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01.29.26

Sandy New lease for Millennial Campus at Greensboro

 

North Carolina A&T Millennial Campus

HBCU  institution North Carolina A&T, one of the state's two land grant institutions, has programs throughthe doctoral level. Its programs include engineering, arts and sciences, agricultural and environmental sciences, business and economics, education, nursing, technology, and graduates studies.  “ The expected roles of a land-grant institution, is teaching agriculture and engineering, and providing cooperative extension services”.  NC A&T's 2001 amend University Master Plan called for developing 75 acres  of land along East Lee Street targeted to develop new opportunities for both research and education in both the private and academic arenas between the University's technology and agricultural research and its students, which didn't include across-town historical white UNC Greensboro and its affiliated members of the Greensboro business community.
 

Negotiation began in 2002 and September 2004 NC A&T State University celebrated the sighing of Memorandum of Understanding  with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the opening of the National Resources Conservation Services Eastern Regional Technology Center whose service area consisted of 24 states and the Caribbean area. The Greensboro Center was also home to the remote sensing lab.  The Memorandum of Understanding says A&T has a working farm with modern facilities and farm equipment. NRCS will benefit from the use of this farm by  being able to provide hands-on training to NRCS employees. NRCS can sponsor field studies that can serve as demonstrations to both NRCS trainees and also local and regional farmers.
This memorandum of understanding (MOU) is between the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural resources Conservation Services, herein after referred to as the NRCS, and the North Carolina A&T State University, herein referred to as A&T.
 

Request for Proposals by Gateway University Research Park for Construction The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering- dated Sept. 1, 2004

Project Overview: 
The JSNN will support established research programs with faculty from the two universities and will have its own faculty lines as well. The primary goal of the school is to be a world leader in research, nano-related education, and outreach. The JSNN will promote Research goals, Education goals, and Outreach goals. To meet these goals, the JSNN will require specialized, state-of-the-art industrial quality research space. These will include laboratories for life sciences, engineering, materials science and other spaces requiring tightly controlled environments.  
 

The constituent university where the Project will be constructed:


Gateway University Research Park, South Campus
2900 East Lee Street Greensboro, NC 27401

 
Note: In 2003 Gateway University Research Park didn't exits. The Greensboro Center for Innovative Development would change its name in 2006 to Gateway University Research Park, Inc.
 
Note: SACS-COC Policy Statement: Separate Accreditation for extended units of a Member institution. For Units of a Member Institution extended unit to be eligible for accreditation as a separate institution it must offer a degree and separate from the main campus. Procedure for an Extended Unit Seeking Separate Accreditation  (.1) Application for Membership, including all documentation required to demonstrate compliance with Core Requirements 2.1- 2.11,  [2.1 The institution has degree-granting authority from the appropriate government agency or agencies. (Degree-granting Authority).
 
GCID John Merrill & NC A&T Renick " It maybe the USDA is our first tenant at the south campus the result of them leasing a long term lease will allow us to build a structure out there" Video Report
 
Feb. 2, 2006, Lease Agreement between the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development and UNCG was considered before UNCG Board of Trustee's Business Affairs Committee. Tom Ross moved to approve the recommendation leasing Identified JMC. William Pratt seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved for recommendation to the full Board.

John (Merrill) stated that the ground lease was designed to give more flexibility for development, use state funds and work with the facility staff of both UNCG and NCA&T. The USDA is a possibility for the anchor tenant.  The template was designed by Skip Capone, Leslie Winner and representative from NC A&T and the Financial Department in General Administration. Following approval by both Boards of Trustees, the lease will be submitted to the Board of Governors, then the Council of State and finally the Governor. Emphasis added.
 
