§ 160A-402. Finding of necessity. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 160A‑402. Finding of necessity.

The General Assembly finds that the rapid growth and spread of urbandevelopment in the State is encroaching upon, or eliminating, many open areasand spaces of varied size and character, including many having significantscenic or esthetic values, which areas and spaces if preserved and maintainedin their present open state would constitute important physical, social,esthetic, or economic assets to existing and impending urban development. TheGeneral Assembly declares that it is necessary for sound and proper urbandevelopment and in the public interest of the people of this State for anycounty  or city to expend or advance public funds for, or to accept bypurchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise, lease, or otherwise, the fee or anylesser interest or right in real property so as to acquire, maintain, improve,protect, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve open spaces and areaswithin their respective jurisdictions as defined by this Article.

The General Assembly declares that the acquisition of interests orrights in real property for the preservation of open spaces and areasconstitutes a public purpose for which public funds may be expended oradvanced. (1963, c. 1129, s.2; 1971, c. 698, s. 1.)