The Beaty Street Property dominated the “Coffee Chat” at The Egg Monday morning. Commissioner David Sitton hosted the heated conversation regarding the board vote last week to make the nineteen-acre parcel 100% park.
- Sitton explained that the vote was based on the “original intent” of the property and identified that the Town has a “systemic problem with how we deal with parks.”
- A citizen questioned the legality of the vote, citing that the previous board had rezoned the land in 2015.
- A citizen noted that the Town of Davidson searched for park space in the 1970s and 1980s to replace the ball field that previously occupied the Sadler Square parcel.
- Several citizens questioned whether the commissioners had circumvented “the process” by voting last week without advance notice.
- A citizen questioned whether two commissioners had a “conflict of interest” whereas they live near the Beaty Property.
- Several citizens stated they wanted to see commercial use on the Beaty Property.
- Mayor Rusty Knox explained that there are varying opinions on what “park” means. He also stated that Commissioner Autumn Michael did not have a conflict of interest, whereas the railroad divides her property from the Beaty Property.
- Commissioner Matthew Fort stressed the importance of keeping the Town’s commitment to Mrs. Venie Clontz, who sold the land 30 years ago for a discount with the promise that it would be a park.
- Former Commissioner Laurie Venzon explained that the Beaty Property was rezoned in 2015. She also noted that the former board secured a $314,000 loan to purchase additional land for the “gateway” into town.
- A citizen noted that the public was not fully aware of the 2015 rezoning process.
- Commissioner Michael expressed great desire for the Town to heal.
- Commissioner Fort stated that a public comment period will be added to the 6:00 pm board meeting on March 27th at Town Hall.
Quotable Moments
- Commissioner Sitton on the Town’s promise to Mrs. Clontz
“We made a commitment 30 years ago.”
- Commissioner Fort on honoring commitment
“First of all, Autumn, welcome to politics...The perception always rules.”
- Former Commissioner Venzon on conflicts of interest and the difference between perception and reality
“In my opinion, the former board got it wrong.”
- Commissioner Fort on the former board’s Beaty process
“The 2015 rezoning was very quiet and discreet.”
- A citizen notes the lack of public awareness during the rezoning process
“I’m sorry, but you guys are upset that you can’t build houses.”
- A citizen addressed the developers present at the meeting
“The reason why we didn’t kick it down 30 days is because it’s disingenuous.”
- Commissioner Fort stands by the board vote for 100% park
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