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Commissioners approve Bethel dorm project

Posted 7/17/08

Courtney Henderson
Outlook Staff Writer 

Leon County Commissioners voted six-to-one to allow Bethel Missionary Baptist Church to move forward with their project to build a faith-based dorm.
      
The project consists of renovating the old round Holiday Inn on Tennessee Street.
      
“You know the history of Bethel,” said the Rev. R. B. Holmes Jr, pastor of Bethel. “We have a track record of making things happen. This project is ready to go to the market place,” he told county commissioners and a packed commissioner chamber July 8.
    
County Commissioner Chairwoman Jane Sauls noted there were about 35 people who filled out a card to speak and have their voices heard on the issue.

Commissioner Bob Rackleff questioned where the millions of dollars of revenue will be going earned from the project.
      
Lisa Cleveland, who came to the podium to speak shortly after Rackleff, said, “We shouldn’t forget that part of the purpose of the project is to enhance the area. I want to thank commissioner Rackleff for pointing out how much money will be going back into the Frenchtown community.”

Dr. Henry Lewis III, who has served on the Educational Facility Authority more than decade, said as an EFA member, “We make sure every project has a viable contribution to the community. We make sure they have the ability and capacity to carry forth the project.
      
“I want to assure you as a former county commissioner, diligence has been taken in preparation for this project,” Lewis said. “I feel comfortable saying this is a good and viable project for this community.”
      
Holmes, as well as many of the people who spoke in favor of the project, discussed how the dorm will help the Frenchtown community.
 
Attorney Caroline Davis-Cumming, a member of Bethel and homeowner in Frenchtown, also spoke of the revitalization in her neighborhood thanks to Bethel.
    
Bringing up the positive track record of previous projects by Bethel did not dissolve Rackleff’s concerns, as well as another man who spoke against the project, Erwin Jackson.

Jackson said he feels what Holmes is trying to do is good, but with his 31 years of experience in the real estate business, he thinks the Bethel dorm project will fail. Some of the reasons he listed were separation of church and state, and that the county could possibly lose money if Create Inc., the Bethel subsidiary and contractor, defaults on the bond.
      
“Down the line if (Create Inc.), runs into financial problems, the money will not come in for the county,” Rackleff said was one of his main concerns.
      
If this happened, Create Inc. would no longer be paying property taxes and that would take money from state resources.
      
In spite of Rackleff’s concerns, Commissioner John E. Dailey made a motion to accept the project.
     
Commissioner Cliff Thaell said, “Bethel has made a commitment to turning the Frenchtown community around. What will happen to that old round building if someone doesn’t come in and renovate it? Trouble, because trouble moves into abandonment. Tonight, I have heard a commitment to turn this around. I am proud to support this project and add my second.”
  
After commissioners Ed DuPuy and Bryan Desloge also gave their vote in favor of the project, Sauls said, “Anything Rev. Holmes puts his hands to will be a success and I don’t think this will be anything less.

“I do support you and the endeavors of the church,” Sauls told Holmes.
      
County Commissioner Bill Proctor said even though the project has been passed, he feels it is an “injustice” the church had to seek money for the project from a bank in Canada.
     
 “It’s unfortunate the people of color have to go through so many changes to get something approved,” Holmes said. “Especially when you have such an impressive track record. You just can never give up.” 

Courtney Henderson may be contacted at  chenderson@capitaloutlook.com

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