City and County Leaders Vote to Demolish Abagayles Books Property
In the respective Vance County Commissioners and Henderson City Council meetings Monday night, the boards each voted to demolish the former Abagayles Books property on Garnett Street and that the effort would be jointly funded 50/50.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington indicated the council “moved ahead with that to joint fund with the county 50/50.”
Vance Commissioners Chairman Tommy Hester said, “Yes, we did approve.”
Monday night’s Vance Commissioners agenda packet, of which the entire agenda is available online by clicking here, indicated the properties committee met and reviewed quotes received to demolish the building at 405 South Garnett Street. The committee recommended its demolition.
The agenda packet information reads as follows on page 16 of the document:
“The committee met and discussed recent quotes received by the City of Henderson for demolition of the jointly owned Abagayles Books Building on Garnett Street. Previously the city and county considered adding a roof to the structure at a cost of $24,000 although a recent structural evaluation by an engineer determined significant repairs would be necessary inside of the building. The City land planning committee has recommended and the city council will be considering demolition of the building at their January 8th meeting. Recent quotes obtained for the demolition have a low bid of $18,000 plus an additional $500 to increase the liability insurance to 2 million. The county would cover 50% of the demolition cost from existing budgeted funds, or not to exceed $9,250 subject to approval from the City of Henderson. The committee discussed the potential presence of asbestos and recommended including an additional $5,000 as a contingency to cover 50% of any asbestos cost. An asbestos report completed since the committee meeting indicates no presence of asbestos, although a contingency is still advised. All county costs associated with the demolition would come from existing budgeted funds for joint property demolition and maintenance. The committee recommended proceeding with the demolition but requested that the adjoining building owner be notified of any responsibility for the shared wall following demolition. Also, the owner of the adjoining vacant lot has given permission for use of the lot for access during demolition. Recommendation: Approve demolition of the Abagayles Books building and authorize use of existing budgeted funds for 50% of the demolition cost or not to exceed $9,250 plus $5,000 as a contingency for asbestos abatement subject to approval from the City of Henderson.”
Henderson City Council Meeting 1-8-18
Update: 9 p.m.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington told WIZS News that the resolutions covered below “both passed unanimously.” Furthermore, he said, “The Department of Transportation came up with another $100,000 on the project.” He said he received the call today.
These two resolutions considered at Monday night’s meeting protect the historical aspects of the old First National Bank Building downtown and clear the way for a Beckford Drive widening project.
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In the agenda packet for the Henderson City Council meeting for 1-8-18, among other items, is consideration of a resolution for a First National Bank Building preservation easement downtown and the consideration of a resolution to amend the budget for a Beckford Drive widening project.
Several potential buyers had expressed an interest in purchasing the old First National Bank Building, but the offers were low.
City Manager Frank Frazier said, “Our land planning committee met and asked the staff to draw up some covenants to protect the integrity of that building. We wanted to make sure whatever was done, particularly with the outside of the building, to make sure that’s kept in tact and so forth.”
The City would love to see it restored and in private hands but also wants some guidelines to protect the historical nature of the building.
A City Council Action Form, which is also part of the agenda packet, said, “The City-owned First National Bank building is one of the most important structures in the City’s historical downtown district, which was established in 1987. Staff recommends that the building’s unique character be protected through restrictions placed in any deed used to transfer ownership.”
As to the matter of widening Beckford Drive, the portion up for consideration is from the front of the City Operations Center down to the next intersection near the Universal Commerce Center and the Social Security Administration office.
Frazier said, “It’s to widen from two lanes to three lanes to get a turn lane in there plus a sidewalk if funds are available. We got the money years ago through Congress really with a re-authorization bill. We’ve been working for years getting rights of way…We’re getting close to being able to go out to bid on the project.”
Henderson Man Arrested 1-5-18 on Drug Charges
Henderson Police Department Press Release:
On January 5th, 2018 members of the Henderson Police Department Special Response Team and Vice-Narcotics Section conducted a search warrant at 424 Thomas Street, Henderson after receiving complaints of drug sales. During the execution of the search warrant fifteen (15) grams of cocaine was located and seized. James Glover Jr, 46, of 424 Thomas Street, Henderson was arrested and charged with Felony PWIMSD Schedule II, and Felony Maintaining a Dwelling. He received a $10,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on January 16, 2018 in Vance County.
