CHARLOTTE — Discovery Place and its Board of Trustees say they are committed to repaying the full $14.6 million Mecklenburg County provided for the new Nature Museum as county leaders weigh the facility’s future.
The county’s ad hoc committee met to discuss options but did not reach a decision. The county is considering either taking over the museum or placing Discovery Place on a repayment plan.
Commissioners expressed continued frustration over the situation. Commissioner Elaine Powell compared the county’s relationship with Discovery Place to domestic violence, questioning what message a potential bailout would send.
“It is domestic violence awareness month, and we teach our youth to get out of unhealthy relationships,” Powell said. She also questioned what example the county would set if commissioners decided to bail out Discovery Place.
In a statement, Discovery Place said it recognizes the county’s responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars and welcomes the opportunity to work with county officials and financial advisers to develop a responsible, sustainable repayment plan.
The organization said it hopes the collaboration will allow the completed Nature Museum to open to Mecklenburg County families and welcome otters into their new habitat.
The committee plans to meet again before County Manager Mike Bryant meets with Discovery Place. No final decision has been announced on how the county will address the $14.6 million agreement.
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