Board hears options for relocating Liberty Plaza; residents ask why relocation is needed

Staff updated the board on council direction to explore relocating Liberty Plaza from its current site and presented three possible new locations: the historical park, property near the old school district/Kenan Cemetery, and a site adjacent to the Branch Connection/Thomas Branch Park. Staff said councilwoman Tina Biverton asked staff to bring options and that roughly $100,000 has been allocated for initial design work.

Board members and residents pressed for a clearer rationale for a move. Several asked why the city was pursuing relocation, whether the current site would be repurposed and what metrics supported moving a memorial plaza. One board member said the board often received projects after decisions had been internally made and requested that staff bring council verbiage and meeting recordings so the board could see the original direction and reasoning.

Staff acknowledged those concerns, said more information would be obtained from council meeting records (the topic was discussed at council on Feb. 3), and committed to bringing concept drawings and clarifying the process for how a relocation would proceed. No action was taken; staff will return with concept materials and the council rationale for the board to review.