life depends on it, and you will be judged by your actions.

Terry Schager, Landrum