I object strongly to the proposed Pinehurst roundabout. How can we, as citizens, simply sit back and ignore the concerns voiced by the state's Department of Transportation (DOT), Historic Architecture Group and Historic Preservation office advising that the roundabout "would adversely affect the Pinehurst Historic District"?

Officials of DOT have said traffic flows do not warrant action at present.

Who, then, is behind this project? Who will ultimately reap rewards? Certainly not citizens of Pinehurst.

Like most of us, we moved to Pinehurst to enjoy the quaintness of the village and its charming parks and beautiful trees. After living here for two years, I can attest I have never been behind more than two cars waiting to turn onto Carolina Vista or into the Resort except during the U.S. Open.

Hopefully, this occasion could occur once again when the U.S.G.A. approves another Open for Pinehurst.

Meantime, why are we going to destroy much of George Marshall Park and its beautiful century-old trees?

If the roundabout is not of personal concern to you, then the bigger issue should be how projects and issues of this scope get approved and pushed through the process without opportunity for public hearings and input by the residents.

This is just one of a number of issues, such as the Midland Green project and the debate over the parking garage, in which public hearings have been avoided and public input ignored.

Ours is a small community. Allowing the mayor and council members to ignore public opinion is truly unacceptable!

Let's all stand together and once again ensure that our opinions are heard and that the town officials are here to meet the needs of the citizens and not their personal agendas.

Gordon M. Smith

Pinehurst