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South Creek CDC urges board to let community group pursue reuse of South Swift Creek property
Summary
Representatives of the South Creek CDC told the board during public comment they want to be considered to acquire 17 acres at South Swift Creek that the county plans to bid; they said they are developing a business plan and fundraising to create community services and local food production.
Representatives of the South Creek Community Development Corporation urged the Nash County Board of Education to consider their organization as a potential buyer of 17 acres at South Swift Creek that the group said will be put up for bid.
Pastor Mac Battle, speaking for South Creek CDC, described the property as a potential community asset that could host programming for young people, seniors and day care services. He said the group is preparing a business plan and raising funds to keep the site active for the surrounding community.
Minister Robert Austin said the CDC previously partnered with another organization that withdrew; the CDC is revising its plans and recruiting professional help to complete legal and tax preparations needed for ownership. "We desire to be able to own that property and to keep this asset in the community," Austin said during public comments.
Another speaker representing the CDC described the area as a food desert, noting historically there were roughly seven grocery stores and now only two remain in the immediate area, neither of which reliably sell fresh produce. The CDC representative said the group plans modular "trailer" growing systems that they estimate could produce about three acres of produce and said a set of such trailers would cost about $125,000.
The speakers said they have discussed potential partnerships with OIC and Nash Community College but that partners would not commit to programming until the CDC had proof of site control. The CDC representatives requested the board "consider" them during the bid process and said they will return with a more developed plan if needed. Board members did not vote or respond substantively during the public-comment segment; the item was informational.
No board action on property disposition was taken during the meeting; staff later indicated the property will follow a bid process consistent with county practice.
