The state government announced today a Request For Proposal (RFP) for redesigning the state’s legislative mall that stretches north of the legislative building. The RFP states:

“Recently there has been some talk among the citizenry about a destination park on the State’s long-held Dorothea Dix property. Concerns were raised in committee about the presence of art and visitors on state land, and the State has hence revoked the lease with the City of Raleigh. Too, there has been discussion among the citizenry about art installations and festivals on the legislative mall; also state land. Because the State of North Carolina is not in the arts and entertainment business, it seeks ideas to keep the citizenry off our lawn. Possible solutions include fencing off the property from the citizenry, removal of the grass, and the installation of guard dogs and alligators. This is where the state needs help. We, the State of North Carolina, seek to find ways of protecting land that is rightfully the State’s from the tyranny of vile behavior and rogue expression.”