Authority: Chief Barrow
Noting ACC Basketball Jan 8, 2018
— courtesy theacc.com
Release: https://theacc.co/accmbb1718release
Media Guide: https://theacc.co/mbb1718mediaguide
Scoreboard: https://www.theacc.com/scoreboard-mbb
ACColades
Following a break on Monday night, the ACC schedule resumes with a total of seven conference games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday … No. 3 Virginia plays host to Syracuse on Tuesday night, while Boston College travels to No. 20 North Carolina … four games set Wednesday with No. 7 Duke at Pitt, Louisville at No. 23 Florida State, No. 25 Notre Dame at Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech at Wake Forest … Thursday finds No. 19 Clemson at NC State … Sunday’s only conference action sees Miami remain unbeaten at home this season with an 80-74 win over visiting No. 24 Florida State … sophomore Bruce Brown Jr. leads the Hurricanes attack with a season-high 23 points, and classmate Dewan Huell adds 20 … NC State’s upset of No. 2 Duke in Raleigh highlights weekend action … it marks the first time in school history that the Wolfpack has defeated two opponents ranked No. 2 or higher in the same regular season (also then-No. 2 Arizona on Nov. 22) … No. 8 Virginia, No. 25 Clemson, Boston College, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech also win league games Saturday, while Georgia Tech picks up a non-conference win over visiting Yale …Virginia has held 12 opponents to under 43 percent shooting and all 15 opponents to under 50 percent … Clemson has won 10 straight games, and the Tigers’ 14-1 start is the program’s best since the 2008-09 team opened 16-0 … Notre Dame’s T.J. Gibbs named ACC Player of the Week while Miami’s Chris Lykes garners rookie honors.
By the Numbers
1 – Duke freshman Marvin Bagley III leads the ACC in scoring (22.5), rebounds (11.5) and double-doubles (12), and ranks second in field goal percentage (.641).
1 – Boston College’s Jerome Robinson has scored 24 or more points in each of his four ACC games and is averaging a league-best 26.5 points per game against conference foes.
2 – Over his last two games, Virginia’s Devon Hall is averaging 14.0 points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds … on the season, Hall has made 24-of-52 (.462) from 3-point range.
3 – In three conference games, Pitt freshman Parker Stewart is averaging 12.0 points and 3.7 rebounds and has made 9-of-16 (.563) from 3-point range.
14 – Wake Forest’s Mitchell Wilbekin has made at least one 3-point field goal in 14 straight games and has made 28 of his last 55 (.509) 3-point field goal attempts.
15 – Oshae Brissett has scored in double figures in 15 of Syracuse’s 16 games and ranks second among ACC freshmen in scoring (15.2) and rebounds (9.8).
20.6 – Over his last six games, North Carolina’s Joel Berry II is averaging 20.7 points and 4.7 rebounds … Berry currently ranks fifth in the ACC in both scoring (17.9) and free throw percentage (.883).
221 – Georgia Tech’s Ben Lammers leads all active ACC players and ranks 24th among ACC career blocked shot leaders with 221 rejections.
Body of Michael Bowes Found Near the Old Washout
The following press release from the Office of Vance County Sheriff Peter White:
On Sunday, January 7, 2018, the body of Mr. Michael Bowes, age 46 of 650 Gun Club Road, Lot 6, Henderson, NC, was located.
He was found deceased inside of his vehicle at approximately 1 p.m. on a private farm path on Washout Road in the eastern corner of Vance County by a resident that lived nearby.
Mr. Bowes was reported missing on December 21, 2017.
Two individuals have been charged with First Degree Murder in connection with Bowes’ death.
John Jefferson, age 23 of 1507 Parham Street, Henderson, NC, was charged on January 7, 2018 along with Tynetta Mayfield, age 17, of Henderson, NC.
They are both currently in the Vance County Jail without bond.
Their court date is February 26, 2018. Other charges may be pending in this case.