Andrews – With a surprise announcement at the Aug. 14 Andrews Board of Alderman meeting about the proposed soccer field being upgraded at Heritage Recreation Park, it seems the project is on hold.
After meeting in closed session, the reconvened board, led by a motion by Alderman Ted Paul, voted to rescind the original contract with Core Scientific. The resolution, noted to have been approved on June 12, was also rescinded since Core Scientific is in the process of being acquired by Core Weave, and Paul said there is no contract with Core Weave.
When asked about the status of the soccer field, Mayor James Reid said “talks are ongoing.”
“We’re looking at environmental impact studies, which are vitally important to the town. We want to make sure we make the best deal for the town and cover every base before we enter into anything binding. And we’re working closely on the negotiations under advisement with city attorney Holly Christy.”
In reference to the contract in open session, Reid said “if it ain’t writ, it ain’t (expletive),” in regards to changes in the contract. Andrews sent at least two versions of a contract to Core Scientific, but the return negotiations and conditions had not met what the town was looking for.
Justin Graham, senior superintendent of construction for T5 Data Centers, said the project is in limbo due to funding issues from Core Scientific. He added that Core Scientific is in talks with Andrews to work on a plan.
In the first portion of the August meeting, Paul suggested renaming Heritage Park to Heritage Recreation Park & Fairgrounds, since the Andrews Parks & Recreation Board learned there are considerable grant monies available to an area designated with the name “fairgrounds.”
The proposed project has impacted this year’s Cherokee County Fair, to be held in mid-September, with presumed construction making a change of venue to the Family Dollar parking lot necessary.
Sports Editor Cannon Crompton contributed to this report.