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Public commenter pitches 'Jubilee Park' for downtown; EDC refers parking question to city council
Summary
A public commenter proposed creating "Jubilee Park" on a central vacant lot and requested roughly $50,000 in grant funding and letters of local support; board members praised the idea but raised parking and cost concerns and voted to refer the matter to the city council for review.
A public commenter presented plans for a small downtown green space called "Jubilee Park" and asked the board to endorse her efforts so she can pursue about $50,000 in grant funding and private donations to build a pedestrian-focused pocket park.
The presenter told the Winnsboro WDC/EDC that the site could link Main Street to Walnut Street, draw foot traffic to local businesses and host low-cost amenities such as seating, vertical landscaping and small performance space. "I'm asking the WDC to vote tonight to support my efforts as I seek approximately 50,000 in grants in order to create a destination," the commenter said during public comment.
Board members praised the concept as a way to add green space and support downtown activity but questioned whether the chosen site is the right location and whether the project would remove needed parking. One member warned the lot currently serves nearby businesses during peak hours and estimated that "about 28 spaces" could be lost; another recalled a past parking-lot construction estimate of roughly $275,000 for about 29 spaces.
Members also discussed logistics for grant eligibility and maintenance. The presenter said many grant applications are due next year, that one application was due at year-end, and that she planned a phased approach with an overall timeline of one to two years: "I will be seeking a 100% of the cost via grants and donations," she said, and asked the council and chamber to provide letters and, potentially, equipment or limited services such as grading and utilities access. She described expected recurring irrigation costs in peak months and estimated a modest monthly lighting cost.
Board members and staff clarified roles and next steps: several said the parcel in question is city property and a formal land- or park-related decision would be for the city council to make. The EDC said it could offer a nonfinancial endorsement but not unilaterally approve city land use. One board member summarized the group's role and urged that the EDC "step out of this" and let the council review the proposal.
After discussion, a member moved — and another seconded — to refer the Jubilee Park/parking matter to the city council for review. The motion passed by voice vote. The board also approved the consent agenda earlier in the meeting. The session concluded at 6:04 p.m.
The next procedural step is the city council review; the presenter said she would also present to the local chamber and pursue grant applications pending letters of support.
