An apathetic public is not fully aware that the highly competent staff of the DOT's Historic Preservation Group has determined that "the proposed undertaking would adversely affect the Pinehurst Historic District by introducing a new element into the historic landscape and road system.

"The project requires the relocation of a part of Midland Road, new brick sidewalks, pedestrian lights and the destruction of numerous mature, stately trees."

Another group, the State Historic Preservation Office, concurs and has asked that "alternatives be explored."

Instead, the village has urged DOT to expedite the project. The roundabout will not improve traffic flow at N.C. 2 and Carolina Vista, but it will assuredly result in the denuding of this area of a great many fine mature tree specimens that will require 30 or 40 years to replicate.

Ironically, Pinehurst's own village traffic consultants proposed a roundabout, not where Pinehurst and DOT are building it, but at the intersection of N.C. 2 and N.C. 5, where it could actually facilitate significantly improved traffic flow.

Pinehurst, under the present mayor and council, has failed miserably to protect thoughtfully its historic quiet resort community heritage in the name of "progress and growth." That is a sad commentary.

Paul R. Dunn

Pinehurst