In the spring of 2000, we learned that approximately 10 acres to the north of our border was for sale. This property was owned by the McClains, the Yates, and the Burt heirs. Our 2005 Mission Statement adopted by the United Ministry Council expressed the vision of acquiring more land. Many of the Ministry Areas, (Education, Missions, and others) included a desire for more space in their vision statements. The Land Acquisition Committee was formed.

On January 21, 2001, a Charge Conference was held and the membership voted to authorize the Land Acquisition Committee to engage the sellers in negotiations for purchase of the land. After many negotiations, the committee agreed to the asking price ($100,000 per acre and $100,000 for the McClain house); however, the negotiations stalled in June of 2001. In September 2001 the sellers reconsidered the offer and submitted a document on December 27, 2001, indicating their intentions to proceed with the sale of their property. After surveys, title searches, an environmental review, contracts, leases, inspections, bank negotiations, Town of Cary meetings, etc., the papers were signed and closing was held. The delay caused by the extended negotiations actually worked in our favor. The interest rate fell from 9.0% to 5.25% during this time.

The Planned Land Usage (PLUS) Committee was formed as a long-range planning group. This report contains information on the purpose and results of a survey conducted to gather input from the St. Francis community for the long-range planning process.

 PLUS Facilities and Land Use Survey Results 86.75 Kb

On Tuesday, August 6, 2002, we closed on 8.64 acres on the north side of Saint Francis UMC, after many negotiations.  The following describes the background, considerations that went into the purchase of the land, as well as the vision for developing the land at the time of its purchase. The newly purchased land was Consecrated by our District Superintendent, The Reverend Hope Morgan-Ward on Sunday, September 15, 2002.

 We had hoped to purchase the entire 9.7+ acres that was originally offered for sale. After many discussions, the Yates family chose not to sell their 1.13 acres as a part of this transaction. Even though the Yates property is in between the parcels we purchased, we still have access to all our property. Actually, the 5.5 acres adjacent to our property is the most important in future planning.

We refinanced our current mortgage and included the new property, bringing our total debt to $3,650,000. Our new mortgage payment will be $24,750 per month. Our previous mortgage payment was $27,224 a net reduction of $2,474. Our loan is with Paragon Bank at a variable rate of 5.25% for the first three years with a cap of 8.5%. After three years, we will renegotiate the interest rate.

An anonymous gift in the amount of $100,000 was received, which was designated for the purchase of this property. The generosity of this gift is a celebration and affirmation of our decision to purchase.

Committee members

Don Holloway led this committee as Chairman. Other members included: Rick Clayton, Ken Mason, Wes Coble, Bill Jameson, Nancy Ladish, Andy Hiscock, Nancy Hemphill, Kim Korb, Chuck Howard, David McKee, Andy Wright, Billy Young, and David Burk.

We offer words of thanksgiving for the capable leadership of Don Holloway as Chairman. Early on Don established a working relationship with the property owners. Selling family property that has been inhabited for so long is an emotional experience. Don offered wise counsel and compassion in moving the process to completion. We give thanks for the gifts he so willingly shares in our faith community.

Saint Francis United Methodist Church appreciates the diligent time and effort that all the members of this committee have dedicated to this project.. Also, deep appreciation is extended to Alan Patterson for his free legal services and to other members of the congregation that have provided assistance.

While the property is not currently in the town limits of Cary, Kildaire Farm Road is to be widened to four lanes by order of NC Department of Transportation and will infringe on our acreage. Committee members have attended several meetings concerning the widening of Kildaire Farm Road by the Town of Cary. We are in contact with the Town Engineers and the Cary Planning and Zoning Department to discuss the issues that will impact our property. The Town will be in contact with the homeowners on record by the spring of 2003 to discuss right-of-way negotiations.  

Yates Property Purchased

Need some info here about the purchase of the final 1.13 acres of the property north of the church, resulting in one continuous parcel for future development.

The Future

The Land Acquisition Committee would like to thank the congregation for their support and prayers during this long negotiation and closing period. Our work over the past two years was very important in the life and well-being of Saint Francis United Methodist Church. May God bless our efforts to further the kingdom in this place.