Don't build housing at Dorothea Dix

OUR OPINION: When Dorothea Dix is closed down next year, the state shouldn't allow the building of new housing facilities - which Raleigh has enough of - and N.C. State should at least look at the possibility of acquiring some of the vacant land.

Next year, the 306 acres off Boylan Avenue will sit vacant because a new state-run psychiatric hospital is under construction in Butner, N.C.

The land itself is extremely desirable because the terrain is flat and located right outside of downtown.

Developers are chomping at the bit to develop industrial centers and housing options for people with deep pockets. However, the vast field in the middle of the Dorothea Dix campus coupled with the area's lack of development is the ideal place to have a city park.

Sure, Pullen Park is right across the street, but all it really offers is a few ball fields, some paddle boats and a cute little train.

The vast field at Dorothea Dix would provide an excellent outdoor gathering spot, especially for Raleigh events and concerts.

The University should also look into getting its hands on some of the land - as land appreciation is inevitable. This would be an ideal place for a garden or scenic area at which students and visitors could relax or congregate - much like Duke Gardens in Durham.

There is also an obvious trend of migration to the other side of Western Boulevard. The Dorothea Dix land backs up right to Centennial Campus.

If we can afford a new multi-million dollar house for the Chancellor, there is no reason we shouldn't be able to afford a future investment in land.

Regardless of what entity owns the property, the main issue is the careless conversion of Raleigh green space into a sea of brick, concrete and tar. It is much easier to destroy a natural area than reestablish one after the fact - wildlife and all.

If developers are allowed to continue to buy up all the land, especially undeveloped land around the city and University, eventually there will be nothing left.

This one is a no-brainer. The addition of high-dollar apartments and office buildings doesn't serve any agenda besides that of greed.

Students and the Raleigh community should step up and make it known that the land at Dorothea Dix should stay green, and NCSU should help in ensuring that.