Garry Daeke, Henderson City Council member and chairman of the Kerr Lake Regional Water System, was recently on WIZS’ Town Talk call-in show to discuss updates concerning the City of Henderson.

Breckenridge Pavilion

The proposed Breckenridge Pavilion, to be located near the Henderson Police Department in downtown Henderson, will serve as the last piece of the overall Breckenridge Commons project and as the corner piece of the block.

According to Daeke, the landscaping plan for the sited area is expected to be completed and submitted to the City for review within a week. Landscaping work will include, among other tasks, grading, debris removal and parking lot repair.

Groundbreaking is expected to begin on the pavilion this fall, with the City already making plans for future operating procedures. “The City Council has had discussions with the Embassy Foundation about overseeing the booking of events for the pavilion,” Daeke said. “They have been receptive to that.”

Kerr Lake Regional Water System

The Kerr Lake Regional Water System is currently in a two-phase expansion process aimed at increasing the system’s access to the lake’s water supply.

Daeke explained that the first phase of the plan is to increase supply by two million gallons of water. The second phase will bring even greater expansion with up to 20 million gallons of water.

“We can draw from the lake and would pay a fee to have access to the water,” said Daeke. “This is going to give us an increased supply for our partners in Henderson, Oxford and Warren County.”

While the City currently has funding earmarked for the first phase of the project, a new $15 million loan may help the second phase come to fruition.

The proposal to accept the $15 million loan will be discussed at Monday’s City Council meeting.

“We will be able to pull water from Kerr Lake, treat it and send out some of the best water in NC to our customers,” Daeke said.

City Redevelopment Plan

A redevelopment plan to include approximately a quarter of the City, from I-85/Hwy 39 into the downtown area has been in the discussion phase for some time.

“This is the main area for people coming off the interstate and driving into the downtown area and the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center,” said Daeke. “We are trying to do some incredible change in terms of bringing business and industry in, rebuilding houses and revitalizing neighborhoods.”

According to Daeke, the Council hopes to have the redevelopment plan finalized within a year.

“I think this type of planning is what we have to do to help make changes in our whole community – to make it healthier and to draw investment for economic development.”