New Hanover County close to purchasing 61-acre Bryan Tract on Independence Blvd

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County is close to purchasing more than 60 acres of land along Independence Blvd to preserve as community green space.

It’s one of the largest undeveloped properties in Wilmington’s city limits.

The purchase agreement will go before the Board of Commissioners for approval on May 5th.

Acquiring the Bryan Tract is in keeping with the county’s strategic plan on sustainable land use and environmental stewardship.

As Commissioner Dane Scalise explained, it also honors the wishes of Flossie Bryan, a longtime New Hanover County resident whose will, more than two decades ago, wanted the property to benefit the public.

“Flossie Bryan left this property to the county with the expectation that it would be kept green, that it would be turned into a park,” Scalise said. “We’re honoring her legacy by buying this property and planning to do just that, to make this a green space.”

If commissioners approve the property agreement, the county will buy the property for $11.6 million.

Since the county already holds a 2/3 ownership share, the county’s financial obligation will only be about $4 million.