In two separate resolutions, the Henderson City Council passed resolutions to sell the old H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library on Rose Avenue and the Henderson-Vance Armory.
In the first resolution, the Council expressed that it has no interest in retaining the old library.
The Council further requested that a “more up to date appraisal” of the property be obtained and that the property be offered for sale to Vance County based on the new appraisal.
It has been generally speculated that the County desires the property for needed office space.
The City also requested that the property be sold “within a reasonable amount of time” after the offer to sell Vance County the City’s share of the property.
This resolution was passed unanimously.
The second resolution stated that “it appears that Vance County is not interested in continued ownership of the North Carolina National Guard Armory and has expressed that desire on several occasions”. It goes on to state that the City is interested in putting the property on the real estate market for sale.
The resolution does, however, state that the City continues to have “a strong desire to for the building to be saved due to its historical and sentimental value to the community”.
The resolution passed with Council member Garry Daeke casting the sole dissenting vote. Daeke has been a champion of Armory preservation.
City Council member Lynn Harper said “It’s a shame we have to do it” before the vote was taken.
The Council had considered donating its half of the Armory to the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina, Vance County Unit. However, an email sent by Elaine Chavis-Young, that organization’s president, to Council member Mary Emma Evans, equivocated acceptance of the Armory if it were offered. This turn of events stymied a negotiation between the City and the County which was already proceeding poorly.
A third resolution to cooperate with the Tar River Land Conservancy in the preservation of the Sandy Creek basin was also passed unanimously.