Save Davidson to host S.H.I.N.E. event August 3rd

DAVIDSON, NC – “Save Davidson,” a citizen group fighting the development of the Beaty Street Property is hosting an event from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, at D9 Brewing Company, 11138 Treynorth Drive, Cornelius. The event is open to the public.

S.H.I.N.E. (Sharing Helpful Information Now with Everyone) will include an update from “Save Davidson,” including next steps to save the Beaty Street Property. The Davidson Board of Commissioners voted on July 11 to enter contract negotiations with a private developer despite large public outcry against the development. More than 250 people participated in a protest before the meeting and 30 people spoke against the development during the public comment period.

“The S.H.I.N.E. event is a response to the tremendous citizen interest in how business is conducted in Davidson,” says Denise Beall, one of the organizers of “Save Davidson.” “The proposed development of the Beaty Street Park Property has really struck a nerve across Davidson. We hope to continue to inform, educate and involve citizens and this event is designed to do that.”

Along those lines, “Save Davidson” encourages all citizens to remain engaged considering that the contract negotiation is the first step in a long process and at each stage there is an opportunity to cancel the project. “The August 8 board meeting is another important one for citizens to attend,” says Beall.

In addition to a brief update at the S.H.I.N.E. event, “Save Davidson” will share how they plan to be involved in the upcoming elections. They also will provide an opportunity for participants to share ideas and learn how to become involved.

“We want people to have the chance to learn more and also have some fun,” added Beall. “Citizen input is critical and this is a chance for people to meet their neighbors and continue to build community.”

“Save Davidson” started as a Facebook page (now with 1,450+ members) and has coalesced into a group of citizens who is working to shine light on what they view as a disregard of a contract, betrayal of public trust, flawed process, lack of transparency, failure to include and acknowledge citizen input on publicly owned land along with increased traffic, loss of tree canopy and open space, and adverse effects to water and air quality.

“Save Davidson” is holding “What’s Next” sessions (watch the Save Davidson Facebook page for announcements on dates/times.) The group is planning a Nature Walk on the Beaty Street Park Property at 9:30 a.m. on August 19. Diane Podolsky, a naturalist and artist, will lead the walk. For those interested in sketching, bring a sketchbook and pencils.

Find more information at www.savedavidson.org. Follow Save Davidson on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Stay tuned for locations of the magnet mobile around town where you can make a donation for Save Davidson magnets, t-shirts and yard signs. Receive updates via e-mail; write savedavidson@gmail.com to add your name to the list.