A Fayetteville City Council meeting held March 19 was closed to discuss an issue involving freshman council member Tyrone Williams. City Attorney Karen McDonald said it involved “a potential conflict of interest regarding council member Williams … related to our economic partner, PCH.”

The city council released minutes of that meeting following another closed session March 26.

PCH Holdings is the current owner of the former Prince Charles Hotel. According to the minutes of the earlier session, former U.S. attorney Mark Calloway was retained by the city to “serve as liaison between the city, PCH and any third party.” He gave the council an overview of business transactions between Williams and John Chen, a former owner of the Prince Charles Hotel. Details were not made a part of the minutes.

Williams must recuse himself from voting on any matters related to the hotel, which PCH Holdings is renovating. It will be reopened as an apartment building.

PCH says it has no financial relationship with Williams.

Camden Road widening progress

Traffic on Camden Road has been shifted onto the newly built sections of the roadway to continue widening the highway. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is widening the road to four lanes between Oakland Avenue and Owen Drive.

About half of the two-mile segment opened last year. For the section between Natal Road and Owen Drive, Highland Paving Co. crews are completing the concrete median and rebuilding the other two lanes.

The entire project is expected to be completed by this fall.

Warmer weather means an increase in crime

As temperatures increase this spring, city police suggest residents take crime prevention precautions. Keep house doors and windows locked when you go to bed or when you’re away. Secure lawn and garden equipment in the garage or storage shed. Put ladders away, and beware of home improvement scam artists. These are among the precautions police say will reduce property crimes.

Crime prevention specialists will gladly inspect your property and offer tips on other precautions to take. Crime prevention phone numbers are 910-433-1198 or 910-433-1034.

Photo: Councilman Tyrone Williams