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Topsail Humane Society seeks county commitment on property
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TOPSAIL VOICE
By Ken Clarke
BURGAW – The Topsail Humane Society is busy investigating if the county owned land off Transfer Station Road is adequate for their new facility, but before going further, members would like a firm commitment from the county to sell or lease them the land.
Kathy Lewis appeared before the board on Monday asking the county commissioners to consider entering into a contract for the land.
According to Lewis, Topsail Humane Society has spent a great deal of money on updating the animal control facility on the west side of the county after recently taking over the responsibility of housing animals for the county.
She also noted they had spent a lot of money acquiring property off Hwy 210 for their new eastside facility, before withdrawing a rezoning request after neighbors complained about the location.
Spurring the group’s request were questions on whether or not the Transfer Station Road property would properly perk.
“We are uncomfortable putting more money into looking with no contract,” said Lewis. “We can not continue spending money on land that may or may not work for us.”
Noting the service being provided by the Topsail Humane Society, Commissioner George Brown asked Lewis if she could put a value on the service her group is giving to the county.
“Not at this time, but I can find out,” she said.
Attorney Ray Blackburn, who represents the Topsail Humane Society, said before the group went any further they would like a commitment from the county to sell or lease the property.
“Preferably sell, for a nominal fee,” said Blackburn, noting a lease was more short term and a sale more permanent.
Blackburn also noted because the Topsail Humane Society is a charitable group and according to their charter, should they cease to exist any land would have to be given to a similar use.
“They can’t sell the property, make a profit and move on,” he said.
Commissioner David Williams, who at the outset said he was not related to any member on the humane society board, suggested the group come up with several options to present the commissioners to consider.
“I think nine out of 10 people want you there,” he said. “The county will be and has been getting a service.”
Lewis agreed the location is good for a facility.
“We are limited where our facility can be,” she said. “This land is between the Transfer Station and a cemetery and won’t bother anyone.”
Commissioner Norwood Blanchard said he was aware the group would like to purchase the land but he would also like to see an option of leasing.
“Marriages fail, they breakup,” he said. “I would like to see an option that addresses if this marriage fails.”
Williams agreed that the group should come back before the board with several options.
Kathy Lewis appeared before the board on Monday asking the county commissioners to consider entering into a contract for the land.
According to Lewis, Topsail Humane Society has spent a great deal of money on updating the animal control facility on the west side of the county after recently taking over the responsibility of housing animals for the county.
She also noted they had spent a lot of money acquiring property off Hwy 210 for their new eastside facility, before withdrawing a rezoning request after neighbors complained about the location.
Spurring the group’s request were questions on whether or not the Transfer Station Road property would properly perk.
“We are uncomfortable putting more money into looking with no contract,” said Lewis. “We can not continue spending money on land that may or may not work for us.”
Noting the service being provided by the Topsail Humane Society, Commissioner George Brown asked Lewis if she could put a value on the service her group is giving to the county.
“Not at this time, but I can find out,” she said.
Attorney Ray Blackburn, who represents the Topsail Humane Society, said before the group went any further they would like a commitment from the county to sell or lease the property.
“Preferably sell, for a nominal fee,” said Blackburn, noting a lease was more short term and a sale more permanent.
Blackburn also noted because the Topsail Humane Society is a charitable group and according to their charter, should they cease to exist any land would have to be given to a similar use.
“They can’t sell the property, make a profit and move on,” he said.
Commissioner David Williams, who at the outset said he was not related to any member on the humane society board, suggested the group come up with several options to present the commissioners to consider.
“I think nine out of 10 people want you there,” he said. “The county will be and has been getting a service.”
Lewis agreed the location is good for a facility.
“We are limited where our facility can be,” she said. “This land is between the Transfer Station and a cemetery and won’t bother anyone.”
Commissioner Norwood Blanchard said he was aware the group would like to purchase the land but he would also like to see an option of leasing.
“Marriages fail, they breakup,” he said. “I would like to see an option that addresses if this marriage fails.”
Williams agreed that the group should come back before the board with several options.
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New to Hampstead wrote on Jan 9, 2009 9:57 PM: