The University of North Carolina will lead a study to determine the best use for the old airport property on Highway 158, Halifax County commissioners were told at their meeting today.
Golden Leaf Community Assistance is funding the research, county Economic Development Director Cathy Scott told the board. The research will be done through the university’s Center for Competitive Economics, which is part of the Kenan Flagler School of Business.
The study will determine what the best use of the property will be, uses that will bring it the greatest return on investment, Scott said.
Jason Jolley, senior research director for the center, said data will be gathered through December with at least one public meeting being held on the matter. “Every potential use excluding aviation is on the table,” he told the board. “We need to hear back from the community and the commissioners. We will figure the economic impact of the potential uses.”
The community will be asked their preferences, Jolley said. “The potential for the site could be recreation, industrial or housing. We will ask the community what it is they would like to see.”
Board chair James Pierce said the county has already received a number of suggestions on how the property should be used.
Jolley said the center would study the economic advantages of different options. “We will give you all a sense of the potential uses. Our obligation is to do a feasibility study.”
In other matters today commissioners:
Recognized the Finance Department with a certificate for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
Recognized the retirements of Clifton Cobb from the Planning Department, Evelyn Whitaker as nutritionist with the Halifax County Human Resources Management Department and Bill McBlief as county attorney.
Heard a presentation by Quinton Qualls from the Lake Gaston Association asking the board to be fiscally responsible in its budget deliberations and consider full funding of the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council.
