SOUTH POINT - Roger Haley, park manager for The Point, resigned Wednesday, and the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation will begin searching for his replacement immediately.

Ideally, the position will be filled by the beginning of May, said Pat Clonch, executive director of the LEDC.

Although she has not had much time to begin looking for candidates, two potential applicants have already been identified, she said.

"Basically, Pat and I have a little different philosophy," Haley said. "We both felt it was time to move on."

Haley did not want to elaborate on the differences, but said the parting was agreeable to everyone. He had been a part of the LEDC for the past three years and had focused on developing the 504-acre industrial park.

"This is something I have been thinking about for some time," he said. "It seemed like this was a good time to make a change. I wish nothing but the best for the park."

Since the parting just happened, Haley said he is still not sure what he will do now,

but said he will look around to see what opportunities are available.

Clonch said it is truly unfortunate to lose someone with Haley's knowledge and infectious personality.

"Roger has been wonderful," she said. "This park is an astronomical job and took someone with the interest and expertise to help it develop. He loved this park and put a lot of time and effort into it.

"We will truly miss (Haley), but we have to move on," she said. "His resignation will not stop us from proceeding."

Haley agreed that his absence should not impede the development of the park.

"All the groundwork is laid and the park is ready to move forward," he said.

The LEDC recently received clearance from Norfolk Southern to construct a road across the tracks to connect the main part with the riverfront property.

Phase 1 of development is a $3.25 million project that will focus on building roads and making water, sewer, electric and natural gas services available throughout the park.

As soon as the final approval from the Environmental Protection Agency is received and cleared by the U.S. Economic Development Administ-ration these infrastructure projects will go to bid.