For seven years now, a planned Third Ward park honoring Charlotte-born artist Romare Bearden has been on hold, despite voters? 2004 bond vote in favor of the $9M project. Mecklenburg County never sold the bonds because of the sluggish economy and a self-imposed ?debt diet? adopted a few years ago. But this week, the commission?s Natural Resources Committee is expected to discuss resuscitating the project in time to mark the 100th anniversary of the artist?s birth.

The 5.2-acre park parcel is at Mint and Church streets. The design is based on work by public artist Norie Sato, who was inspired by Bearden?s art. (Above is Bearden?s 1972 Blue Shade.) Bearden was born in Charlotte in 1912 and once lived near the proposed project site. The park will contain two gardens paying homage to his primary muses, his mother and grandmother.