The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission (MCPRC) unanimously approved the Haymarket property as a nature preserve.
At the April 10th meeting of the MCPRC, Mr. Michael Kirschman, Division Director for Stewardship Services requested the the board approve the dedication of the 100 acre Haymarket property to be classified as a nature preserve. The property would be granted all of the protections, permitted passive recreation uses, and scientific management as a nature preserve and would be developed for public and educational passive use. Located on Mt. Island Lake, near the intersection of Nance Cove Road and Hwy. 16, the property sits directly across from the entrance to the Mt. Isle Harbor neighborhood.
This property includes over one mile of shoreline on the lake which serves as the drinking water supply for Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. It was purchased in December of 2000 by Mecklenburg County at a price of three million with one million coming from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF). The CWMTF adds strict easements for the property including a 300 ft shoreline buffer. Dating back to its creation the Mt. Island Lake Marine Commission (MILMC) had sited a history of illeagal uses including camping, fires and tree removal. In an initial biodiversity assessment dated April, 2002, Sudie Daves noted deer hunting and atv use on the property.
Prior to the MCPRC action, the Park and Recreation Northwest Advisory Council and the Stewardship Advisory Council had approved the recommendation. After MCPRC approval, the issue will move to the agenda for the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners.
(Fact: Residential Property values increase 18-20% when found in close proximity to parks and other publically held and managed open space.)
Scott McClure, Your Charlotte Agent has served of the Mt Island Lake Marine Commission for a period from 1995 - 2002. He has now served on the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission for three years.
