Mayor and Governor Sign Dix Lease

Gov. Bev Perdue and Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane today formally signed documents leasing the state-owned Dorothea Dix property to the City of Raleigh for use as a destination park.

The lease follows the Dec. 4, approval by the North Carolina Council of State allowing for the creation of a city-maintained park on the 325-acre Dix property. The agreement will also generate revenue for the state. Under terms of the lease, the state will receive annual payments from the city. The state will still own the land at the conclusion of the 75 year lease. The effective date of the lease is Dec. 31, 2012.

The lease agreement will move the project another step closer to reality.

"Discussion and deliberation about the Dix property has taken place for years. It’s great that we can now continue moving forward," said Gov. Bev Perdue. "The plan is the most appropriate way of preserving this open space as a park, while at the same time providing revenue to the state."

"I am very happy the City of Raleigh and the State can partner in this way to provide such a great opportunity for our citizens.” said Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane. "The Dix property as a destination park is a wonderful addition to our city and state’s quality of life amenities."