hickory stickin' to it

For me, the highlight of last night's meeting of the Carbondale Park District occurred when PD board president Michael Heck threw citizen Ed Van Awken a curve when Ed had finished speaking. "Are you sure you want to submit your testimony into the record, Mr. Van Awken? You have a law suit pending vs. the Park District." Mr. V went ahead and handed his documents to Mr. H at the dais. Great photo op that was probably captured on video, but not by me (sitting in back). All of the citizens speaking to the board spoke politely and constructively. Some have ideas to submit to the board for future consideration.

I had two questions 1) when will the judge rule on the legality of parceling up the land? and 2) how much time will citizens be given to come with a viable plan after the land has been parceled (on paper). Mr. Heck could not answer either question definitively. The date for the hearing has not been set (apparently). I could speak to Mr. Heck personally, but he's unable to comment on anything to do with Hickory Lodge because of the pending lawsuit. He did say that the golf course had nothing to do with the decision to sell the Hickory Lodge property, that the Hickory Ridge Golf Course has its own set of books.

Details of the lawsuit are not available at this time (8:05 a.m.), but maybe Mr. Van Awken's new web site could include a few details, since he is asking people to donate $ to the cause. Unlike bloggers, attorneys don't work for free (unless it's pro bono, which it probably should be in this case, don't you think, Bloggy?) I wonder if Ed's attorney will comment on the lawsuit. Who represents the PD? And who's the judge? What court? And when will the hearing take place? Inquiring bloggers want to know.

No matter the judge rules, the Park District will give due consideration to the proposals made by citizens, which will mean more meetings and discussions.