Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Those of you who have visited New Bern have almost surely visited Union Point Park. It’s in downtown New Bern at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers. There are public rest rooms, a public boat ramp, and a green space along the river.
In what is possibly the most tone deaf move by small town government, anywhere, the Board of Aldermen have approved an MOU to start the process of handing over one third of Union Point Park to the Kessler Group for a “boutique hotel.”
Yes, you read that correctly; they are going to convert a portion of a public park into a hotel. Bye bye waterfront access, bye bye public rest rooms, bye bye public boat ramp.
There is stunningly strong opposition to this move. Over 8,000 have signed a Change.org petition opposing this public land grab in just a few days. A Facebook group, again in opposition, is adding new members by the hundreds! A web page, once again in opposition to the hotel, is in development.
I’m not sure of the rules here on links but a quick search for “Save Union Point Park” on Facebook, or “Union Point Park” on Change.org will get you to the right space for more information.
And yes you remember correctly, photos and videos at Union Point Park were featured in both local and national reporting on the SEVERE FLOODING at the park during Hurricane Florence.
We welcome and appreciate your support, but if you do decide to post a reply or speak out, PLEASE do so in a polite and respectful manner. Threats have already been made, and near fisticuffs have broken out, leading to charges of assault.
I'm for the development of the hotel. What I've read is that only 1/3rd of the park would be used for development. I imagine the city could work to bring back bathrooms and other amenities on the other 2/3rd of the remaining park.
Just seems like this Eastern NC town could have used the jobs from a hotel and the potential of visitors spending their money in the downtown area and New Bern as a whole.
Good. Can we please be allowed to keep a little bit of green space in populated areas?
Greenville wants to rape its riverfront park (town common) the same way.
Kudos to those who organized and kept this from happening.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
