May 26, 2013
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Gov. Beverly Perdue's administration and the City of Raleigh have worked out final details to allow the site of a state mental hospital to become a regional park.
Perdue's office said the governor will sign documents Friday afternoon in the old Capitol building leasing the 325-acre Dorothea Dix property to the city for at least 75 years for up to $68 million over the period.
The North Carolina Council of State approved the lease proposal earlier this month despite complaints by some the deal was rushed and wasn't a good value for the state. Perdue said the park will boost the quality of life in Raleigh and benefit all North Carolinians.
The hospital closed earlier this year. State employees will continue to work in buildings on the land for now.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
