During the public comment portion of yesterday’s regular meeting of the Henderson City Council, Henderson property owner Sam Peace offered objections to members regarding the Land Planning and Development Committee’s decision to reject the gift of Coleman Place Pond to the City.
Peace wished to donate the pond and surrounding land, eight acres in all, to be used as a park for City residents.
Central to Peace’s argument was the City’s support of the development of Southerland Pond and surrounding land, which covers 135 acres.
Peace argued that the development of Southerland Pond would cost a significantly greater amount of money.
The prospective land donor countered arguments that there would be boats on the pond that could not be controlled. He said that the City could control them if they owned the the land.
Peace noted that the catching of algae-controlling fish would have to be monitored.
The Henderson resident noted that there had been controversy in the past because City parks were located on the west side of Henderson. He told members that this park would be three blocks from an African-American neighborhood.
Resident John Wardlaw added that a representative from the state had informed him that the state would usually fund such enterprises 70/30% with cities.
Later in the meeting, Land Planning and Development Committee Chair Bobby Gupton explained that the decision to recommend that the pond not be accepted was “not taken lightly”.
Gupton explained that the committee had acted on behalf of adjacent property owners. The council member stated that he had spoken to all but one of the adjoined property owners and that none of them were in favor of the City taking the pond.
Gupton also informed the Council that the pond was covered in algae. He went on to explain that when heavy rainfall occurs, the algae goes into the overflow and thus into the County Club, which could lead to legal problems down the road.
Gupton then moved that the gift not be accepted.
Council member Mary Emma Evans asked if grants could be acquired to develop Coleman Place Pond.
Gupton responded that there was no indication that area homeowners wanted a park there.
Evans stated that she did not understand how the City could refuse and offer to sell a pond [Southerland Pond] and refuse an offer of a pond as a gift.
Gupton reminded Evans that the Council had voted to refuse the offer for Southerland Pond and had decided to pursue development with the Tar River Land Conservancy under the recommendation of Henderson Mayor Clem Seifert.
Council member Elissa Yount quoted Article 14 Section 5 of the North Carolina State Constitution which mandates the conservation of natural resources. She argued that the City was following the mandate of the State Constitution and preserving it for the future.
Council member Ranger Wilkerson advised Evans that he would “hate to own the deed on [Coleman Place Pond].
“They have an airstrip for mosquitos to come in on,” Wilkerson quipped.
The motion to reject the gift passed with none opposed.