Future of Dix Property Remains Uncertain

For 150 years, the land has been home to the Dorothea Dix Hospital. The Raleigh hospital is closing in late 2007 or early 2008 and moving to a new facility, the new Central Region Psychiatric Hospital, in Butner. The facility's move opens up possibilities for the land.

North Carolina legislators currently are considering a number of proposals for the 306-acre campus in downtown Raleigh.

A plan from the Urban Land Institute calls for a 215-acre park with mixed-use development.

Another plan, backed by the Friends of Dorothea Dix Park, calls for the creation of a 306-acre park and have development only on the perimeter. In March, Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and The Wake County Mayors Association voted in favor of preserving the campus as a park.

There is also debate whether the state will sell the property to the city at all.

Monday's forum, sponsored by the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, is set for 6 p.m. in the Raleigh City Council Chambers. This event is open to the public, but seating is limited.