Updates from The Egg Monday, March 19th

BY MELISSA ATHERTON

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

“Land donated as a park should be used as a park.” 
- 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