The discussion for locating the football-field sized light show at the Nov. 14 town meeting ended with commissioners and show organizers at loggerheads over the best place to put them.

But in the two weeks following that meeting the search for a suitable location went in a new direction, which led to the corner of East Fourth Street and North Hollybrook Road, near

Wendell Town Hall next to the town Park and Ride lot. The property is owned by Wendell residents James and Carole Green.

Chuck Corbett of Parrish Realty said the one-acre lot is for sale for $160,000. The town likely would negotiate with the owners directly to lease or buy the parcel. Interim Town Manager Teresa Piner said the new site was considered after residents who want to bring the light show to town brainstormed ideas to meet the show producers' and town's needs.

"Others approached the property owner. They talked about it and thought it was a good idea," Piner said. "And Mr. Williams is delighted with the site. It is easy to monitor. There is room to enter and exit and it is close to town hall."

Piner added that if the lot is used, Williams also will design a small light show that will be set up at the Women's Club on Main Street, giving visitors incentive to walk around downtown Wendell to view both attractions.

The new location would still require power and portable restrooms, as at the other sites being considered in Wendell Park and the town square, but traffic could flow and parking would be available downtown.

"It fits the need. Everyone can be in downtown Wendell. They can park, get dinner, shop all within walking distance of the light show," Williams said.

Piner recommended a tree buffer be installed along Hollybrook Road to block the show's lights and traffic from botheringneighbors. "If the site is suitable, allow us to work on a contract with the property owner," Piner told the board.

"I'm happy with this spot. I didn't like the idea of stopping baseball and soccer, I didn't think that was fair," Commissioner Ginna Gray said.

Gray asked if they would lease the property or buy it. She said she didn't like the idea of leasing but added that buying would depend on the money involved.

Piner said the land is currently for sale but the property owner supports bringing in the light show, so revenue wasn't the primary concern. Piner said the town has leased private property in the past, including the Park and Ride site.

Commissioner Carol Hinnant said the staff should talk dollars and cents with the property owner and bring that information back to the board.

"There are a lot of unknowns we haven't pulled together," Hinnant said. "We should find out about this parcel for a year."