State? Yeah, to make it a winery of course. I don't think that is going to happen, I think some Santa Barbara elites would like to have it, the land is very valuable.
I agree, Souza !!
They would like to have it, as you can read from this article :
Calif. lawmaker ponders Neverland as state park
By CATHY BUSSEWITZ (AP) – 19 hours ago
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The former home of the King of Pop could become California's latest state park under an idea being floated by a California state lawmaker.
Assemblyman Mike Davis said Tuesday that he believes it's worth studying whether the California Department of Parks and Recreation should take over the Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County.
The Los Angeles legislator said fans from around the world would visit Michael Jackson's former estate.
Jackson's 2,500-acre estate once housed amusement park rides and a zoo with tigers and snakes, but many of the estate's attractions were dismantled or sold after his death in 2009.
Colony Capital LLC, a Santa Barbara-based private equity firm, took control of Neverland in a venture with Jackson after he nearly lost the estate to foreclosure. Jackson signed over control of the estate to Colony Capital for $35 million in 2008.
That company now co-owns the estate with the Jackson family. Colony spokesman Owen Blicksilver declined to comment on the proposal.
The success of the proposal is uncertain in a state where the budget deficit stands at $19 billion. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger previously proposed selling the state's landmark buildings to raise cash to cover the shortfall.
"Given that we have an economic shortfall ... I suspect it would be difficult for the State Parks Department to purchase the property alone," Davis said. He would propose a public-private partnership.
Davis said the plan remains only an idea at the moment and that he might introduce a bill or resolution on the matter after lawmakers return from their monthlong recess in August.
"I am committed to finding out all the details possible to make this a good proposal," Davis said.
He also said NAACP president Alice Huffman and others approached him with the idea. Huffman's office did not immediately return a call Tuesday.
It's not clear how the state would pay for even part of the ranch or ongoing costs to maintain and operate it, given recent budget cuts to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Last year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed closing 220 of California's 279 state parks to save money, but later backed down. Instead, he and lawmakers agreed to close half the parks on certain days and reduce services.
In November, Californians will vote on a ballot initiative that is designed to provide stable funding to state parks by imposing an $18 surcharge on vehicle license fees. If it's approved, vehicles with California plates would get free park admission.
Calls to the California State Parks Foundation and Republican lawmakers also were not immediately returned.
There are other signs that the proposal could be short-lived. About a year ago, residents of nearby Santa Ynez Valley organized a group to oppose any plan to turn Neverland into a tourist attraction.
It was at Neverland where authorities alleged that Jackson had molested a boy. Jackson was acquitted in 2005 and moved out of the property.
Davis said controversies surround many public figures and noted that Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, focuses on Presley's work, not issues in his personal life.
An attorney for matriarch Katherine Jackson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
I also have odd feelings about this... MJ left Neverland and vowed never to return. To me, MJs heart isnt at Neverland.
I think someone should buy it and tear it down and rebuild something new and just let the memory of MJs Neverland remain in our hearts and our minds.
I know what you mean but if they tore it all down it would break my heart <!-- s --><!-- s --> . What they did to Neverland was disgusting but it's still Michael's creation, a place he dreamt of, a place where he could enjoy himself without worrying about anything... I understand Michael not ever wanting to return but to me Neverland will always be magical because Michael has walked those grounds many many times. He felt safe there, he experienced joy there, he also made many others exeperience joy there. I'll always think of Neverland the way Michael intended it to be.
I know that this is probably all about money as usual but my selfish side really wish I could visit Neverland one day without it being demolished.
I feel the same exact way as you!!!!
Very well said, Alovesmichael, I feel the same too. Hope to visit Neverland soon (before it's demolished <!-- s:( -->:(<!-- s:( --> )
I also have odd feelings about this... MJ left Neverland and vowed never to return. To me, MJs heart isnt at Neverland.
I think someone should buy it and tear it down and rebuild something new and just let the memory of MJs Neverland remain in our hearts and our minds.
I know what you mean but if they tore it all down it would break my heart <!-- s --><!-- s --> . What they did to Neverland was disgusting but it's still Michael's creation, a place he dreamt of, a place where he could enjoy himself without worrying about anything... I understand Michael not ever wanting to return but to me Neverland will always be magical because Michael has walked those grounds many many times. He felt safe there, he experienced joy there, he also made many others exeperience joy there. I'll always think of Neverland the way Michael intended it to be.
I know that this is probably all about money as usual but my selfish side really wish I could visit Neverland one day without it being demolished.
alovesmichael, i agree with you. Although it is strange to some, but it would be a great recognition for the great artist, and especially to the great humanitarian who overstepped the boundaries for the world. Neverland was a dream of a boy who became a project and then a reality to live their days in a place where he could give the children a little joy and magic, especially those sick children to the point that he felt he could also heal them. In my opinion, California has an obligation to consider Neverland as a historical site. There is a living part of history, where people can feel a little the presence of MJ. Although he suffered in his soul all the negative things, but if somehow stop Neverland would be a "seal" in favor of the "enemy" that was bad, unjust, inhuman. If this bill passes, it will be a great success, I'm sure. <!-- s:D -->:D<!-- s:D --> Mike alive or not, this is my thought.
Comments
I agree, Souza !!
They would like to have it, as you can read from this article :
AP - Associated press <!-- m -->http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... AD9GUIH4G0<!-- m -->
<!-- l -->viewtopic.php?f=49&t=12371&p=206089&hilit=neverland+sold#p206089<!-- l -->
I just checked it <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) -->
ok, I'll merge the thread to have all the posts in one topic
Very well said, Alovesmichael, I feel the same too. Hope to visit Neverland soon (before it's demolished <!-- s:( -->:(<!-- s:( --> )
With LOVE to you Michael
alovesmichael, i agree with you. Although it is strange to some, but it would be a great recognition for the great artist, and especially to the great humanitarian who overstepped the boundaries for the world. Neverland was a dream of a boy who became a project and then a reality to live their days in a place where he could give the children a little joy and magic, especially those sick children to the point that he felt he could also heal them. In my opinion, California has an obligation to consider Neverland as a historical site. There is a living part of history, where people can feel a little the presence of MJ. Although he suffered in his soul all the negative things, but if somehow stop Neverland would be a "seal" in favor of the "enemy" that was bad, unjust, inhuman. If this bill passes, it will be a great success, I'm sure. <!-- s:D -->:D<!-- s:D --> Mike alive or not, this is my thought.