The Fayetteville City Council met Dec. 2, at 2:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers for their monthly work session to discuss potential development projects in various stages relevant to the city. 

The first item of business was an Innovation District Update. At the Sept. 3, 2024, City Council work session, Mayor Colvin requested that Council direct staff to explore the concept of innovation districts and present their findings at a future work session. The majority of Council members voted in favor of the request. The presentation that was given  provided a detailed summary of the research, which outlines the key principles and benefits of innovation districts, including their potential to drive economic development and community revitalization. 

These districts are characterized by a mix of anchor institutions, start-ups, and a well-connected infrastructure, fostering collaboration across industries. The presentation also explored the strengths of Fayetteville, such as its growing tech sector and proximity to Fort Liberty, while suggesting ways to leverage public-private partnerships and creative funding resources for success. Councilmember Davis moved to accept the report and bring back this topic at the Council’s Strategic Planning retreat. This motion GAINED CONSENSUS. 

The full presentation is available here.  

 Air Service Development Incentives. The Council received a presentation from Airport leadership regarding the implementation of a new air service development incentive program, which would include a minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) to attract new direct flights to and from the Fayetteville Regional Airport. The MRG would help offset start-up costs and risks for airlines launching new services by providing local funding if the new route does not generate sufficient revenue. The Fayetteville Regional Airport applied for a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant in July 2024 but was not selected for funding. Despite this, the need for additional funding remains. The MRG incentive will be presented to Council in more detail during a future work session, with specific terms and responsibilities outlined for both the City and the airlines. Importantly, funding for the MRG will come from local sources, as FAA regulations prohibit the use of airport revenues for such incentives​ Councilmember Courtney Banks-McLaughlin moved to receive the presentation and direct staff to bring an appropriation ordinance for local funding for an MRG incentive program to Council at the next regular City Council meeting and present details of the program to Council at a future Council work session. This motion GAINED CONSENSUS. You can learn more about this item here. 

Hurley Plaza Project Update. The Hurley Plaza Project is a key part of the Downtown Redevelopment Site Project, with Phase 1 focused on enhancing the stadium area. This phase includes the installation of decorative baseball bollards along the Hay Street entrance promenade and larger bollards at the stadium entrance stairs. Additionally, a fence will be placed at the Maiden Lane entrance for pedestrian safety and to prevent parking on grassy areas. New trees, plants, and sod will be added to provide greenspace and shaded areas. Phase 1 is expected to be completed before the 2025 baseball season. Phase 2 will introduce crash-rated safety bollards at the stadium's Maiden Lane and Hay Street entrances for added pedestrian safety, with completion scheduled for fiscal year 2025-2026. Councilmember Davis moved to receive the report and move forward with the project. This motion GAINED CONSENSUS. You can learn more about this item here. 

Mayors Finch and Hurley Memorial Signs. This memorandum outlines an option for memorial signs to honor Former Mayors Beth Finch and Bill Hurley, focusing on design, material costs, and ensuring uniformity. The proposed signage includes dimensions of 5 feet wide by 8 feet tall, with a base measuring 6'x6'x6". The estimated cost for the project is between $20,000 and $25,000, with adequate funding already appropriated for both memorial signs. The proposal follows previous City Council discussions and decisions to honor Mayor Hurley by naming the plaza at Segra Stadium after him and to rename Cross Creek Park in honor of Mayor Finch​. Councilmember Deno Hondros moved to receive the report and move forward with the project. This motion GAINED CONSENSUS. You can learn more about this item here. 

The Cape Fear River Trail, a 2016 Parks and Recreation Bond Project. Moffat & Nichol, the design firm for the Cape Fear River Park, has provided a new concept plan and cost estimation for the project. This updated plan incorporates elements from the previously presented master plan that can be completed within the current $1.5 million construction budget. The budget will cover design, construction administration, and contingencies, with the estimated project timeline for design and construction ranging from 12 to 18 months. The Cape Fear River Park, located along 13 acres of the Cape Fear River, is a part of the $35 million parks and recreation bond approved by Fayetteville voters in 2016. Councilmember Davis moved to receive the report and move forward with the project. This motion GAINED CONSENSUS. You can learn more about this item here. 

The next item discussed was the update for North Carolina Veterans Park Phase 2. The design plan for North Carolina Veterans Park Phase II initially included the removal of a significant amount of soil. However, recent evaluations confirm that the elevations are stable. Ratio Architects of Raleigh has been tasked with providing an estimate to evaluate the plan and determine which elements can be completed within the current appropriated budget. Phase II aims to extend the park's footprint north, incorporating the land previously occupied by the Rowan Street bridge and on-ramp. The project, which includes walkways, community lawns, fountains, and more, faced challenges when bids for construction came in significantly above budget. Consequently, adjustments to the design and budget are being considered​. Councilmember Davis moved to receive the report and move forward with the project. This motion GAINED CONSENSUS. You can learn more about this item here. 

The next City Council Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall.  Meetings also air live on Spectrum Channel 7, at FayTV.net and on the FayTV app available on your streaming device. Meeting agendas, supporting documentation and minutes are publicly available here.