§ 12. Legislative findings.

It is hereby determined and declared as a matter of legislative finding:

(a)

That as the site of the first State University in the Nation, chartered in 1789 and opening its doors to students in 1795, the Town of Chapel Hill has a special place in the historical and cultural heritage of the State.

(b)

That the State of North Carolina has through the years made a very considerable investment in the Town of Chapel Hill for the purpose of creating a University of worldwide stature and providing it with the many expensive facilities required by such a University.

(c)

That the strength of the University and the investment in its buildings may be damaged to a considerable degree by failing to afford protection to the character of the Town of Chapel Hill in which the University is situated.

(d)

That the special character of the Town of Chapel Hill is a substantial inducement in attracting faculty members of distinction and retaining such members, who are of critical importance in maintaining the strength of the University.

(e)

That the pleasant character of the Town of Chapel Hill, which has been characterized as "The Southern Part of Heaven," has been an important factor in attracting visitors from throughout the world, contributing greatly to the wealth of the town and of the State.

(f)

That because of the special character of the Town of Chapel Hill, large numbers of distinguished citizens from throughout the country have come to live in Chapel Hill upon their retirement, adding significant financial and human resources to the State.

(g)

That the pleasant character of the Town of Chapel Hill has played an important role in attracting industrial and other laboratories and eminent scientists to the Research Triangle, thus contributing greatly to the prosperity of the State.

(h)

That the special character of the Town of Chapel Hill, built through the loving care of its citizens for many generations, is currently threatened by rapid, uncoordinated, and in some cases noxious development, and that it is in the interest of the State as a whole that every effort be made to forestall such destruction.

(Acts 1965, Ch. 278, § 1)