More News

County invites public input on future use of former Crown Event Center site

By Staff Report, posted 8 months ago
The downtown lot was already cleared and ready for construction when the Board of Commissioners decided to pull the plug on the plan. 

Cumberland County is calling on residents to share their ideas for the future of the former Crown Event Center space. By participating in a brief, anonymous community survey, residents can help guide the use of the property.

In June 2025, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted 5–2 to discontinue the construction of the downtown Crown Event Center and instead explore renovation of the existing Crown Arena and Theatre. The county is now focused on reimagining the former event center site, and community input is essential to that process.

The survey allows residents to weigh in on potential uses for the space.

The survey can be found by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NZ5K58N. The brief survey is anonymous and allows community input to directly influence future planning around the downtown Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse area.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Empowering Veterans: The 2026 Fayetteville Veterans Business Expo aims to close the opportunity gap

This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th


Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle


The Hive of Hope Mills is open for business: Big T's serves as anchor tenant

Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.