Governor Pat McCrory and Raleigh mayor Nancy McFarlane want some extra time to decide how to utilize 325 acres of prime capital city real estate.
The two announced today that they are backing House legislation to give the city and state another year to negotiate an agreement to re-purpose the Dorothea Dix property.
Raleigh leaders want to use the land as a destination park. McCrory says he understands and supports that.“I also support the need of the state to have an integrated plan with a much-needed Health and Human Services facility especially with regards to mental health,” McCrory says. “ I think we can have both. I think they can be integrated.”
The Senate's bill would immediately void the deal which could lead to lawsuits. Senate President Phil Berger issued a statement saying he could not understand why the governor and the mayor want to extend "an unlawful lease." Berger also disagreed with making property at the Governor Morehead School available for Raleigh to purchase. He says it doesn't give the state equal footing in a potential deal.