BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Charles Schaefer Veterans Memorial Park will be moved from Call Street to Edwards Road, where it will be expanded.
The idea has been under discussion among commissioners and veterans. The move from a site further restricted by the overpass structure to a site where will be allowed to grow was finally made April 18, but the decision was not unanimous.
According to the resolution, the bypass has altered the traffic pattern around the park and disrupts the ability of those visiting the park to view and reflect upon the memorial, which was placed there to honor the memory of those who have sacrificed themselves to military service.
“The park is no longer located in a place befitting the honor of those who served their country,” the resolution states.
The new parcel identified in the resolution is located at 929 Edwards Road, across the street from the Edwards Road Municipal Complex.
Commissioner Danny Nugent has opposed the move and wanted to know what the rush was when the city was supposed to be researching the ownership status of the parcel, and the American Legion veterans had voted against moving the memorial. If the road is a danger to the veterans park, why isn’t it a danger to the rest of the city’s property there, he asked. He said it doesn’t make sense.
“I feel, personally, it was put there for the soldiers who helped build this community, and, to me, to move it when they don’t, the one’s who actually serve and protect us and defended our country do not want to move,” he said. “Why would you want a veterans memorial park there if you’re going to move the veterans memorial park behind a ballfield and five miles away? It doesn’t make sense, in my opinion.”
Commissioner Andy Redding, who has supported the move, said Nugent spoke out of turn when he said Redding was responsible for drafting the reason behind the move, which was written by the city attorney. Nugent attempted to interrupt, but Mayor Scott Roberts insisted Redding be allowed to speak.
“And this is why we’re where we’re at because of this incoherent rambling,” Redding said.
“We had a very positive meeting yesterday with the Legion, and the pluses outweigh the minuses,” he said. The location is unsafe, and the parking has been further restricted, he explained.
“Unless something has changed in the last 24 hours, we’re on the same page,” he said.
The new location will provide a safer and peaceful location for the veterans, according to the commissioner.
“And your concept of distance is terrible, because it’s only about a half-mile further away,” Redding said.
The location at Edwards Road will place the park in proximity to young people who will learn about conflict and sacrifice, he added.
“That’s what we’re trying to honor here, but you want to keep people in a hole, in an unsafe environment,” he said, adding that the memorial will also be expanded and brought up to date. No one lost since Vietnam is represented.
Commissioner Shannon Smith only questioned the amount of money being set aside — $10,000. He suggested investing $100,000 or more to cover expansion and lighting, saying there were remaining ARPA funds cover the costs.
It was explained $10,000 was only expected to cover the actual relocation, not any improvements. Roberts said the idea is to make it bigger, better and more accessible.
Legion members present at the commission meeting chose not to comment pending further investigation.
The resolution passed 4-1 with Nugent dissenting.
Before the meeting ended, Redding told Nugent that he loved him even though they disagree. Nugent said differences are allowed. It’s a part of life.
The city manager has been directed to complete the relocation by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, when the memorial will be rededicated.
