PROPOSED POTTER FLATS DEVELOPMENT

While we are extremely pleased that the Parks Commission has reconsidered it's plan to turn the area of the Potter Flats into a golf course; the present proposal on the development of the Potter Flats is less than desirable. The plan calls for a construction of a bridge from the High Narrows directly into the Potter Flats. The highway at this point is an extremely narrow and twisting section of roadway. Not only would this destory the natural beauty it would be a dangerous addition. The fact is as traffic to the area would see a hugh increase the present road is not suitable to handle it. The projected cost of the bridge is $2.5 million dollars. This cost does not factor in any improvements to the existing road which would have to be done for the reasons previously mentioned. It is our belief that that the bridge would not only destory the beauty of the area, as the Breaks Gorge opens up into the Flats, but would also be extremely dangerous.

It is our desire to see a highway constructed from the area of Bluehead Branch to the Ell Flats. Not only would this open up the Ell Flats for future development, it would also preserve the ecology and beauty of the area. Another point of concern is the proposal of the construction of a Coal Mining village in the Potter Flats. While Pike County has a rich history of coal mining the fact is the Potter Flats was a farming community. The families that settled in this rugged area were all descendants of Richard Potter who is buried in the Breaks Interestate Park. As such we feel the development of the Potter Flats should be geared toward a Moutain Pioneer Village. The Pioneer Village could be a tribute to all of Appalachia's earliest settlers as well as those families that lived and died in the Flats. It would also ensure the ecology and natural beauty would be preserved for future generations to enjoy. There is also a rich past associated with the Potter Flats that has yet to be fully explored. Daniel Boone's first footsteps in the Kentucky occured in the Breaks area and the Potter Flats in 1767. It is also associated with the legendary lost siver mine of Jonathin Swift as well as boasting a rich Civil War history which has yet to be fully documented.

Proper developement of this area could include a Mining Town in the Ell Flats area. This area could also include a parking lot. This would keep traffic away from the dangerous section of road at the High Narrows.

For those of us that have close family ties to the Potter Flats the development is an important matter. To those that have the power to determine it's future it is merely what will be the cheapiest way to develop it. The happiest times of my life were spent at my Grandmother's cabin located at the top of the moutain in the Flats. This webpage started as a tribute to her and a way of life that has since disappeared. We as a family can make our voice heard or can sit at a future date and shake our heads at what has happened. I had a lady tell me at one point "They ought to just leave the Flats alone" the fact is the Potter Flats will be developed. It is not a question of when anymore it is a question of how. I would rather know that I have done what I can to ensure the developement is done in a manner that shows respect for those that lived in the area than keep my head buried in the sand and hope this goes away because it is not.

The Parks Commission has endorsed a plan in principle for a Coal mining/heritage village type setting in the Potter Flats that is more in tune with the rich history of the area. While it is true many of the families that lived there had strong ties to coal mining the fact remains that the Potter Flats itself was a farming community. The families that lived in this area all had a deep love for the hills they lived in. We embrace the idea of the Heritage Village and wish to applaude The Parks Commission for their forsight and their understanding of family concerns about the development of the Kentucky side of the park.

It is our belief that the proposed Pioneer Village will not only provide a much needed boom to the tourism in the area but will provide employment to area residents. We must also take time to thank the Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council, Inc. for their dedication to protecting / preserving the rich history, unique culture and natural beauty of the area. Tim Belcher and the entire Council has spent many long hours developing the idea of the Heritage Village theme and to all we extend our gratitude for their perseverance and dedication.