City of Fayetteville
For some, another place to get a 7-11 Slurpee, a short distance from Methodist University and surrounding neighborhoods, is a blessing. For others, they felt it was not a good fit for the commercial corner at the corner of McArthur Road and Stacy Weaver Drive in North Fayetteville and lobbied against the new convenience store with fuel sales.
Regardless, on Aug. 25, the rezoning request for the 2.1-acre parcel was approved. The intersection, which houses a public library, a grocery store and a Circle K convenience store, has had commercial activity on it since 1995. The property also aligned with the Future Land Use Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance, that the permitted uses and development standards for the district are appropriate for the site, given surrounding zoning and land uses, and there are no anticipated negative impacts to public health, safety, morals or general welfare.
Those voting in opposition were Mayor Mitch Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen and Councilman Mario Benavente.
In other news, the Economic and Community Development Department, in collaboration with the Office of Community Safety, awarded 20 grants totaling $84,500 for programs focusing on crime reduction through the Empowering Community Safety Micro-Grant Program.
The programs and activities ranged from community crime prevention to youth workshops and aimed to inspire and boost community crime reduction activities by supporting efforts to prevent crime and violence in Fayetteville. All were funded by micro-grants.
The City is also leading workshops to help residents establish and operate a non-profit organization. The first class was held on Aug. 20, and a future workshop will be held on Sept. 10 with information on recruiting, onboarding and managing board members, volunteers and donors. The last workshop will be held on Oct. 8 and will include information on how to generate sustainable income through grants, sponsorships and fundraising campaigns. Locations to workshops will be given once registered. Registration is required through www.fayettevillenc.gov/ECD.
Cumberland County
On Aug. 26, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution for the Purdue/Sackler opioid settlement. This action follows North Carolina's broader participation in national opioid settlements, which will bring millions of dollars to Cumberland County to combat the opioid crisis. In addition to funds from other opioid settlements, Cumberland County is estimated to receive an extra $3.26 million from the Purdue/Sackler deal over the next 15 years.
The board also approved a $250,000 Homeless Prevention and Stabilization Voucher program. The pilot program will provide short-term rental, utility, and transportation assistance for households who are at risk of homelessness. The program will run for six months or until funds are expended, with outcomes reported back to the Board.
In other news, “Buzz on over to the Cumberland County Fair!” The Cumberland County Fair will be held through Sept. 7 at the Crown Complex. According to county leaders, the annual event celebrates Cumberland County’s agricultural heritage and combines family fun, informative agricultural exhibits, a diverse collection of local arts and crafts, and entertainment with exciting rides and fair food.
The Cumberland County Co-operative Extension and North Carolina Cooperative Extension will also highlight bees and pollinators with a Winnie the Pooh exhibit with Pooh’s home and a tree with a red door. Youth livestock shows are also featured in the arena.
Admission is $11. Children under age 3 get in free. Ride Wristbands are available on the Midway for $32 per person. Individual Ride Tickets are also available. For more information, including admission prices, exhibits, entertainment, vendors and schedule, visit www.cumberlandcountyfair.org. Daily special events include Faith and Family Day, Day of Giving and sensory-friendly times, among others. View or download the official fair program book from the website and follow the fair on social media at Facebook.com/CCFairNC
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Deaton)