By Mark Wineka

mark.wineka@salisburypost.com

GRANITE QUARRY — The town of Granite Quarry has been offered 9 acres off Faith Road as a gift, but members of the Board of Aldermen would like a few more details before accepting the property.

Clifton “Tom” Byrd, who lives in Blythewood, South Carolina, made the offer. A house and garage are on part of the site. Byrd reportedly would like to see the land used as a nature preserve, possibly with walking trails.

The parcel stands at 2790 Faith Road, on the west side of the Byrd Road-Faith Road intersection.

Town Attorney Graham Corriher said Byrd has indicated Byrd would like to include deed restrictions on the land. Byrd also has asked that a memorial sign be placed on the property recognizing his late wife and parents.

Alderman John Linker expressed concerns about what the property restrictions will be and what accepting the property will mean in terms of extra costs to the town. He said he doesn’t want to overload the town’s maintenance staff.

“What’s our purpose?” Linker asked fellow board members Monday night. “What do we plan to do with it? What’s the cost associated with accepting it?”

Alderman Jim Costantino said he also would like to know exactly what kind of deed restrictions Byrd would place on the property before the town decides to accept it.

Alderman Kim Cress has walked the property, and he said there’s “a lot more to it than just a flat piece of land.” Building nature trails is more difficult than talking about it, Cress added.

“I’d still like some information on it,” Cress said, adding that public input would be welcome, too.

Corriher said it’s his understanding Byrd would like to make his gift by the end of the year for tax purposes. Because of that, the aldermen delayed any decision on accepting the land and decided to meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 18 for more discussion.

In that area of Faith Road, LGI Homes has plans for a 250-home subdivision that for now is being called The Village at Granite. In November, the Granite Quarry Planning Board approved a preliminary plan for the subdivision.

During a public-comment period Monday, a West Peeler Street resident warned the town board that the new development will require more police and fire protection, school space and maintenance staff. He also predicted garbage collection fees will increase.

In another matter Monday night, the aldermen approved allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages within the town limits at 10 a.m. on Sundays, instead of noon as it previously has been.

The Granite Quarry Planning Board previously voted 3-2 to recommend the change. The state legislation allowing the earlier sales time for alcoholic beverages has been known as the Brunch Bill, and it leaves the decision up to local jurisdictions.

“We’ve had a couple businesses in town who brought this to our attention,” Mayor Bill Feather said.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.