Ballantyne, NC – As of this posting, Harrison United Methodist Church will not allow cameras inside the scheduled meeting Monday night. Reporters will be allowed entrance to the meeting, however they will have to leave all camera equipment outside. Ballantyne Scoop had planned to live internet video stream the meeting, but when [...]]]>

Ballantyne, NC – As of this posting, Harrison United Methodist Church will not allow cameras inside the scheduled meeting Monday night. Reporters will be allowed entrance to the meeting, however they will have to leave all camera equipment outside. Ballantyne Scoop had planned to live internet video stream the meeting, but when we made the request to the church, we were told the it violates the sanctity of the space. While we respect the church’s stance on this matter we are disappointed that the community will not have the ability to get the facts first hand through video.

The Ballantyne Scoop strives to provide an accurate account of the news for its readers, especially on matters as complex as this one. We do plan on attending the meeting to keep the community up to date on all developments through our written reports.

Press Release from Harrison UMC – “For two hundred twenty-five years Harrison United Methodist Church has been a center of this community. As a purposeful outreach to the community in the name of Jesus Christ, and in keeping with the beliefs and purpose of the United Methodist Church, we provide a gathering place for our neighbors. In providing a gathering space, Harrison United Methodist Church does not endorse any party in this rezoning process. We offer our facility so that factual information might be disseminated. We only ask that those gathering here in this sacred space might honor its sanctity by your language and behavior. In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome.”

This meeting is the one that that Republic Development is required to have to inform the community of its rezoning request. These meetings are to be open public forums and both Republic Development and the city planning group have been made aware of the “no camera” policy.

According to a source in the planning office when asked if this was legal, the Scoop Network was told that they have never run into this issue before but that they would look into the issue. As of the time of this writing, we have not heard back from them. Relocating the meeting is not likely due to the notification guidelines that are in place.

District 7 City Councilman Warren Cooksey said this morning he plans to skip the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Monday night in order to attend the public forum.

The public forum is scheduled to be held in the gym at Harrison United Methodist Church on Old Lancaster Highway. A large crowd is expected. Ballantyne Scoop plans to tweet during the meeting so you can follow us at @ballantynescoop on Twitter.

caroline@ballantynescoop.com

Share this: