CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County and Discovery Place have a tentative plan to settle the money fight over the rebuilt nature museum in Freedom Park in Charlotte, N.C., after private donors stepped in to cover what the nonprofit owes.
County Manager Mike Bryant laid out the terms for commissioners at their Thursday meeting. Under the proposal, Discovery Place would hand the county $2.7 million every November through 2030, for a total of $13.7 million. The figure is lower than the roughly $14.6 million the county loaned the group in early 2024 because of credits owed to the museum operator. The first installment would come due Nov. 20.
The county owns the building on Sterling Road, a short distance from Myers Park and Dilworth, while Discovery Place runs the museum. The loan was due in late October, and in early October commissioners learned the nonprofit could not pay, which led some members to talk about taking over operations.
Bryant credited philanthropists, foundations and companies for the turnaround but did not identify them. Discovery Place said the gifts add to $23.5 million it had already raised for exhibits and a second construction phase that includes a canopy walk and a woodland trail.
The deal also calls for a 35-year lease at $1 a year. Bryant said he expects commissioners to vote on a final agreement on Nov. 17, and he has put a planned outside review of the nonprofit finances on hold.
Not everyone on the board is sold. At-large Commissioner Yvette Townsend-Ingram questioned dropping the financial review, and District 1 Commissioner Elaine Powell raised concerns about signing a long lease with a partner in default. Once a lease is signed, the museum otters can move into their new habitat and staff can prepare to open.
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