Title
Resolution in Support of the War Memorial Stadium Deed Transfer to North Carolina A&T State University
Body
Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: 2
Public Hearing: n/a
Advertising Date/By: n/a
Contact 1 and Phone: Interim Parks and Recreation Director, Wade Walcutt, Ext. 2964
Contact 2 and Phone: Assistant City Manager Chris Wilson, Ext. 2002
PURPOSE:
Council's approval is requested authorizing the City Manager to enter into negotiations and execute the deed transfer of the World War Memorial Stadium (WWMS) to North Carolina A&T State University pursuant to Section 160A-274 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and provide the City Manager authorization, upon execution of the deed, to transfer an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 to the University for the purpose of historic preservation, restoration and rehabilitation.
BACKGROUND:
In its earliest years, the primary function of WWMS was to serve local amateur athletic teams in track and field, football and baseball competitions. This included area, high schools, colleges, recreational leagues, and semi‐professional athletic teams, such as North Carolina A&T State University's semi-professional football club which began utilizing the stadium in 1927. In 1930, WWMS was up fit with lights and a steel grandstand canopy in order to serve as the home field to Greensboro's professional minor league baseball team and would remain so off and on until Newbridge Bank Ballpark opened in 2004. Over the course of seven decades, WWMS has undergone a series of minor upgrades, re‐configurations and renovations; however, the original fabric of the historic stadium has never been altered significantly from the 1926 design.
Due to the age and condition of WWMS, it is in need for further restoration, preservation and rehabilitation to continue to honor its intent as a veteran's memorial, and to become the permanent home for North Carolina A&T State University baseball, the primary occupant since 2004. There has been extensive dialogue with the community, past and current Council in the form of small group meetings, work sessions and at City Council meetings over the span of a decade. These conversations allowed for meticulous vetting of all possible solutions that would best meet the needs of stakeholders while honoring the structural / historic integrity and designation of the WWMS. Out of this dialogue, considerable and comprehensive amounts of material, studies and structural reports were produced and analyzed. The City, through its Parks and Recreation Department and with the support and professional experience of North Carolina A&T State University and other private firms ascertained additional investment beyond the City's available $1.5M is required. Additionally through this multi-public / private collaboration, a conceptual plan was developed to benefit the historic Aycock neighborhood, Greensboro Farmers Curb Market and aligns with North Carolina A&T State University's Preeminence 2020 Master Plan.
The first step toward realizing elements of this plan is to formalize a partnership in the form of a deed transfer. This will allow North Carolina A&T State University to own WWMS. In addition to the City's $1.5M earmarked toward preserving the historic façade of WWMS, the University has also committed to investing any remaining City funds and additional funds toward outstanding historic preservation, restoration and rehabilitation needs to include, but not limited to improving structural integrity, infrastructure, seating and locker rooms.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The City's financial commitment to the project is an amount not to exceed a total of $1,500,000. Whereas, $1,320,736 from the City's 2008 War Memorial Stadium Obligation Bonds (462.5001-01.5931), $35,964 from the City's 2006 Parks and Recreation Facilities General Obligation Bonds (453-5010-01.5931) and $143,300 from the City's General Capital Improvement Fund (410-5017-04.5931). A budget adjustment is needed in order to use these accounts.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
The Parks and Recreation Department respectfully requests and recommends City Council approval of the attached resolution that directs the City Manager and staff to enter into negotiations and execute the deed transfer of the World War Memorial Stadium site as described above and pursuant to Section 160A-274 of the North Carolina General Statutes; (2) Authorizes the City Manager and staff upon execution of the deed transfer and acceptance of covenants to make available and transfer an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 to North Carolina A&T State University for the purposes of historic preservation.