Tryon Town Council voted against purchasing what is known as the Leonard property to expand Harmon Field.

Council met Tuesday, Nov. 15 and voted 3-1 not to spend any money on permits or inspections and not to pursue the idea of purchasing the property.

The motion was approved 3 to 1, with councilman Wim Woody voting against the motion.

The Harmon Field Board of Supervisors had recommended to town council in October that the town research selling the community center building at Harmon Field in order to purchase the Leonard property, which includes two acres and a house adjacent to the equestrian side of the park.

Harmon Field Parks and Recreation Supervisor George Alley agreed in October to study the possibility with councilman Austin Chapman.

The town would have had to gain permission from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant (PARTF) in order to sell the community building to purchase the Leonard property. The community center building was acquired through a PARTF grant through the state. The state frowns on selling property obtained through its grant funding and has specific requirements in order to convert the funding.

The community center building is facing needed repairs, including a new roof and central heating and air conditioning. Utility costs of the building also are expensive.