YMCA, city may partner for park
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on September 20, 2017 5:50 AM
The Goldsboro Family YMCA board is offering city leaders a chance to partner in the development of a new public park.
Scott Barnard, Goldsboro's parks and recreation director, briefed the Goldsboro City Council Monday on the deal, which involves the possible development of 41.4 acres of YMCA property.
The property includes land where YMCA soccer fields are located, along Harding Drive, and additional unused land situated behind the soccer fields and near several residential neighborhoods that include Boyette Drive, Lisa Lane and Hill Drive Circle.
The council agreed to allow Barnard to hire a consultant to lead a public-planning process, at an estimated $10,000 cost.
The consultant, paid through Goldsboro Parks and Recreation planning funds, would gather feedback from residents and create two or more plans for development of a park, Barnard said.
"That sure would give us a nice piece of property," said Councilman Bill Broadaway.
Councilman David Ham is interested in knowing more about the partnership agreement, which would need to be developed between the city and the YMCA. Ham said park development and ongoing maintenance would likely be part of the agreement.
Councilman Mark Stevens asked if the YMCA would be willing to share the cost of hiring the consultant.
"They're offering you $1 million worth of land," Mayor Chuck Allen said. "I think we can spend $10,000 figuring out what to do with $1 million worth of land.
"Then if it doesn't work, it doesn't work, but I see, at this point, we ought to move forward."
Allen's comments led the council to agree to move forward with hiring a consultant.
The property, located between the YMCA and Harding Drive, is in the council's District 6, which lacks a public park.
Councilman Gene Aycock, who represents District 6, has often talked about the need to add a park in the district. Residents have also expressed their interest to the council and Aycock.
Scott Stevens, city manager, said the YMCA would continue to own the property while the city developed the property. Details of the partnership would be further developed during the planning process.
"We're way away from working out an agreement," Stevens said. "It will probably be six months before we know."
The council decision Monday was made during its work session, prior to the regular council meeting.
During the meeting, the council approved:
* N.C. Department of Environmental Quality grant applications, including about $1 million for a sewer rehabilitation project for Carolina Street, Cherry Hospital and the Big Ditch outfall, $2.5 million to rehabilitate and replace portions of the city water supply distribution system, and $150,000 to develop an asset management plan for the city sewer system.
* A $42,170 contract with Raftelis Financial Consultants to fully implement the city's new stormwater fee program, including non-residential areas by January 2018.
Stevens said the council has the option to delay the commercial fees, until March or July, if there are concerns raised by council that need further review.
* Annual Urgent Repair Program funding of $100,000 that will assist 14 very low and low-income home owners with home repairs designed to prevent displacement.
* A $51,200 contract with Vistabution for asbestos abatement at the former W.A. Foster Center.
* A $2,315 sale of 1314 and 1316 N. Carolina St. to Joseph and Darlene Stafford.
* A $2 million federal Flood Mitigation Assistance grant application to construct an earthen berm around the water treatment plant.
* Appointed Bob Waller to the Goldsboro/Wayne Transportation Authority Board, and Daina Taylor and Floyd Wingfield to the Recreation Advisory Commission.
The council decided to pull from its agenda an ordinance change proposal related to permits for parades and special events.
Councilman Antonio Williams asked why permits would need to be approved by the city manager, instead of the police chief. He also questioned why the change would require a 30-day notice, instead of 72 hours, for a parade or special event.
"We pass policies and there's going to be people who don't agree with them," Williams said.
"Only in the major cities, like Raleigh where they have so many events going on, they need about 30 days. But here in Goldsboro, I don't think its appropriate. I think it's taking away people's first amendment rights."