Town Council Takes No Stand On Park ‘Gift’
Posted: March 5, 2013
NEW MARKET — After some deliberation, New Market Town Council decided against making a recommendation to the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors regarding the Zula Wagner property acquisition.
Mayor Doug Bradley proposed at council’s Feb. 19 meeting that he send a letter to the county once council members took a stance on the proposed acquisition, which carries a stipulation that the property be used as a park.
On Monday, Bradley said council members decided to keep silent.
“We are going to leave it up to the county [to decide],” he said.
In April, Wagner’s estate bequeathed 300 acres to Shenandoah County for use as a regional park. Supervisors had a deadline of one year to decide to accept the property, located northwest of New Market at 1399 N. Mountain Road.
The board, which tabled the issue in February, is set to make a decision at its March 12 meeting.
During last month’s meeting, some supervisors cited concerns that maintenance costs for the park may be too much of an expense. Others questioned whether the property’s proximity to the Rockingham County line made it appropriate as a Shenandoah County park.
Supervisor Dick Neese, who represents the New Market area, made it clear during council’s Feb. 19 meeting that his vote will be against accepting the land.
Council had been asked to make a recommendation one way or the other because of how close the property is to New Market, according to Bradley.
“When it comes down to it, we really wouldn’t have any influence [on the decision],” Bradley said Monday, adding council members’ opinions were split on the issue.
“It’s best for the county if we stay out of it,” said Councilman Eddie Litten.
Contact Kaitlin Mayhew at 574-6290 or kmayhew@dnronline.com
Mayor Doug Bradley proposed at council’s Feb. 19 meeting that he send a letter to the county once council members took a stance on the proposed acquisition, which carries a stipulation that the property be used as a park.
On Monday, Bradley said council members decided to keep silent.
“We are going to leave it up to the county [to decide],” he said.
In April, Wagner’s estate bequeathed 300 acres to Shenandoah County for use as a regional park. Supervisors had a deadline of one year to decide to accept the property, located northwest of New Market at 1399 N. Mountain Road.
The board, which tabled the issue in February, is set to make a decision at its March 12 meeting.
During last month’s meeting, some supervisors cited concerns that maintenance costs for the park may be too much of an expense. Others questioned whether the property’s proximity to the Rockingham County line made it appropriate as a Shenandoah County park.
Supervisor Dick Neese, who represents the New Market area, made it clear during council’s Feb. 19 meeting that his vote will be against accepting the land.
Council had been asked to make a recommendation one way or the other because of how close the property is to New Market, according to Bradley.
“When it comes down to it, we really wouldn’t have any influence [on the decision],” Bradley said Monday, adding council members’ opinions were split on the issue.
“It’s best for the county if we stay out of it,” said Councilman Eddie Litten.
Contact Kaitlin Mayhew at 574-6290 or kmayhew@dnronline.com