The vacant .78 acre plot is located on the corner of Bridges Street and Lackey Street in Hamlet, which borders a set of CSX railroad tracks.
“Basically it means that we’ll have efficient parking for people and make it easier for everyone involved,” said Mitch Bowman, Hamlet Parks and Recreation director.
The property was requested to facilitate an increase in traffic since the restoration of the Hamlet Historic Depot, the Tornado Building’s opening, upgrades to the Jack Breeden Park and next year, the city plans to expand the depot.
Since Jack Breeden was completed and fitted with lights, families and spectators who have parked around the field and, according to Bowman, will see anywhere between 200 and 300 people nightly, depending on how many games are being played.
In the letter, Hamlet Mayor Jeff Smart said the property will, “benefit not only the citizens of Hamlet, but county residents and visitors that frequent the museums and parks in our town.”
The city requested the land parcel on Dec. 7, prior to the commissioners meeting.
In the letter, Smart made his formal request for the land after Hamlet City Manager Marchell Adams-David and County Manager Rick Sago corresponded via phone and e-mail about the property in question.
Sago stated that the county had no plans to utilize the property.
“The county is giving the land to Hamlet at no cost,” Smart said. “The land is located right beside our Jack Breeden Park where we play soccer and flag football. The field is in great shape but our parking is limited. Therefore, we will clear this land and make a parking lot so parking will be adequate. This idea came from one of our citizens.”
“When he mentioned it, we began the research to locate the owner. It just so happened to be owned by the county. We asked the county for the land, and they graciously gave it to us. We hope to begin the process in the next month. Fortunately, we may be able to use some local grant money to complete this project. Our goal is to have it ready by next fall for the soccer season. We hope to build a new concession stand and ticket office at this facility as well. Bowman also stated that the new concession stand and ticket office will be a huge help in keeping organized.
Currently, parks and recreation sells food and drinks out of coolers and off the back of trucks.
“This finally gives us a place for storage,” Bowman said. Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.
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