Daily Record FINANCIAL NEWS &
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016
Vol. 103, No. 133 • Three SecTioNS
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Hemming group faces criticism Stage is set, but future money in question for Friends
One City Council member said he didn’t “have a strong sense in how operations are being handled.” Another said a submitted fiveyear plan had “exorbitant” operating costs. And one of the more vocal critics claimed the group was “out of touch with reality.” Hemming Park is on course to receive $250,000 for a stage in the urban venue that’s often viewed as the front door to City Hall. But, the two-day discourse council committees had to arrive at that decision this week veered
past that immediate upgrade and often questioned the efforts and future of the nonprofit that’s been running the park since late 2014. Friends of Hemming Park to date received $1 million for its first 18-month operational contract that began in October 2014. It needs another $250,000 or so to make it through the rest of this fiscal year that ends Sept. 30, money the city set aside in a contingency to see how things were at this point in the year. The plan shifted slightly with the advent of the stage — the focus moved to on the city’s $250,000 going toward the stage, while a $250,000 donation for the stage’s naming rights would come from
Community First Credit Union. The business’s funds would go toward the Friends’ operations instead. The switch didn’t detract council members from criticizing the Friends’ management, despite most of them agreeing the park is in better shape than before. “I just don’t get the feeling they’re trying to pinch pennies over there,” said council member John Crescimbeni. He said he was “very disappointed” with how the $1 million has been spent and questioned when it was time for council to “pull the plug” on funding the group. Matt Schellenberg, who initial-
ly opposed the group’s contract, said he thought the money could be better spent elsewhere and the Friends’ proposed five-year plan was “out of touch with reality.” The plan calls for an annual $500,000 city contribution along with more than $6 million in capital improvements. The envisioned park transformation includes pulling up many of the hardscaped pavers and returning it to a mainly urban greenspace buoyed by an amphitheater and an antique carousel costing $1 million. A coffee shop, reformatted fountain and Black Sheep kiosk also are part of the plan. HEMMING CONTINUED ON PAGE A-4
The Rev. Mark Griffin and his wife, Cynthia, welcome people to the Wayman Temple Community Health Fair. The church regularly offers outreach programs to the community.
Improving life close to home
The Rev. Mark Griffin isn’t sure why he followed Adrian Hughes back to his car that hot summer day in 2007. But it’s a decision that changed, and probably saved, Hughes’ life. He had stopped at Wayman Ministries’ campus on Labelle Street to see the pastor he heard helped people like him. Those who want a better life and are willing to work for it. Hughes needed a job. Griffin told him to write down his num-
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ber and he’d get back with him. As Hughes walked back to his car, Griffin decided to follow him. His wife and their three little girls were waiting for Hughes in the car, which didn’t have airconditioning. That’s why Hughes needed a job. So his daughters could have a better life than he did. He left his mother’s house when he was 16, a year after his father died. “I was in the streets all day, hustling,” said Hughes, now 36. He started selling drugs. He GRIFFIN CONTINUED ON PAGE A-7
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Griffin pushes a child on a swing at the playground installed in December at Eureka Garden. His church led the fundraising effort that brought in more than $100,000.
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Special to the Daily Record
Church’s work in Eureka Garden among neighborhood outreach By Marilyn Young Editor
Crescimbeni
Wawa to roll out area plans June 9
Photo by Bobby King
By David Chapman Staff Writer
Wawa Inc. intends to roll out its Jacksonville expansion plans on June 9 at a “community partnership event” at the Main Library Downtown. A “Save The Date” invitation says the Pennsylvania-based chain of gas stations and convenience stores will be breaking ground and developing sites in Jacksonville in 2017. Wawa President and CEO Chris Gheysens will talk about “The Wawa Story” and John Poplawski with Wawa Real Estate will outline plans for Jacksonville. The first of up to an eventual 25 area Wawa locations has been confirmed for Beach Boulevard and Central Parkway. “We look forward to having the opportunity to give you a preview of Wawa as we begin our journey to Jacksonville,” said the invitation, shared by City Council member Danny Becton. The first confirmed Wawa is in his district. Becton said Tuesday night after the council Land Use and Zoning Committee meeting that he has spoken with Wawa about development, but he could not comment about how many stores and their locations. Wawa spokeswoman Lori Bruce said the event is specifically for business partners, developers and community officials, as well as members of the media, to share more information about the company and its plans. The invitation says registration and exhibits are scheduled for 5-5:30 p.m., followed by remarks at 5:30- 6 p.m. by Gheysens and Poplawski, and a dinner and reception at 6-7 p.m. Wawa is a privately held and family owned chain of more than 725 convenience
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