Freedom Park officially will open July 4. (Photo/Dean Dyer)
CLEVELAND - The drama between the White County Board of Commissioners and City of Cleveland over a one-way street and funding issue surrounding Freedom Park in downtown Cleveland could have finally reached a dead end. <br />
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During an update on the park project at Monday's White County Commission meeting, Commission Chairman Travis Turner said he had received a funding check back from the City of Cleveland. <br />
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The city earlier had contributed $144,744 to assist with the county project since it is located in downtown Cleveland, but county leaders returned the money following their dissatisfaction with the city's handling of the one-way street issue next to the park. <br />
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Last week during a called meeting, the city agreed to make a section of Quillian Street, beside the park, one-way on a trial basis and to return back the money that the county had refunded. <br />
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During Monday's commission meeting, Turner said the check had been hand delivered to him by city staff. Commissioners then voted unanimously to accept the un-cashed check. <br />
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In voting to accept the money, the commissioners had an interesting plea for the media: "This saga has now been, we hope, put behind us," Turner said.<br />
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"We're expecting the press to put this to bed," Commissioner Edwin Nix added. <br />
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Commissioner Terry Goodger, who has been spearheading the Freedom Park project, announced during the meeting that they are finalizing grand opening activities at the new park beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, July 4.