NC A&T Board of  Trustees Table Lease Agreement between the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development and UNCG and NC A&T
 
Allegedly, Mr. Merrill presented  Ground Lease Agreement between the State of North Carolina and Greensboro Center for Innovative Development (GCID), Feb. 15, 2006 seeking approval of the Ground Lease by the Board so that GCID can be granted control of the two millennial campus properties as the development moves forward Documents presented to the Board of Trustees when considering was Ground Lease Agreement and Resolutions : In Support of the Creation of a Joint Millennial Campus between NC A&T and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro dated Aug. 22, 2003.[ 20120327105608787.pdf]] [NC A&T-PR]. called for joining with UNCG to establish a joint Millennial campus whose real estate consisted of the former School of the Deaf property allocated to the Board of Governors to established a joint Millennial Campus, constituting one property, without a syllable pertaining to additional Real Estate nor 75-acre parcel of land on NC A&T farmland.
 
Memorandum from Chair Velma Speight-Bluford to Executive Committee dated February 22, 2008 RE: Ground Lease Agreement-Millennial Campus stated: At the Board meeting on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, John Merrill, Director of the Greensboro Center for innovative Development, presented for approval a Ground lease Agreement Between
The State of North Carolina (Lessor) and Greensboro Center for Innovative Development. Inc. (Lessee) for the Joint Millennial Campus of Greensboro, North Carolina..
 
Chairwoman Speight-Buford February 22, 2006 Memorandum to the Board of Trustees Executive Committee , By majority vote, the Board decided that more time was needed to review the document (Ground Lease Agreement Between the State of North Carolina (Lessor) and the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, Inc. (Lessee) for the Joint Millennial Campus of Greensboro, NC.) I announced that I would seek approval of the document by way of the Executive CommitteePursuant bylaws NC. A&T Executive Committee acting alone did not have the authority to over ride the full board decision.
 
March 06, 2006 the General Services Administration "GSA" posted notice U.S. Government Intends to Lease Space on the NC A&T Millennial Campus in Greensboro, North Carolina (Solicitation Number: TNCOO75). Response date March 10, 2006.
Location: A negotiated action under Solicitation 5NC0075 will result in a non-competitive award to locate the USDA Natural Resources Conversation Service's East National Technical Center and East Remote Sensing Laboratory on the North Carolina A&T State University Millennium Campus.
Amount of Space: The U.S. government intends to lease a total of 24,680 rentable square feet921,461 contiguous BOMA usable square feet ) and six (6) reserved outside parking spaces based on the determination that this is within the best interest of the U.S. Government. This space will be made available for use buy the USDA Natural Resources Conversation Service's East National Technical Center and East Remote Sensing Laboratory personnel, furnishings and equipment to maintain mission critical engineering, research, development, and academic requirements.
 
Received from the State Property Office, pursuant  Public Record Requests  was an UNC System application Acquisition of Real property by lease (PO-1) dated March 13, 2006 for the purpose of establishing  Joint Millennial Campus for North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&T) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).  
 
Purpose: To establish Joint Millennial Campus for NC A&T State University and the University of North Carolina at  Greensboro.
 
Description of  Property. Two parcels: Approximately 75-acres of property located adjacent to the NCA&T Farm and Located on Lee Street. Approximately 75 acres of property and facilities formerly know as the Central North Carolina School for the Deaf.
 
 PO-1 form section Complete if Agency has a Governing Board., allege Action recommending the above request was taken by the Governing Board of NCA&T and UNCG and is recorded in the minutes thereof on  was blank as well as the _(date) as well no signature and title indicated.
 
Email from John R. Merrill to Terrance Feravich (UNC-GA) Subject Ground Lease stated: "Following up on the ground lease issue for the GCID.  I have downloaded the PO1 from the state property office and I need to connect with the attorney's for the universities to complete the document (at least to the best of our ability). I realize we're under the gun to get this on the April agenda but what's my deadline.? Emphasis added.
Email from John R. Merrill to Terrance Feravich (UNC-GA) Subject Ground Lease  indicate  Greensboro Center for Innovative Development ( non-state agency) was complicit with UNC System PO1.
 


