BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the times
The Union County Board of Commissioners met on Feb. 19, before its regular February meeting, in its capacity as the Union County Board of Adjustment to consider an application for a special exception to allow the construction of a convention center/wedding venue on land zoned as agricultural.
The property, located on Northeast 216 Pl. in Raiford, is owned by Jeff and Dawn McCarthy, who purchased the land from Tessie Cason in July of last year. Originally known as the Cason Ranch, Tessie, and her husband, the late Jack Cason, lived there for several years and kept up a historic cabin on the 80-acre parcel.
The McCarthys applied for a special exception to allow them to build a convention center/wedding venue on the property. Their idea arose from the fact that their son would be getting married soon, and they wanted to build a new “barn” on the property to hold the wedding. They agreed that after their son’s wedding, they would also make the building available to other couples.
“We want to make the land self-supporting as well as providing couples a place to hold their wedding ceremonies,” Dawn said. “My husband and I are both strong proponents of marriage and want to assist others in entering that state.”
Dawn told commissioners that she was a professional wedding photographer and, therefore, had experience in the wedding industry.
“We also plan to offer the use of the barn to one couple each year to hold their 25th wedding anniversary in,” she said.
Dawn said she and her husband have fallen in love with the land, naming the ranch 3-Fours Ranch after her grandmother and the cabin “Cason Lodge.”
There was no negative public comment about allowing the project to be approved, with both Cason and Commissioner Channing Dobbs speaking in favor of approving the request.
“I have looked into this and have no concerns about the proposed project,” Dobbs said.
Cason was a little more emotional in expressing her approval.
“You all know how much Jack loved the land,” she said. “Since selling to the McCarthys, I have come to know that they love it in the same way he did. I am pleased about this and think their idea is wonderful.”
Donna Jackson made the motion to approve the special exception requested, and Willie Croft seconded the motion, with the board approving the request/resolution 5-0.
