Airlie Gardens Foundation launches efforts to save garden from potential sale

WILMINGTON – Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre, 100+ year old historic garden that is one of the most cherished landmarks in North Carolina. Today, this landmark is threatened. New Hanover County Commissioners are considering the sale of Airlie as a way to close the county’s current budget gap.

The Gardens were purchased by New Hanover County in 1999 with a mission to be a historic public garden with cultural and environmental education for local residents and visitors. The purchase was made possible by a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the commitment of the New Hanover County Commissioners, the cooperation of the previous owner (the Corbett family), and the support of local residents. The grant required a permanent conservation easement from the County over a buffer area along Bradley Creek, meaning that 20 acres of Airlie can never be developed. However, there are no restrictions on the remaining 47 acres, which could be sold and developed by the county.

According to Bob Martenis, chairman of the Airlie Gardens Foundation, many local residents are very surprised to learn that the County has the ability to sell the Gardens. “I doubt any of the county commissioners would willingly sell Airlie, but if the 1/4 cent sales tax referendum on the May 4 ballot does not pass, their hands may be tied,” said Martenis. “The Airlie Gardens Foundation encourages New Hanover County residents to vote yes for the referendum to ensure valuable resources like Airlie Gardens can be saved from future budget cuts.”

County Commissioner Bill Caster has publicly stated that he supports preserving Airlie Gardens in perpetuity through conservation easements, and says he plans to speak to his fellow commissioners about exploring the pros and cons of the various easement opportunities available. “We applaud Mr. Caster for his foresight and leadership and look forward to working closely with all the County Commissioners for a resolution that is in the best interest of Airlie Gardens and New Hanover County,” said Martenis.

The Foundation is working to educate local residents about the many reasons that Airlie Gardens should be saved from sale now and in the future. Detailed below are five of those reasons:

1. Airlie Gardens is an important economic development engine that attracts 88,000 tourists from around the world each year and motivates businesses and families to locate here.

2. Airlie Gardens is a non-profit that is run like a business. It is one of New Hanover County’s best financial success stories. Airlie Gardens’ goal is to be 100% self sufficient and financially independent from the county. That goal is within reach. Detailed below is a summary of what Airlie Gardens has been able to raise.

Total Revenues – $594,077

Donated to NHC – $443,580

Endowment – $1,250,540

Total Net Assets – $1,400,951

The above information was taken from 2008 and 2007 IRS form 990’s

3. Airlie is a true community garden enjoyed by and accessible to all county residents. Admission is just $5.00 per person and the gardens are free and open to the public a minimum of one Saturday per month. More than 7,000 students visit Airlie for hands-on learning each year. The Gardens feature ADA accessible pathways and trams.

4. Airlie has a rich history as the former home of railroad magnate Pembroke Jones, from whom the phrase “keeping up with the Jones” originated. It is the site of the original Azalea Festival, now in its 63rd year.

5. The sale of Airlie Gardens would be the first time in state history that a county or municipality would sell preserved land. This sets a precedent that threatens green space throughout the entire state.

Facts About Airlie Gardens
* Established in 1901, Airlie Gardens offers a combination of formal gardens, wildlife, walking trails, sculptures, creek views, 10-acres of freshwater lakes, and the 462-year-old Airlie Oak.
* Airlie features over 100,000 azaleas and countless camellia cultivars and was named one of the top 50 camellia gardens in the country.
* Airlie Gardens is home to the award-winning Minnie Evans Sculpture Garden that features the unique “Bottle House.”
* Airlie will open its prized Butterfly House on April 29, 2010.

For more information, go to www.airliegardens.org.

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