Notwithstanding  Erskine Bowles General Administration created Acquisition of Real Property PO-1, dated March 13, 2006, for submission to Department of Administration, State Property Office for the purpose to establish Joint Millennial Campus 

 
   
for NCA&T and UNCG; claiming this action has  been approved by NCA&T and UNCG Board of Trustees.  

The Bowles Administration created and recommended approval of UNC BOG document Lease of Joint Millennial Campus – North Carolina  A&T State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, May 2006, alleging:
 

  • The Board of Governors approved, the designation of the land (formerly the Central School for the Deaf) reallocated to the Board of Governors by the 2003 Session of the General Assembly and a 75-acre parcel of land currently comprising a portion of the NCA&T State University Farm as a Joint Millennial Campus,
  • Now, the Boards of Trustees of NCA&T and UNCG are requesting permission to execute a ground lease of the land and existing improvements for the Joint Millennial Campus to the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, a jointly-controlled and jointly-funded 501(c) (3) entity that will administer the educational, research, and economic development mission of the Joint Millennial.
 
NCGS: 116-198.34 (8b): upon formal request by the constituent institutions, the Board of Governors may authorize two or more constituent institutions which meet the requirements of this section to create a Joint Millennial.   (UNC Policy Manual 600.1.3 ). Any proposal involving the acquisition or disposition by the institution of any interest in real property shall be recommended by the Board of Trustees.
 
Public Record requests to Erskine Bowles UNC BOG/GA for the statutory requirements to establish the NC A&T/UNCG joint Millennial Campus (JMC) , allegedly made by Committee on Budget and Finance, expressed by Greensboro Attorney Jim W. Phillips, Jr. before the Committee and Board of Governors [ Designation of Millennial Campuses – North Carolina A&T State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro- Oct. 10, 2003,]; And  Erskine Bowles Administration Lease of Joint Millennial Campus – North Carolina A&T State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro - May 2006.
 
 
Reply from Ms. Joni Worthington [Vice President for Communications UNC General Administration] ” we have provided hundreds of pages of documents related to the establishment of the joint campus and joint school. If the requested documents exist, they would be included in the documents we’ve already provided, since I’ve given you everything we have.”  Emphasis added. Notwithstanding hundreds of pages of documents, including multiple copies of the same email,  related to the establishment of the joint campus and joint school UNC BOG/GA didn't produce Board authorization establishing the (NC A&T & UNCG) Joint Millennial Campus and NCGS § 116-198.34.(8b) statutory requirement/ lease:
Consultations and recommendations establishing the Joint Millennial Campus;
•Documents the basis for the determination that the campuses had the administrative and fiscal capacity required;
•President Recommendation to establish Joint Millennial campuses;
•NC A&T and UNCG Request to Establish Joint Millennial;
•NCA&T and UNCG Request to Lease alleged Joint Millennial Campus land and facilities to the Greensboro Center for Innovative development, Inc
See Certified
 
The Board of Governors May 12, 2006 pass Lease of Joint Millennial Campus, NCA&T and UNCG on the consent agenda.
UNC BOG document Lease of Joint Millennial Campus – North Carolina A&T State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro was approved by the Hanna Cage Committee on Budget and Finance; forward to full UNC BOG where it was approved on the consent agenda, to be forwarded to be processed by the State Property Office.
 
NCGS § 146-28. Agency must file application with Department; Department must investigate. 

Any State agency desiring to sell, lease, or rent any land owned by the State or by any State agency shall file with the Department of Administration 
an application setting forth the facts relating to the proposed transaction, and shall furnish the Department with such additional information as the Department may request relating thereto. Upon receipt of such application, the Department of Administration shall promptly investigate all aspects of the proposed transaction, including particularly present and  future State need for the land proposed to be conveyed, leased, or rented. Emphasis added.
 
