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Updated: 11:21 AM Aug 31, 2007
Public Hearing Held on Joint Dispatch Center
Commissioners heard from the public on several issues but the joint dispatch center and possible infringements on Tom Brown Park are getting the most attention. Posted: 10:18 PM Aug 30, 2007Reporter: Seshmi Robertson Email Address: seshmi.robertson@wctv6.com |
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It's a frequent run for this group of Lincoln High School students. They spend hours each day down pounding the trails at Tom Brown Park.
"We're out here literally every day, and everyday that we're out here we see at least two or three people pass us by on bikes and walking," says runner Cody Vincent.
It’s a favorite spot for many who enjoy the outdoors, but now the subject of debate. It's the proposed land site for a joint dispatch and Red Cross Emergency Operations Center.
"Initially it was the fact that to find out that this 42 acres was not part of Tom Brown Park, and secondly what would happen to all the trails and everything out there," says James Mann with Capital City Cyclists.
Bicyclists say many of those initial concerns have now been eased as proposals to move building plans from recreational open space have been moved to government operational land. A move the Red Cross says is essential in moving forward with plans to build a new center.
"We can have a great public recreations facility for mountain bikers to trek through the woods, at the same we can have that very important public safety complex that we so desperately need here in North Florida," says Chris Floyd with the Red Cross.
And many cyclists say that compromise and preserving the use of Tom Brown Park indefinitely is key.
"I think everybody's always worried about the future and that's why working together and sitting down and communicating with our County Commissioner leaders with our City Commissioners, that's where we can come to consensus and work together," says bicyclist John Webb.
"I think that they would hate to lose those trails out there and I think they also understand the importance of these two centers," says Mann.
Commissioners will be hearing proposals at upcoming workshops and believe they'll be able to make this one a win-win situation for all.

















