News

Village scraps park gate for now

By Bill Moss, Published: October 9, 2014

FLAT ROCK — It's as close as the Flat Rock Village Council gets to controversy. Call it gategate.

The Village Council voted last month to buy and install a $15,000 security gate at the Park at Flat Rock to prevent after hours use of the park. Councilman Albert Gooch voted no, saying other features ought to be a priority. On Thursday, Councilman Don Farr said he agreed with Gooch.
"Spending $20,000 on something that does nothing for the public is inappropriately timed," Farr said.
The council voted at its Sept. 11 meeting for a $15,000 gate automatic gate that would close at dusk and open at dawn.

"How long as that (Highland Lake) golf course been there and if it's been a problem they've done a good job concealing it from the public," Gooch said.

Council members said Thursday they're ready to reverse course, at least for now, and look at other priorities. The council has committed to adding a welcome center this year and has tentatively agreed to fund the next two projects — a pavilion and a playground — at a cost of up to $585,000.

Council members agreed to put the gate on the agenda for their next park planning committee.