A State Park in Neverland?
Neverland, a 1,100-acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley in the U.S. state of California that was Michael’s home before the 2005 allegations and is now abandoned, may become a California state park and a major attraction.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has supported a decision that could be made by the California state authorities, and a lawmaker has also taken the initiative to introduce legislation regarding it. Alice Hoffman, president of the NAACP in California, says:
“In my opinion, Michael Jackson’s history is a global history. And I think if this idea becomes reality, it will become California’s number one attraction.”
Hoffman says that in that case, Neverland would also become one of the Black honor markers, alongside the Colonel Allensworth State Park.
Mike Duis, a member of the state lawmakers’ committee who holds a seat on the decision-making committee for arts, entertainment, sports, tourism, and internet media, says that while the details of the plan are still unclear, the idea is an outstanding and “realistic” one.
“Now that we have the chance to have his properties in the state of California, given the success of Michael Jackson’s work around the world, this park will be a very big economic opportunity for the state.”
After the end of his 2005 trial and the proving of his innocence against the sexual abuse allegations, Michael left his home and went to the Middle East and Europe. After returning to California, he never went back to Neverland, which had been raided by federal police. In 2008, he sold half of the ranch to Colony Capital, a company, which had once been a place for sick or poor children to have fun with its amusement park and private zoo. The head of that company, Thomas Barak, has expressed willingness to sell his share for $100 million.
Alice Hoffman calls this huge amount disappointing for many investors. But she points to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home, which in only 2009 managed to earn $36 million for the state of Tennessee from tourism. Of course, there are other famous places where the costs and benefits balance out and nothing is gained for the states. However, Hoffman believes that even if a lot of money isn’t made, Neverland’s historical value is enough to justify such a plan.
“Preserving history and passing it on to future generations is more valuable than money. I think it will generate money, but in any case, Neverland is a piece of California and world history that must be preserved.”
Source: eMJey / bostonherald.com