N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation Director Lewis Ledford opposes the Patriot’s Landing project. No surprise. Bluegreen Corp. attorney Henry Isaacson questions the “propriety of the state getting involved in a county zoning matter.” No surprise.
But here’s the funny part:
Bluegreen is offering to give about 100 acres of floodplain to the state park, along with a 50-foot strip of “upland” that could be used for trails. State officials have said the property isn’t wide enough for suitable trails.
The company also continues to negotiate separately with the park system, which has said that — if the project goes forward — it wants to buy another 50 acres of the Patriot’s Landing tract. Bluegreen said it wants $6 million for the land.
Isaacson said the proposed Patriot’s Landing is not the only undeveloped land near the park, noting that more than 1,500 acres are available nearby.
But park system leaders see the Bluegreen site as key to the park reaching its full potential, park system spokesman Charlie Peek said.
….Peek said the park system is not seeking to underpay anybody for property. Armed with several state trust funds with money set aside for conservation purposes, it has the financial backing to compete head-to-head with developers in buying important pieces of property, Peek said.
Doesn’t sound like money’s a problem, does it? Makes you wonder about that case of sticker shock the parks system endured a few weeks ago.