 
UNC Constituent Universities and General Administration may acquire or dispose of property by lease. (UNC Policy Manual 600.1.3 ). Any proposal involving the acquisition or disposition by the institution of any interest in real property shall be recommended by the Board of Trustees.
All real property transactions that require approval beyond the campus level are to be initiated by submission of the Form PO-1 for acquisitions and  Form PO-2 for dispositions to the State Property Office. 600.1.4 (4.)  Upon the approval of the Board, the University's Associate Vice President for Finance and Property Officer forwards such proposals to the Council of State for final action.
 
In 2006, the Board delegated authority to the President to execute leases with annual costs up to $350,000 and property acquisitions or dispositions for up to $500,000. Actions under delegated authority would e reported to the Committee at its next meetings.
 
Mr. Terrance C. Feravich, P.E., UNC University Property Officer document addressed to Joseph H. Henderson, Director, State Property Office says Please find attached property actions approved by the Board of Governors at their May 12, 2006 meeting. Other back-up materials including PO-1s and/or PO-2's are also attached where appropriate. Please seek approval of these actions by the Governor and Council of State and the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations if required. 

Mr. Terrance C. Feravich, P.E., University Property Officer May 15, 2006 letter to Department of Administration didn't included application ( Form PO-2) pertain to DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY by Lease for Lease of Joint Millennial Campus – North Carolina A&T State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

 
I am aware this is a joint project of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and the  University of North Carolina at Greensboro..[26]
 
Received from the State Property Office, Kevin Holland, Contracting Officer GSA July 3, 2006 letter to John Merrill.

Re: U.S. Department of Agriculture, natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Lease Project, Greensboro , NC
This correspondence correspondence to your June 30, 2006 inquiry concerning the status of this project as a firm action that will move forward. As I have advised on   numerous occasions and want to reiterate, this particular project is an endeavor which was approved by the U.S. General Services Administration as a

 sole-source" procurement based upon the unique requirements provided by the NRCS...As such, we have been working and are committed to diligently pursing satisfaction of NRCS need for space to be located on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University through a negotiated lease procurement.  As I am aware this is a joint project of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University  and  the University of  North Carolina at Greensboro. Emphasis added
 
 
Bridgette L. Chase, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, August 8, 2006 Email to Mr. John R. Merrill, Executive Director GCID indicated. This letter is in regards to SFO #5NC0075 for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Greensboro, North Carolina. Please carefully review your proposal for the project located at the North Carolina A&T University Campus, Greensboro, North Carolina and submit your best and Final Offer (BAFO) no later than close of business on August 15, 2006. Emphasis added.
 
August 14, 2006 Terrance Feravich email to Joe Henderson, John Webb,  CC Robert Nelson; John Merrill: I was hoping that we might have an opportunity to sit and walk through any hurdles that you see in proposed lease between NCA&T/UNCG joint Millennial Campus and GCID.   Talking with John of Friday.  I've learned that he has gained a significant commitment from the USDA for up to a 50,000 sq. ft. new building.  While they understand that we are working hard at getting things properly set-up for all parties and are being patient, my sense is that it would be in the best interest of this new venture to get that first client off to a healthy and timely start.  I'll be in Raleigh Wednesday for a couple of meetings ... and would welcome the opportunity to work the issues that you are see in the lease.  I know that John Merrill is also pretty flexible this week is well.  Sorry to be a bit of a pest with this important issue and I appreciate your understanding.  
 

Original Message from Terrance Feravich to john web
cc Robert nelson: John R. Merrill sent August 14, 2005

Joseph Henderson wrote:
Terry

We can deal with the new building under our existing procedures. Let's not let the proposed lease get in the way of that.

My view of the proposed lease is that the General Assembly limited the millennial campuses to space leases not exceeding ten years. I was present at the committee meetings and have an understanding of the concerns at that time and why the ten year limit was imposed and the Council of State was kept in the process. I can't support an action (this lease) that circumvents the general assembly's intent. There are number of ways to provide for the effective administration of this campus other that the proposed lease. Emphasis added.

