HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0537 (2)list for historical sites. Bryan said that if the grant fell through, the $45,000 would not
be lost due to the owner allowing the Alliance to purchase two lots. (Bryan had given
copies of maps to the commissioners, and he described the lots as being the area with
dotted lines.) Mr. Bryan said the fort had educational, economic and historical value.
Commissioner Robertson said he understood that N.C. House Speaker Morgan
had appropriated $25,000 for the site.
Bryan said this was correct, but the money had "strings" attached -- it couldn't
be used for archaeological purposes.
Robertson asked why the site was closed if it was number one on the state's list.
Fort Dobbs Site Manager Beth Carter said the primary reason was due to not
having any support groups. She said the facility had not been a priority in Raleigh, and
due to the state budget crises, it was closed. Carter said in June of 2003 she was
contacted on a voluntary basis while the state evaluated whether or not there was
community support. She said the Fort Dobbs Alliance was established in 2003, and the
membership roster had over 100 members. Carter said the members were not only "just
average folks but they were important people in the community."
Commissioner Robertson asked if a copy of the letter indicating Fort Dobbs was
number one on the historical development list could be shared.
Carter said yes.
Robertson said the residents in the community were concerned about increased
traffic. He asked what plans, if any, had been made to alleviate the concerns.
Carter said she had witnessed an increase in traffic during the last year, and part
of this was due to the Fort Dobbs Road being a cut -through for people traveling to -and -
from the area's shopping center. She said the site would have planned visitations, and
there were plenty of opportunities, such as shuttles, that could take visitors to the site
when there were special events. Carter said the community would still have traffic,
even if Fort Dobbs didn't exist.
Commissioner Johnson asked the current acreage of Fort Dobbs.
Carter said 31 acres.
Johnson asked how the additional land would help if the state didn't award the
$400,000 grant.
Carter said the Alliance was pursuing three avenues of revenue for the land, and
these were the North Carolina Heritage Fund, a Form OC -25, and a capital campaign
within the Fort Dobbs Alliance. She said the heritage fund could be substantial enough
to purchase the entire tract of land, and the OC -25 was for capital state funds that would
need influence from the county's legislators to gain approval. She said the two acres
that would be obtained with the $45,000 would provide a buffer. Carter said also the
actual attack that took place on the fort was located on the property the Alliance hoped
to purchase.
Gemstone District Boy Scout Leader Bill Hicks said that for the past 20 years
during each summer, a cub scout day camp had been held for boys (first grade through
the fifth grade). He said this past summer between 265-275 boys with approximately
75 adults were at Fort Dobbs for a week. Mr. Hicks said more space would aid in the
scout's archery and BB gun activities. He said many of the boys benefited from the
outdoor environment due to living in areas where there was not much green, open
space.
Commissioner Williams asked the location of the 16 acres.