Letters: Bill Holman

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February 12, 2004

The Honorable Eric Reeves
The Honorable David Miner and
The Honorable Jennifer Weiss, Co-Chairs
Dorothea Dix Property Study Commission
General Assembly of North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603

Re: Dorothea Dix Property Recommendations

Dear Senator Reeves and Representatives Miner and Weiss:

Thank you for requesting public comments on the Dorothea Dix Property in Raleigh. I commend the General Assembly for providing an opportunity for the public to review and comment on future use and management of this important property in Raleigh and the Research Triangle Region.

The General Assembly established the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) in 1996 to protect and restore water quality in North Carolina and “to acquire land for riparian buffers for the purposes of providing environmental protection for surface waters and urban drinking water supplies and establishing a network of riparian greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational uses.” (GS 113-145.3 c) (1)).

Thanks to appropriations from the General Assembly CWTMF provides grants to local governments, other state agencies, and qualified non-profit conservation organizations to acquire riparian buffers, wetlands, floodplains, and greenways. CWMTF tries to protect 300-foot riparian buffers, wetlands and the 100-year floodplain.

CWMTF recommends that the State place a conservation easement that protects at least 100-foot riparian buffers, all land in the 100-year floodplain, all wetlands, and the existing greenway trail at Dorothea Dix before the State redevelops the property for state use or before the State sells the property. CWMTF notes that NC State University protected riparian buffers when it recently sold property in West Raleigh. CWMTF would recommend that this policy apply to the development and sale of all state lands.

Smart Growth Principles recommend that 20-30% of land that is proposed for development should be protected as parks and open spaces. A substantial amount of the original Dorothea Dix property has already been developed for NCSU’s Centennial Campus and the new Farmers Market. CWMTF recommends that the State work with the City of Raleigh and citizens to identify a location for a new city park at Dix. The State could enter into a long-term lease with the City to manage the park. A new city park will enhance the value of the remaining property at Dix and NCSU’s Centennial Campus.

Thanks to continuing appropriations from the General Assembly for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Parks & Recreation Trust Fund, and Natural Heritage Trust Fund North Carolina is making progress in protecting its water resources, important natural areas, and its quality of life. However the State’s growth and the price of land is increasing faster than our efforts to protect our land and water. CWMTF recommends that the General Assembly dedicate 25% of the revenue from the sale of state lands for development to CWMTF, PARTF, and NHTF. As the State sells and develops its own lands it should set aside at least 25% for land and water conservation.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Bill Holman

cc: The Honorable Charles Meeker
Richard Rogers

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