CORPS NEEDS TO FOLLOW THEIR OWN RULES

In light of the recent revelations regarding the proposed lease of Bethel Park by the US Army Corps of Engineers to the YMCA, there has been much outrage involving the loss of Bethel Park and the YMCA’s and Corps’ indifference to the concerns of the Forsyth County, the surrounding community, and the 22,000+ current users of Bethel Park.

Were it not for the actions of local residents, neither Forsyth County, nor the current users of Bethel Park would have been aware of the secretive deal to close Bethel Park to public use. Even though Forsyth County has expressed its interest in acquiring Bethel Park, along with 13 additional Corps’ owned parks for the benefit of the public, the Corps of Engineers has rebuffed Forsyth County in violation of the applicable Federal Regulation that governs the leasing of Corps owned recreational facilities. Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 211.6(a)(2) states:

“The Secretary of the Army is authorized to grant leases of lands, including structures or facilities thereon, in reservoir areas for such periods and upon such terms as he may deem reasonable: Provided, That leases to non-profit organizations may be granted at reduced or nominal rentals in recognition of the public service to be rendered in utilizing the leased premises: Provided further, That preference shall be given to Federal, State, or local governmental agencies, and licenses may be granted without monetary considerations to such agencies for the use of all or any portion of a reservoir area.”

Based on the Corps own Regulation, while the Corps may lease such public property to non-profit organizations, “preference shall be given to Federal, State, or local governments.” The Corps refusal to negotiate with Forsyth County because it is currently engaged in secretive negotiations with the YMCA is in direct violation of the Federal Regulation that mandates the Corps to grant preference to an interested local government. Its time that the US Army Corps of Engineers follows its own rules and accept Forsyth County’s proposal to acquire Bethel Park and keep it public for all to enjoy.

Friends of Bethel Park