Stanly College Restaurant Raises Ethics Concerns

ALBEMARLE — According to an inquiry filed with the North Carolina Ethics Commission, Stanly Community College wants the city of Albemarle to purchase the former Big Al’s restaurant in Albemarle from Stanly Heritage Properties, then lease it to the private Stanly Community College Foundation. The inquiry suggests that the deal runs afoul of the state Umstead Act, prohibiting state agencies from establishing commercial operations that compete directly with private businesses.