 
From Joseph Henderson to Terrance Feravich, CC: John Webb Thursday, August 17, 2006 Subject: NCA&T-UNCG Joint Millennial Camus (email)

Terry:

I have now read the agreement, lease, background info put out by GCID. GCID articles of incorporation and bylaws, and reviewed the pertinent general statues. It appears to me that A&T and UNCG set out on a course that was from the beginning contrary to the current statues governing millennial campuses.

Clearly, background info on GCID, the articles and bylaws, anticipate GCID taking title to the land and buildings and managing the real property of the campus. Yet, Chapter 116, Article 21B, contemplates the handling of real property pursuant to Chapter 146 except for the limited a case of disposition by lease of space (only) not exceed a term of ten years.
 
A transfer of the real property to GCID (by leaser or otherwise) would remove the Department of Administration, Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and Governor and Council of State from any oversight of the real property transactions. While we may have the latitude to do it (the lease), I am certain uncomfortable with the concept which I believe circumvents the Legislative intent.
 
The formation of and purpose of the GCID raises other questions.  As a creation of the two campuses, are its meetings open to the public and are its records subject to the public records law? should they be? What was intent of the two trustee boards and what is the desire of the Board of Governors?
 
Given the appointment/election process for directors of GCID, how much control, if any, do the boards of trustees of the two institutions and the Board of Governors retain over the actions of GCID? It's hard to say who is in charge but my reading of the bylaws indicates the trustees and Board of Governors may have little say over, little knowledge of GCID' s actions except with GCID' cooperation.
 
It seems the cart is before the horse. If the real estate on the millennial campus is to be managed as contemplated by the agreement and lease, the General Assembly should be consulted and the legislation changed to allow it without manipulation or circumvent current statues.
 
In the interim, we will work with...and the campus to efficiently handle all contemplated real estate transactions.  Emphasis added
 
John R. Merrill, Executive Director Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, e-mail to Tommy Cline, dated Feb. 10, 2006 Subject UNCG/NC A&T Joint Millennial Campus said: A couple of months ago, I mentioned we were working on a ground lease for the UNCG/NCA&T Joint Millennial Campus here in Greensboro (the former Central North Carolina 
School for the Deaf and a similar size parcel adjacent to the NC A&T  farm property). We have completed the "draft" and it has been accepted by Greensboro Center for Innovative Development (GCID) Board of Directors( January 31, 2006) and the UNCG Board of Trustees (February 2, 2006). We present it to the NCA&T Board of Trustees on February 15, 2006 and we are confident it will be approved. Upon approval, it will go to the UNC Board of Governors for their approval and then it will formally come to the State Property Office for review. " "I wanted to get a copy to you in advance for your convenience...attached is that copy." "Please note the document was crafted with counsel for both universities (Skip Capone and Camile Kluttz-Leach), the GCID (Lee Lloyd and Bo Rodenbough), and the UNC System (Leslie Winner and Rob Nelson..." (emphasis added) [SPO -PRR] John R. Merrill Feb 10, 2006 email to Tommy Cline Subject Ground Lease - UNCG/NC A&T Joint Millennial Campus.
Draft Lease Ground lease Agreement between The State of North Carolina (Lessor) and Greensboro Center for Innovative Development (Lessee) for Joint Millennial Campus Greensboro, North Carolina.  Land 1.1.3  The two separate tracts or parcels of real estate, denominated the North Campus and South Campus and collectively comprising the" Joint Millennial Campus" homonymic terminology consistent Chancellor Sullivan and Renick Sept. 24, 2006 proposed Joint Millennial Campus and Board of Governors alleged Oct. 10, 2003 designated JMC obfuscated lease real estate wasn't statutory (NC. GS. § 116-198.34.(8b) designated JMC.
 
Leasing agent with the State Property Office Pan  Strickland contacted GCID Executive Director John Merrill in regards to lease forwarded to (Attorney General Office) Tommy Cline via email March 01, 2006.
 
 
Feb. 2, 2006, Lease Agreement between the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development and UNCG was considered before UNCG Board of Trustee's Business Affairs Committee. Tom Ross moved to approve the recommendation leasing Identified JMC. William Pratt seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved for recommendation to the full Board.

