Holy Angels says it won’t budge on road access request

As she guns the diesel engine of her four-wheel drive utility vehicle and winds her way through a forest of densely-packed bamboo that lies at the heart of her property, it's clear Belmont's Deborah Baxa is having fun.

Piloting the vehicle to the crest of a pasture she coasts to a stop and grins, switching off the clattering engine.

"Just look at this," Baxa said Monday. "I mean really look at it."

It's this spot, on a portion of gently rolling pasture overlooking the Hot Hole cove on Lake Wylie, where Baxa hopes to plant the centerpiece of an event venue she's calling Camelot Meadows.

A spacious barn with a rustic feel would be the perfect space for corporate events, fundraisers, wine tastings and weddings, Baxa believes.

"We've already got two weddings booked here for next year," Baxa said.

And that bamboo forest? It's primed to be an engagement photo playground, Baxa said.

There is a hitch, however, and it appears to be a big one.

Access to land

Her 33 acres are essentially landlocked and access to the site - at least on a commercial basis - is proving to be a challenge.

Baxa could conceivably gain access to the site from a point along Armstrong Road that would cut across a horse pasture.

Doing so would likely run into problems dealing with a Duke Energy easement through which power lines bisect her property.

Another possible way to build an entry point would be to begin on Lake Mist Drive and shoot through a portion of her bamboo forest.

But, the land's topography, creek and drainage would mean she would likely need to build a bridge that would roughly double the $1.5 million she believes will be necessary to get her venue off the ground.

She said that would make her venture financially infeasible.

That's why she requested a year ago to use a portion of River Run, a driveway owned by the non-profit Holy Angels to service its Camp Hope site near Lake Wylie, to access her land.

Baxa said she offered concessions to sweeten her request.

For more than six decades, Holy Angels has served some of Gaston County's most vulnerable individuals, including those with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

Today, the agency serves more than 80 children and adults and their families, according to longtime Holy Angels CEO Regina Moody.

Purchased by Holy Angels more than 25 years ago, the land on which Camp Hope sits adjoins Baxa's property. It's an ideal spot for a retreat designed to serve Holy Angels residents in a quiet corner of Belmont.

The site has allowed Holy Angels' residents, many of whom utilize wheelchairs, to access boat rides and fishing excursions from the Camp Hope property.

The agency's mission, and the population it serves, is foremost in Holy Angels’ considerations, Moody said.

After deliberation by multiple Holy Angels' committees, its board made the decision last year to deny Baxa's request.

Differences made public

Holy Angels' concerns center on liability issues regarding road access, risk management and disruptions for the residents who live in and use the organization's group home on the property.

Simply put, the people the agency serves are vulnerable and protecting them comes first, Moody said.

"Our communication has been consistent and responsive, and our board has been involved from the beginning," Moody said.

Moody said the organization will not change its decision, and has communicated that to Baxa.

"Our answer and response is still ’No’, we do not think it's in our best interest from a safety, liability and risk management standpoint," Moody said.

Baxa, however, believes her plan would actually benefit the residents at Holy Angels.

Her event venue would offer residents who come to Camp Hope a space to meet and to enjoy vocational opportunities. She could also offer expanded waterfront access on Lake Wylie, Baxa said.

The issue has become public in recent months, and both parties have written letters to The Gazette in recent weeks outlining their positions.

That's time Moody said Holy Angels has had to spend defending its decision while it seeks to protect its residents and staff during a historic pandemic.

"We've tried to remain very positive and we have no issue with her trying to develop this venue," Moody said. "We feel that as property owners we retain the right to say "No," (to Baxa's request for access). We regret she's unable to accept that."

Baxa said she's undeterred and said she still believes her event venue will become a reality.

Rose out of grief

For Baxa, Camelot Meadows is a mission. She views the project as a tribute to her late husband, Dr. Mark Baxa, who originally purchased the property decades ago.

He died in 2017 following a battle with an aggressive cancer in the brain.

"I view this as his legacy," Baxa said. "And I have faith that this will become a reality."

She's upfront that she's unsure exactly how she can make that financially feasible without access via Holy Angels property, and said she had considered developing the site for residential use as a fall back plan.

“But that’s not the route I want to go,” Baxa said. “I believe this could be an event venue unlike anywhere else.”

Reach Adam Orr at 704-869-1828 or aorr@gastongazette.com