I certainly agree that something needs to be done with Neverland. In 2010 they began restoring it but I'm not sure if they finished the process. I'm pretty sure the main house is being maintained.
I understand why many fans steer clear of the topic of Neverland, but here is my take on it:
Michael had every opportunity to liquidate and sell the place when he was alive. Instead, when he defaulted on the mortgage, he saved it. Granted, his stake in the catalogue is worth a LOT more than NL, but his debts would have been eradicated if he'd just sold the ranch. He kept the catalogue because of the residuals he'd get.
Everyone around him said he wouldn't go back, but I think there was a small part of him that maybe thought one day he'd be ready to return, or would eventually be open to it. We don't know his deepest secrets, and they only belong to him. I certainly don't blame him for leaving it, nor do I fault him for being so rightfully angry and essentially traumatized by the way it was treated - not just the raids but the commentary and sensationalized spectacle. However, he was able to forgive many awful things in his lifetime that truly demonstrate the man's eternal patience and compassion. I think eventually he would have reached that forgiveness within himself enough to return (because let's be real, forgiveness isn't for those who betrayed you, it's for your own inner peace - and we know that those who tried to take it down don't care about Michael's compassion). I really truly believe that - why else would he have tried to keep it? It's not like it's a keepsake from an ex-boyfriend or something, a photo that you keep in a shoebox for fun nostalgia long after the relationship is over.
Neverland is so magical. When I went there, I only expected to see a grotesque spectacle and feel sadness (I first went when the "plan" was to have a wake at the ranch). Instead, it's a very uplifting place. There is an energy around it and I sound crazy but I feel that's where his spirit and positive energy are. I can't describe it really. I get shivers, good ones, when I'm there. There's something about it. It really took me by surprise, and it was the only place during that summer where I felt like things would eventually be okay.
Love is so much more powerful than any of the evil that tried to take it away. Michael put so much love into that place and he revered it. It's so evident when you approach the gates, even if we can't see the developed grounds (well, not easily
). It was damaged, yes, but not ruined. You can't ruin something that strong and powerful, you just can't. Neverland is a physical representation of Michael's compassion and desire for peace. It is so peaceful there.
I don't see why the Estate wouldn't restore it - maybe not to full operations, and there were rumors that they were thinking of turning it into a music school. I don't know how I'd feel about a Graceland-style thing, but maybe if it was done respectfully. The logistics of it are a nightmare as well, since the ranch is REALLY secluded, and the community wants to keep it quiet and peaceful up there. I don't blame them.
I really hope they complete the restoration though.
EDIT: didn't see the "no discussion" tag until after I posted, but we are on a forum for, you know, discussion