Tom Brown rides again: An open letter about the possible park to Mayor Staton

A letter from Flat Rock resident Tom Brown to Mayor Bob Staton (all boldface is mine):

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MAYOR

Good Morning Mayor:

As a resident of Flat Rock, I would like to share a few thoughts with you on the proposed park.

First, I do think it to be a good idea for the Village.

The park can bring additional "Quality of Life" to the Village residents and surrounding area.

I am concerned about the proposed tax to pay for it as it could be a negative to Flat Rock Businesses. I am also aware that Flat Rock property taxes will be impacted by the maintenance and upkeep thereof, which may affect property resale values and certainly the costs associated to all residents of Flat Rock. Furthermore, how it is developed, operated and maintained will positively or negatively affect property values.

The important factors, as I am sure you are aware of, are:

• How it is developed
• The cost to develop it
• The cost to maintain it

Upfront, one concern expressed at last night meeting, was, residents have not seen any proposed purchase price for the property, except that which is listed by the owner currently of $1.3 m.

Personally, I say, WOW!, what a heady figure.

I wish I could get three times what I paid for my house in Highland Golf Villas.

I know asking and getting are two different things though.

I hope the Village does not plan to spend this much to acquire this property.

My assessment of the property, and is its valuation on the current market is based upon certain factors that I have been told are facts.

It contains 65 acres, much of which is in flood plain, which has limited usability, and only 20 acres are useable as building sites for homes as it is currently zoned. I have been told by the village zoning representative, that the property is zoned R2 which is single family homes and a "special use permit" was granted to the golf course to operate it as such. I understand this "special use" may or may not transfer to a new owner reverting the property zoning back to R2. But in any case, the property will be single family houses or a golf course unless a hearing is held to rezone the property and approved by the council and taxpayers of Flat Rock.

Based upon these facts, the marketability of the property is greatly diminished to only a home development on only a portion of the acreage property or a Golf Course.

Another point is the valuation of the buildings on the property, valued at some $630k on the tax bill, would be of practically no value to a developer, other than the clubhouse, which might be used by an HOA. The office trailer upfront with the cart storage building and the equipment shed at the back of the property are of no real value.

Based upon this, the property value is no where near $1.3m in this market. I suggest a price be established around the $500,000 mark for the property. As for the buildings, of what value are they to a park?

As it relates to the amenities of the park, the survey taken last night should shed some light on the subject. My take on the meeting was for an open green space, walking trails, bike paths, and picnic shelters. There seems to be some mixed reviews on the other activities asked about like the playground, bocce ball court and shuffle board. But the survey might be more specific when tabulated by the committee. But definitely there was concern about the appearance and beauty of the area as a "Gateway" to Flat Rock keeping all of the trees and planting more tress and foliage to develop a Green Space atmosphere.

I think overwhelmingly, the concern was expressed not to develop ball fields, basketball courts or lighted nighttime areas for other nighttime activities. There is too much light pollution in the area now as it stands with Ingles, etc., which I personally feel violates your ordinances.

There seems to be a lot of concern about a natural green buffer zone being established around the property to protect the privacy and security of adjacent homes and a visible security presence throughout the daytime and nighttime for these homes and the park. Many expressed concerns about unauthorized use during the evening hours by teens and others, for other than lawful activities. Consideration needs to be given to provide visible security for the park and the adjacent homes near the park property and needs to be maintained within the park which needs to be secured at night (possibly by a gate) when closed. Patrols need to restrict such activities that have been taking place at other parks and currently even on this golf course.

Traffic was another issue raised, as Highland Lake Road is already a traffic issue, and there were issues raised concerning parking and ingress/egress of vehicles and the traversing of the park property by vehicles. Personally, I think vehicles should be limited to front parking areas only, to eliminate a conflict between pedestrian foot traffic and cars. It also stimulates the parks intent and aspect of healthy "walking" to the activity areas. Naturally, though there should be special access for handicapped/elderly people.

Lastly, I know many people were concerning about maintenance and upkeep. Henderson county parks have shown all residents how poorly maintained parks look and feel.

With a $60 million dollar surplus, you think Henderson county would take better care of its schools and parks rather than spending monies to buy additional land and buildings to become land barons.

With all this said, I think it will be a great undertaking and could be very beneficial to Flat Rock if done properly.

Best Regards,

T.L. Brown
Resident of Highland Golf Villas