Kannapolis, NC officially assumed ownership of the 1-acre tribute site in downtown Kannapolis last week. David Murdock, owner of Atlantic American Properties and Cannon Village, donated the land and the statue. The city originally had planned to lease the site from the company for $1 a year, said Jennifer Woodford, Kannapolis public information officer. Now, Kannapolis will have control over the maintenance and development of the area. It’s a good step forward, she said. Woodford said the city plans to begin landscaping and continue working on the wall and entrances that surround the statue. We can’t thank Mr. Murdock enough for his support and his help, said City Manager Mike Mahaney in a press release. His contributions have helped to make our tribute a place that truly honors Dale Earnhardt and a place that our community can be proud of.( Independent Tribune )(3-29-2003)