John (Merrill) stated that the ground lease was designed to give more flexibility for development, use state funds and work with the facility staff of both UNCG and NCA&T. The USDA is a possibility for the anchor tenant.  The template was designed by Skip Capone, Leslie Winner and representative from NC A&T and the Financial Department in General Administration. Following approval by both Boards of Trustees, the lease will be submitted to the Board of Governors, then the Council of State and finally the Governor. Emphasis added.
 
Letter dated Aug. 16, 2006 from Joseph H. Henderson, Director NC Department of Administration to State Budget Officer David McCoy soliciting input pertaining to Lease stated UNC-General Administration is pressing to move forward with the 50-year lease (the agreement with GCID has already been executed)."


Lease was executed  for real property identified as Joint Millennial Campus with the Greensboro Center for Innovated Development, which has not been approved by the by the Council of State, Governmental Operations, reviewed by the Attorney General and sighed by the Governor.

 
Expansion of Millennial Campus - The University of North Carolina System Office  May 25, 2022
Issue overview  indicate  G.S. 116-198.34  grants the Board of Governors authority to designate real property as a millennial campus. 
 
The University System Office ( UNC System Office)  requesting an expansion of its millennial campus to include the Spangler Complex.  The UNC System Office previous designated 150 acres as a millennial campus consisting of Gateway Research Park-North Campus in Brown Summit, NC and Gateway Research Park-South Campus in Greensboro, NC. The millennial campus is leased to Gateway Research Park.
 
Pursuant Public Record laws, request for documents establishing UNC system Office Millennial Campus designation for Gateway-Research Park-North Campus in Brown Summit, NC and Gateway Research Park-South Campus in Greensboro, NC. and lease was made (Request 22-23).  No PRR-22-23 document referred to UNC System Millennial campus and its lease to Gateway Research Park.
 

PRR 22-23 S. L. 2003-284

Notwithstanding NCA&T's 2001 Master Plan update calling for establishing a university Millennial Campus at the farm, credited in the media as the work of UNC-G district NC Senator Kay Hagan, June 30, 2003, the General Assembly, Session Law 2003-284, Section 6.20, reallocated former Central School of the Deaf from the State property Office to UNC BOG to be used for the establishment of Millennium campuses of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
 
 
NCGS 116- 198.33(4b) (2000) : The term "Millennial Campus" means all real property and appurtenant facilities designated by the Board of Governors as part of a Millennial Campus of a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina .... Lacking Board of Governor Designation of millennial campus defined by NCGS 116-198.34 Session Law 2003-284, Section 6.20, remained relocated to UNC Board of  Governors.

 
 

Sandy New lease for Millennial Campus at Greensboro

 

Lease Award document addressed to Mr. John Merrill Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, re-name Gateway Research Park, indicated Enclosed are copies of the SF-2, Lease for Real Property for Contract GS-04B-46101 which were prepared and reflect acceptance of the Greensboro Center for Innovation Development revised and corrected offer date August 15, 2006 to lease approximately 24,732 rentable square feet ....to be located at the Research Facility One, One Technology Drive, Greensboro, NC and as further identified in your offer for the USDA National Resource conservation Service. As previously advised, the lease term will be for the period beginning on or about November 1, 2007 and ending Oct 31, 2017 (10 years). Mr. Kevin C. Holland, contracting Officer, General Services Administration.. Emphasis added.
 
John Merrill email to Joseph Henderson dated Oct. 19,2006 says Hi Joe, First I you know that we have received the leave award from the USD, space at the South Campus. I have attached a copy of the lease.

 Prior to Council of  State approval of Lease of allege NC A&T / UNCG Joint Millennial Campus, to Greensboro Center for Innovative Development.  GCID Executive Director John Merrill Oct.  2006 sign lease for space for USDA facility on NC A&T farm at yet to be built facility  Research Facility One, One Technology Drive, Greensboro, NC, .
 
