Brooks Pierce attorneys Will Quick, Eric David and Mark Prak provided pro bono service to the Town of Mesic in Pamlico County in 2016 and 2017. The matter involved obtaining title to and preserving a historically significant piece of land so that it could be turned into the community’s first park with water access and helped lay the groundwork for Mesic to receive a grant to further the project.
The matter was complicated by unclear land title issues and concerns about increased use of the area by neighboring property owners. After prolonged settlement negotiations with local property owners, the Brooks Pierce team obtained final judgment securing ownership of the land for the Town in September 2016. They have continued to work with the Town on an as needed basis as it develops the park.
In January, Duke Energy (Duke) awarded Mesic a $50,000 grant to provide picnic and fishing areas, kayak/watercraft launching infrastructure and space for community gatherings within the new park. Mesic is one of 11 organizations to receive grants from Duke as part of its $10 million, multiyear commitment to protect and improve the environment, including waterways used year-round across the Carolinas and neighboring states.