Nobody can agree on what to do with a small empty lot in downtown Bunnell.
It's right along U.S. 1 and State Road 11, and the city now owns it. It doesn't look like much, but this corner has been many things to many people.
“There used to be a Greyhound bus stop here back in the 70's and early 80's," said Vice-Mayor John Rogers. "And then, I was told this morning it was a movie theatre right here.”
A pizza parlor was also located here, but it burned down in the 90's. Ever since, people have wondered what will happen to the lot next.
Eventually, a group in town came up with the idea of a “pocket park,” a small piece of land with public access to perhaps some benches, signage and maybe a small clock tower.
A lot of time and effort went into buying this piece of property for the city. Given Bunnell's financial situation right now, what if the city could actually double its investment here?
The city bought the property the past March for just over $4,500. A local business man bought a building next to the lot and, this past May offered $10,000 for the land.
Since then, the city has had to go through a major round of budget cuts and job freezes to come up with a balanced budget. Despite that, a majority of city commissioners say they want to keep their “pocket park.”
“Yes, it was difficult but you know, if we give it up, it's going to be a parking lot,” Rogers said.
Rogers said the main drag in town has enough concrete. But is a park, active or passive, the right use?
In making his case against keeping the land, fellow Commissioner Elbert Tucker cites the traffic count here.
According to state DOT records, an average of ,4000 vehicles make a turn here and Tucker said the city doesn't need to expose itself to potential liability.
Rogers sees the point, but adds he wants to hear more from the people of Bunnell.
Whatever the future holds for that property, it won't happen anytime soon. Any plans for the pocket park were scrapped in those budget cuts.