By the way what is the schedule for GCID to execute the USDA Lease? Does that sublease also need to e on the November Council of State agenda or can we wait until the December meeting.


Joseph Henderson email subject: Re; Follow-up, dated Oct. 20, 2006 to John Merrill asked: By the way, what is the schedule for GCID to execute the USDA Lease? Does that sublease also need to be on the November Council of State agenda or  can we wait until the December meeting.

 


John Merrill email dated Oct. 23, 2006 to Joseph Henderson Subject: Re: Follow Up.  Regarding the USDA. Assuming we have the Ground Lease issues resolved by mid to late November, the USDA deal is sublease for space only. The GCID would be construction the facility (using non-state funds) and would lease a portion of the facility to the USDA for a 5 year "firm" term w/ a 5 year stated option. So the entire lease would be 10 years or less, which I understood did not require COS approval. is that not the case?

 
Joseph Henderson email dated Oct. 23, 2006 to John Merrill, Subject RE. Follow up  said, John you are correct! For some reason I though the USDA Lease was a 20 year deal (5 year  firm). 
 
John Merrill email dated Oct. 23, 2006 to Joseph Henderson Subject: Re: Follow Up.  Regarding the USDA. Stated "Assuming we have the Ground Lease issues resolved by mid to late November, the USDA deal is sublease for space only."

Statements indicate Ground Lease agreement between NC A&T/UNCG and GCID was not resolved, yet GCID signed sublease with the USDA for space in  facility to be constructed on the pending leased property. 
Unambiguous  GCID Executive Director John Merrill USDA  sublease  was not pursuant lease of  land  accomplished within the guidelines, procedures, and policies of the North Carolina Department of Administration and  approved by the Council of State.
 
N.C. G.S. 116-198.34(5) 10-year Space lease exemptions applies only to Board of Governor designated G.S. 116-198.33(4b) Millennial Campuses
 
Lease Award document addressed to Mr. John Merrill Greensboro Center for Innovative Development reflecting acceptance of the Greensboro Center for Innovation Development lease offer for the USDA National Resource conservation Service. Lease term was the period beginning on or about November 1, 2007 and ending Oct 31, 2017 (10 years) , email to SPO Dir. Joseph Henderson.
 
Original Message from Terrance Feravich to John Web
cc Robert nelson: John R. Merrill sent August 14, 2005

Joseph Henderson wrote:
Terry

We can deal with the new building under our existing procedures. Let's not let the proposed lease get in the way of that.
 

My view of the proposed lease is that the General Assembly limited the millennial campuses to space leases not exceeding ten years. I was present at the committee meetings and have an understanding of the concerns at that time and why the ten year limit was imposed and the Council of State was kept in the process. I can't support an action (this lease) that circumvents the general assembly's intent. There are number of ways to provide for the effective administration of this campus other that the proposed lease. Emphasis added.
 
Lucien Capone [UNCG attorney] email dated 09.07/2006 to Don teeter NC Dept. of Justice, Subject Joint Millennial Campus ground lease : Item (2) The statute proving an exception from Governors and Council of State approval for space leases of 10 years or less is G.S. 116-198.34(5).

 

 
§ 116-198.34. General powers of Board of Governors
 
The Board may exercise any one or more of the following powers:
To acquire, hold, lease, and dispose of real and personal property in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties hereunder and to lease all or any part of any project or projects and any existing facilities upon such terms and conditions as the Board determines, subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 and Chapter 146 of the General Statutes.
 
Notwithstanding G.S. 143-341 and Chapter 146 of the General Statutes, a disposition by easement, lease, or rental agreement of space in any building on the Centennial Campus, on the Horace Williams Campus, or on a Millennial Campus made for a period of 10 years or less shall not require the approval of the Governor and the Council of State. All other acquisitions and dispositions made under this subdivision are subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-341 and Chapter 146 of the General Statutes. Emphasis added.
 
