There was another Bell Buoy public meeting held on March 4th and many area residents came to voice their concerns and aspirations about the park. Most of the comments were directed towards building a low maintenance facility with long term structures that would require minimal cost. Several non- residents voiced their support of the public park after they were alerted by the Fireants group that there would be individuals trying to kill the project. Exactly the opposite occurred. Everyone spoke in support of building a simple park, even those who had originally opposed the purchase.
Councilman Pete Anderson stated clearly that he was “…not against the park, although he had reservations about the expenses and uses of the facility.” He also said he was tired of his position being misrepresented by “outsiders” and read part of an e-mail that was circulated by the Fireants, a local activist group. Council-lady Susan Hornsby, was more direct and called out Councilman Archie Johnston and Tom Mason, a member of the Fireants, for trying to “divide the community” over the project. She also stated that, while she did not support of the original purchase or the irresponsible way the transaction was handled, she was in favor of completing the park. She received a round of applause for her comments and many after the meeting gave her encouragement to continue to hold the town accountable.
Jack McWhorter, a town resident and former Planning Commission member, issued a stern warning about the economic conditions and the long term effects additional cost will have on government resources. He strongly suggested that today’s “horrific economic conditions, where several local businesses have closed and lower tourism is expected, will result in lower tax collections.” “The town should curtail all non-essential/non-critical spending for the next 2 years. Stop spending on Bell Buoy and other projects or you will be pushing citizens into financial collapse. In the event of a revenue shortfall, the town will be telling folks you’re raising taxes and fees to cover cost. Survival of people’s abilities to remain a part of Edisto Beach and survival of Edisto Beach as a viable entity are likely at stake.”
Chair-lady Cheryl Van Metre thanked everyone for their comments and re-assured those attending that their concerns were heard and would be addressed. When asked for an accounting of money spent, the information was not available. However through a Freedom of Information Act request the total expenses for the park were obtained. As of March 11, 2009 the town has spent $4,128,943.41 on the project of which $3,997,800.38 was paid to Weldon Bell to purchase the property. The committee has spent $131,143.03, and still has a balance of $598,000 in the account. This money can be used for completion of the park and for applying for matching grants.
The only down side of the meeting was when former councilman Joe Bressnahan reminded the committee that the conservation grant ($2,000,000) that was used to purchase the property, was specifically given to promote Edisto’s shrimping heritage. The town could be in danger of losing that grant if the guidelines are not carefully followed. If that grant were to be withdrawn, it would have dire consequences for the community.
