** Breaking ** Motion against soccer complex carries

Statement made at this morning's agenda meeting by Flat Rock Mayor Bob Staton [text in boldface is my emphasis]:

The council had planned today to discuss the outcome of the meeting chaired by Jim Wert last week to discuss the proposed Highland Lake Park and soccer complex. Our purpose in establishing an ad hoc committee with representation from across the Flat Rock community was to see if there might be some middle ground between the positions of those who are opposed to the proposed project and those who support it.

We thought the committee approach would be more workable than the mob scene we had at two council meetings, and a smaller group would be a more civilized forum for the conduct of the business intended.

We asked each of the three most-affected homeowners associations to name a couple of representatives to the committee, which they did. We knew their position. We invited a few community representatives whose positions we knew to be in favor of the proposal. And we had other volunteers whose positions we did not know, but whom we know to have an interest in what is going on in the community and have much at stake.

That meeting was intended to be a gathering of Flat Rock residents who would discuss the pros and cons of the proposed park. It was not intended to be anything else. For its purpose, we did not need anyone else at the meeting. Yet the first thing I heard on Tuesday morning after the Monday meeting, from a member of the board of the soccer association, was criticism for not letting anyone know about the meeting. When I asked him what he meant by that comment, he said that neither Mike Edney nor Clement Riddle knew anything about the meeting. They were not invited! At a meeting the previous Monday, both of them were told that we were establishing the committee for the intended purpose, and that we had hoped to convene the committee for its initial meeting by the end of the week. At the time, the actual date of the initial meeting was unknown. It never occurred to me that, when the meeting was scheduled, I should report its date and time to anyone other than those expected or invited to attend. For a discourse among Flat Rock residents about something that would affect their lives, we felt no need to bring in anyone from the outside.

The committee wasn’t established until Thursday, names were still being added on Friday, and Jim scheduled the meeting for Monday morning, the earliest it could be held. Of the 20 or so committee members, 18 attended the meeting. Each was given an opportunity to speak and to present a position. I understand there were no surprises at the meeting – no breakthroughs – no changes in position. In other words, the result of the committee’s efforts was an impasse.

Since that impasse was reported by the media, I have been accused of poor communication, misrepresentation of the position of the soccer association or taking it out of context, failure to invite its representatives to the committee meeting to present its position, “waffling” on earlier support of the park, and letting Highland Golf Villas dictate the council’s position on the park.

The council had intended today to hear a report from Jim about the meeting, and to discuss its results and where we go from here. We would then take action on the matter at our December 8 council meeting, as we have represented to the public.
However, we have received from Jim a written report of the meeting, and we know what was discussed and the outcome. We also know that a decision on whether to endorse or reject the park/soccer complex concept rests with the council, and that decision needs to be made sooner rather than later.

Over the past few weeks, we have received a great many communications from the community about the park. Those communications include writings, e-mails, telephone calls, and face to face contact. At the time of our November agenda meeting when we had about 75 people in attendance, most there to speak their opposition to the proposed park, I had heard more positive comments about the project than negative. I made a statement to that effect at the time. Since that time, however, this council and I have heard very little in support of the project. Yes, we have heard much from the residents of the neighborhood on whom the park would have the greatest impact. We have also heard from others all over Flat Rock who do not live near the golf course but are very much opposed to the imposition of a park and soccer complex on their community. More than 90% of the communications we have received from Flat Rock residents have been in opposition to this proposed park.

I have polled the council. I know their position with respect to the decision to be made, and we have a consensus. I see no reason to prolong the matter any further. The community has been in turmoil for more than a month. Emotions are running high. For some, it has been gut-wrenching. We need to bring the matter to a close so that people can go on with their lives.

To that end, I will ask the council, “Does anyone at this table think that something could be introduced to this dialogue in the next ten days – that is, before the December 8 council meeting – that would change his mind on the disposition of the proposed Highland Lake Park and soccer complex issue? If the answer is no, then let’s move on.

I will entertain a motion to the effect that:

The Flat Rock Village Council resolves that it will not support a public park and soccer complex on the Highland Lake golf course property, as proposed by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and the Henderson County Soccer Association; that such proposed park is not in harmony with the quiet residential neighborhood where it would be located, or with the historic Flat Rock community; and that a great majority of Flat Rock residents who have voiced their opinions on the matter are opposed to such park; and further, the council authorizes and directs the Mayor to communicate to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners this resolution of opposition to the proposed park and soccer complex.

Motion made and seconded. Further discussion? Vote.
(The vote for the motion was unanimous – motion carried.)

NOTE:
This is not about “letting the kids have a place to play.” It is not that simple. Another, more appropriate place to play will be found. To us, this is about preserving a neighborhood.

The council did not let Highland Golf Villas dictate this decision, as was suggested. The council did listen to the residents of Highland Golf Villas, and Statonwoods, and Highland Lake Village, and Kenmure, Claremont, Kingwood, Stonebridge, Teneriffe, Flat Rock Lakes, Flat Rock Forest, and other areas of the village. We took note of their concerns, and we acted on their behalf and, in our judgment, in their best interests.

The Highland Lake neighbors may take comfort in knowing they were not in this fight alone. They took the laboring oar, but they had the support of their fellow citizens throughout the Village of Flat Rock. Of that we should all be proud.