No statuary NCGS: 116-198.34 (8b) NC A&T/ UNCG Joint Millennial Campus was designated by UNC Board of Governors
 
The State Property Office received Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, Inc. timeline which indicated no JMC was designated Oct. 2003 etc., Erskine Bowles  Administration  PO-1 dated March 16, 2006 Acquisition by Leases for the purpose of establishing a NC A&T/UNCG Joint Millennial Campus, and UNC Greensboro Board of  Trustee  February 2, 2006 Action Item: Lease Agreement between the Greensboro Center for Innovative  Development and UNCG and NC A&T for property identified as the Joint Millennial Campus. 
 
UNC-G August 31, 2006 Action Item: Master Plan for the South Campus of the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, the Joint Millennial campus of UNCG and NC A&T
 
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Board of Trustees Business Affairs Committee August 31, 2006 Action Item: Master Plan for the South Campus of the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, the Joint Millennial campus of UNCG and NC A&T was considered two month after May Board of Governors approval of Lease of alleged Joint Millennial Campus and three month before alleged Lease of Joint Millennial Campus was considered by the Council of State. Chancellor Sullivan introduced John Merrill, Director of the GCID, and gave a short history of the Joint Millennial Campus to the new members of the Board of Trustees. John presented a power point presentation of findings of the consultant firm working on the Master Plan for the campus. John Merrill then requested approval from this Board of the Master Plan for the South Campus of the JMC (75 acres adjacent to the NC A&T Farm).

August 31, 2006 Action Item Background Information says " In January 2006, a ground Lease was approved and recommended for approval by the Board of Governors.. .of the properties identified as the JMC."

UNCG August 31, 2006 Action Item: Master Plan for the South Campus of the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, the Joint Millennial campus of UNCG and NC A&T clearly associated UNC Board of  Governors un-law ground lease of Identified Joint Millennial Campus as alleged NCGS: 116-198.34. (8b)  NC A&T/ UNCG Joint Millennial Campus.
 

 
UNC-G August 31, 2006 Action Item: Master Plan for the South Campus of the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, the Joint Millennial campus of UNCG and NC A&T Recommended by John Merrill Background Information says " In January 2006, a ground Lease was approved and recommended for approval by the Board of Governors.. .of the properties identified as the JMC." GCID Executive Director knew or should have known ground lease was for property identified as the JMC.
 
Complex Name UNC-GA Gateway University Research Park
 
In accordance with General Statutes 143-341 and 146 State Property Office Maintain a complete and accurate inventory of State owned lands, buildings, and space in buildings.  State Property Office inventory of State-owned lands, buildings, and space in buildings, Public Record Land Lease listing 3-26-2013.pdf did not list Lease of  Joint Millennial Campus, Lessor NC A&T and UNCG, Lessee Greensboro Gateway University Research Park, 5900 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, Guilford County,  Area Joint Millennial Campus.


Complex UNC-GA Gateway University Research Park, Lessor UNC General Administration, lessee Gateway University Research Park, property Address 5900 Summit Avenue, Greensboro term 50 years. Comment:
 

Property to be developed as a Joint Millennial Campus for NCA&T State University and UNC-Greensboro to support the education and research missions of the Campuses and to foster economic development and entrepreneurial activity in the Region.

 
Greensboro Center for Innovative Development Executive Director John Merrill and The State Property office knew or should have known no statuary NCGS: 116-198.34. (8b)  NC A&T/ UNCG Joint Millennial Campus was designated Oct. 2003 enabling  Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, Inc.  to administer the educational, research, and economic development mission of  a Joint Millennial Campus.  No lawful leased was executed  by Board of Governors  to the Greensboro Center for Innovative Development, Inc. for NCA&T/UNCG JMC for Session Law 2003-284, Section 6.20, land and facilities and 75-acre parcel of NC A&T Farmland.   G.S. 116-198.34(5) exemptions  did not apply to GCID Lease  with USDAas well as any Lease of Joint Millennial Campus -North Carolina A&T State University and The University of North Carolina.
 
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