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Hopes Mills to consider site for veterans rehabiltation center

Fayetteville Observer - 7/24/2018

July 24--HOPE MILLS -- After heated discussion and hearing from more than a dozen people, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to revisit the possibility of locating a veterans rehabilitation center near the site of a former lake.

The board took the action after hearing from representatives of the Lone Survivor Foundation. It had previously discussed the proposal in two closed sessions.

Terry Jung, executive director of Lone Survivor, said the organization wants to build a center for veterans near the former Hope Mills Lake No. 2.

Jung said Lone Survivor helps veterans and families dealing with the trauma of war. He said the goal is to prevent suicides and get veterans back in the work force.

"I am here representing the veterans of our country and their families," Jung said.

He said the property is "perfect" for the organization.

Jung said that on closed board sessions on economic development, Lone Survivor offered $35,000 for four acres. He said that was an opening offer, and that the property could revert to the town in the future.

But commissioners said they were concerned the former lake could be used as a reservoir in the future. They also said they wanted to get results of a parks and recreation master plan before selling any possible recreational property.

Town Attorney Dan Hartzog Jr. said no vote was taken in closed session.

Commissioner Pat Edwards said she continues to support the project.

"Three quarters of Hope Mills is military related," she said. "I don't know where we'd be without them."

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Mitchell said he supported Lone Survivor, but didn't think the location was right.

Commissioner Jessie Bellflowers said he didn't like how the project was approached.

"When this was first presented to the board in June, it seemed like everyone knew about it except this board," Bellflowers said.

Some people in the meeting questioned the involvement of Mayor Jackie Warner's son in the project. Teddy Warner is a member of the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation and presented the proposal in closed session.

The mayor, who strongly supports the project, and Robert Van Geons, president and chief executive officer of the corporation, said they saw no conflict.

"He was excited about a project in his home town and wanted to bring it to you," Van Geons said.

Although no public hearing was scheduled, the board allowed people to speak. The board room was filled with supporters, who loudly applauded support of the project.

Kyle Yarborough, who lives in Smithfield, said he was helped by Lone Survivor.

"Since I've left, I've seen a change in me, my family has seen a change in me and I've not considered suicide once," he said.

Although he had initially opposed having the center at the lake site, Bellflowers made the motion to reconsider.

The board will hold a public hearing on the matter Aug. 20.

"That would give us (time) to hear from the public on both sides," Commissioner Jerry Legge said.

Also Monday, the board continued discussion on food truck and sign ordinances.

Warner said it will probably be September before the ordinances are adopted. A public hearing will be held first.

The board also approved changing the zoning of the proposed nonprofit T. J. Robinson Life Center on Black Bridge Road from residential to rural residential.

Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at rmullen@fayobserver.com or 486-3561.

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