East Waterfront Task Force...developing a plan for Union Point Park

In a previous blog I wrote about Swiss Bear’s involvement in purchasing several parcels along the street and getting the parcels along the Neuse River donated to the City. The three acre tract, adjacent to Union Point Park, included fuel storage tanks and a vacant deteriorating gas station. It was important to acquire the property to begin developing the waterfront to attract and accommodate tourism and water recreation. The negotiation process took several years. During that time Swiss Bear approached Weyerhaeuser Corporation about their interest in building a museum and visitor center that would include an aquatic learning center. They indicated they were interested in considering such a project if the Texaco property was used to expand Union Point.  

With that in mind, in July 1983, following Texaco’s donation of the property to the City, Harold Talton, Swiss Bear Chairman and Marvin Davis, the Executive Director, went before the Board of Aldermen to request Swiss Bear’s designation as the entity to plan the use of the Texaco property and Union Point. The Board of Aldermen approved and passed a resolution granting Swiss Bear 120 days to come up with a plan.  Swiss Bear sought the Chamber of Commerce’s help and the two organization’s created  the East Waterfront Task Force. Members included, Tony Hooper, City Manager; David Rowland, City Planner; Boyd Meyers and Paul Cox, Aldermen; Weyerhaeuser representatives were Norm Johnson, Glen Wood and George Henson. Swiss Bear representatives were Harold Talton, Marvin Davis, John Ward and Kay Williams. Jamie King was the Neuse River Foundation representatives and Farrell Teague and Alton Herndon represented the Chamber. The Task Force worked on this project, which became very controversial, for more than three years.

In a future blog, I will relate the many challenges and hurdles they faced over the following three years with the goal of developing the Texaco property and Union Point into a protected harbor and river research center.  

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director



Union Point Park late 1970's



Union Point Park late 1970's