Assad Meymandi: Make Dix Raleigh’s Central Park

The March 27 news article “Bill filed to sell Dix site to highest bidder” cited three state senators who are trying to block the agreement between Gov. Pat McCrory and the City of Raleigh to buy the Dorothea Dix property to be turned into a destination park. Dix property should be turned into a destination park, like New York’s Central Park.

Fredrick Law Olmstead built Central Park in New York in the 1860s. Many historians and architects suggest were it not for Central Park, there would be no New York as we know it today.

Here in Raleigh, we have a once in not only a lifetime but a millennium opportunity to create a Central Park for the benefit of not only Raleigh but the entire state of North Carolina.

Yet it seems that after 11 years of talking, studying, political pontificating and maneuvering, and reaching an agreement between the city and two governors, Bev Perdue and Pat McCrory, additional stumbling blocks are being introduced.

Like people, governments can choose to be self-centered, profiteering and narcissistic or selfless, generous and altruistic. Giving a destination park to Raleigh is not only for Raleigh, but also for the entire state of North Carolina. Let’s do it.

This story was originally published April 8, 2015 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Assad Meymandi: Make Dix Raleigh’s Central Park."