NC lawmakers seek to nix Dix property lease

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Some Republicans in the General Assembly want to reconsider the deal that allows the city of Raleigh to turn the grounds of a now-closed state mental hospital into a regional park.

House and Senate members filed similar legislation Thursday that essentially tears up the December lease agreement then-Gov. Beverly Perdue reached with city leaders for the 325-acre Dorothea Dix property. GOP lawmakers say the agreement was rushed and did not get enough money for the state.

The bill would direct state officials to renegotiate leasing a part of the property at a fair market rate for a park and earmark proceeds for mental health programs. The rest of the land would remain in state hands for employee workspace.

The current 75-year lease would give the state up to $68 million.