The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners provided an update Monday on the proposed recreation center set to be built on the golf course on Golfview Road.
The old golf course, used by town residents for green space and recreational purposes, has been a matter of contention. Some residents worry the new recreation center will disrupt the area.
Addressing public confusion and rumors circulating on social media, Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin said the project’s master plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners.
That original plan included enhancements to the entire 99-acre golf course, with features such as a senior facility, skate park, sports complex, amphitheater, trails and other elements, McLaughlin said. More than 72 acres would remain green space with three miles of trails, vegetation, protected wetlands along Rockfish Creek, an expanded pond and possibly a kayak launch.
Regarding recent changes, McLaughlin clarified that the board voted to relocate the sports complex to another location, replacing the planned senior center with a recreation center on a four-acre site. “With the removal of the sports complex, an additional 20 acres were added back to the master plan,” he said. “This increases the total green space to over 90 acres out of the 99-acre property.”
McLaughlin said the town is in discussions with adjacent developers to secure additional green space. “This current use of the golf course was always meant to be temporary,” he added.
Many residents walk on the golf course’s cart paths. But McLaughlin said the paths do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The goal is to redesign and redevelop more ADA-compliant trails, exceeding the current amount,” he said. “The remaining 95 acres will remain green space, but it will be enhanced green space.”
Update on town’s animal control ordinance
The board also addressed the town’s animal control ordinance.
During recent public hearings, citizens voiced concerns about the lack of an adequate animal control policy. McLaughlin said the board passed an ordinance in 2021 that made Cumberland County’s animal services code applicable within Hope Mills for more consistent regulation.
“Although the town has its own animal control officer, the full interpretation and regulatory control of the ordinance are conducted by Cumberland County at no cost to the town,” McLaughlin said. He added that any amendments to the code would require approval from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.
“Anyone with animal control concerns should direct those issues to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners,” McLaughlin said.
Budget amendments approved
The board unanimously approved two budget amendments. One amendment was for $1,900 from the drug forfeiture account to cover training costs. Police Chief Stephen Dollinger said the money was seized during drug arrests.
The board also approved $27,000 to purchase a new commercial washer and dryer for the fire station. Fire Chief Matt Cain explained that the current washer has an 18-pound capacity, while the new stacked set from Advantage East has a 50-pound capacity.
In response to Commissioner Scarola’s inquiry about comparison shopping, Cain said the department evaluated options before selecting the best choice.
Commissioner Bryan Marley, a former Hope Mills firefighter, said the existing washer was outdated during his tenure. Mayor Jessie Bellflowers supported the decision.
Recognitions and promotions
The board concluded the meeting by honoring officers, firefighters, and first responders for their heroic actions following a car accident at Hope Mills Lake on February 18. Those recognized were firefighters Hayden Androlowicz and Roman Ganados, police officers Tony Locklear and Marisol Kozain, engineer Matthew Ruffin, and the Fort Bragg Water and Rescue and Recovery Team, the Cotton Fire Department, Phillips Towing, and Cape Fear EMS.
Promotions and swearing-in ceremonies followed. Ashley Rohweder was promoted to lieutenant and Enrique Medina to sergeant. New officers Lewis Boore, Billy McCoy, Katherine Snyder, and Lexxus Cromwell were sworn in.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 7.