The Houston Astros organization this week unveiled the Fayetteville Woodpeckers as its new Class- A Advanced minor league baseball affiliate.
“The All-American feel of the city, its support of our nation’s military and its economic development make it a great environment for the championshipcaliber baseball we will bring to the Fayetteville community,” said Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan.
The concept of the Woodpeckers came directly from the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg community as the result of town hall meetings, online surveys and one-on-one conversations with residents. Fort Bragg is home of the second-largest population of endangered redcockaded woodpeckers in the world. The bird is small but vital to the Long Leaf Pine ecosystem.
“Fayetteville is proudly recognized as the nation’s most All-American city, making it the perfect home for America’s pastime,” said Fayetteville Woodpeckers President Mark Zarthar.
The Houston Astros are partnering with the city of Fayetteville to open a nearly $38 million state-ofthe- art sports and entertainment stadium on Hay Street. “In addition to new retail, restaurant, hotel and office space, it will be the top destination in Fayetteville for fun,” said Astros Senior Director of Business Operations Dan O’Neill. “The community is a true representation of American values and pride, and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers will represent those values on and off the field.”
Honoring local heroes
The Cool Spring Downtown District, in partnership with the Cumberland County Veterans Council, the Airborne & Special Operation Museum Foundation and the city of Fayetteville, has launched a new recognition program – the Hometown Hero Award.
Honorees will be acknowledged annually during Fayetteville’s Veterans Day celebration in November.
Retired Army Gen. James J. Lindsay is the first recipient of the Hometown Hero award. The ceremony will take place Saturday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.
Gen. Lindsay, 86, enlisted in the Army in 1952 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in May 1953 as a second lieutenant. His first assignment was as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division. It began a long association with Fort Bragg and Fayetteville, during which time Lindsay served in every level of military supervision.
He was a commanding general of the 82nd Airborne and subsequently the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg. He was the first commander of the Special Operations Command.
In 1990, Lindsay established the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation. As a direct result of his efforts, the museum opened in August 2000, changing the complexion of downtown Fayetteville and becoming the catalyst for revitalization and development.
“The city of Fayetteville is forever grateful and indebted to Gen. Lindsay for his significant contributions to our community,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin.
Round two of local residential stormdebris collection
Fayetteville’s storm debris contractor has begun its final pickup round across the city. It will conclude the week of Nov 12.
Refuse pickups are being done by postal zip codes: The first began in the western sections of 28304 and 28314 codes. Work is now proceeding in easterly/southerly directions in each zip code. Trucks will then move to the next zip code areas in the following order: 28304 and 28314 simultaneously; then to 28303, 28311, 28301, 28305 and 28312 in order.
If curbside storm debris has not been picked up by Nov. 12, residents should call 910-433-1FAY or report it using the FayFixIt app.
Commercial building debris is not being collected. Residents are asked to containerize leaves, pine straw and small limbs for regular, weekly yard waste pickup. Yard debris bags are available free of charge at recreation centers and city fire stations. Piles of refuse less than 12-feet long by 5-feet tall will be picked up according to the city’s normal yard waste pickup schedule.
Important public meetings
The city of Fayetteville’s Economic and Community Development Department is hosting public meetings this month seeking citizen input on community needs. Topics include housing, the economy, community development and homelessness.
The city is required by the federal government to conduct these sessions to determine whether existing programs can be improved and if new programs should be undertaken. The ECDD administers federal Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnership Grants.
Residents can learn more about these programs by visiting the department’s web page on the city of Fayetteville’s website, Fayettevillenc.gov/home.
The input will be incorporated into preparation of the agency’s 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. Dates, times and locations of the meetings include:
• Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m., at the Massey Hill Recreation Center, 1612 Camden Rd.
• Thursday, Nov. 15, 6 p.m., at the Cliffdale Library, 6882 Cliffdale Rd.
• Tuesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., at the Smith Recreation Center, 1520 Slater Ave.