The Cumberland Board of County Commissioners finds itself in something of a conundrum after learning Monday that the price tag for what was a $131.7 million Crown Event Center scheduled for construction downtown has jumped $32 million to $163.5 million, and building the center has to be delayed until December 2026. “I’m ready to walk away, I’m so disappointed right now,” Commissioner Jimmy Keefe of the county’s Crown Event Center Committee said after getting the news from Matt DeSilver, an area manager for MBP Carolinas, project manager for the county construction of the center. Commissioner Chairman Glenn Adams, who is on the committee along with chairwoman Jeannette Council, equally was upset with the price hike and construction delay, all necessitated, according to DeSilver, because of increasing supply and labor costs. Seems the committee should have been apprised of the skyrocketing costs all along. Adams, Keefe and Council want a new redesign, with a ceiling cost of $145 million by Monday. Looks like it’s back to the drawing board for commissioners. Adams, Keefe and Council are scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse to discuss a path going forward. Adams is right about this: The rising costs and the delay isn’t setting well with the community.
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When it comes to our homeless population, no one can say this community is without compassion for those without shelter and who find themselves faced with braving cold winter nights. “We appreciate the City Council’s unanimous approval of this request that will allow us to continue moving forward with this much-needed facility,” Cumberland Board of County Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams says in a news release about the city approving a special permit use for a proposed “Homeless Support Center” to be built off Grove Street between B Street and Hawley Lane. “The county is working diligently to address this need and we are excited about the potential this Homeless Support Center has to truly make a difference in our community by providing much-needed shelter beds and connecting our homeless population more efficiently to programs and resources that will allow them to improve their lives.” The county plans to spend between $15 to $17.3 million for the project, and also reaches out with “white flag” shelters on 32-degree nights at True Vine Ministries at 5315 Morganton Road and at the Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center at 111 N. Bragg Blvd. in Spring Lake. And the city has spent nearly $7 million for a Day Resource Center on King Street.
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“Thanks for the City View Today story on the homeless shelter,” Pamela Carter sends along a Messenger comment about our Jan. 9 column, about she and her husband’s attempts to persuade the Fayetteville City Council on Jan. 8 not to support a special use permit to build the $15 to $17.3 million Homeless Support Shelter in the B Street area of downtown. “I appreciate the way you wrote it up. I really was begging. I pretty much knew it was a done deal, and I was so disappointed [no] one else showed up to speak against the special permit.” The Carters, who live near where the shelter will be built, saw their efforts fail when Mayor Mitch Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Keefe Jensen and council members Malik Davis, Mario Benavente, D.J. Haire, Lynne Bissette Greene, Brenda McNair, Derrick Thompson, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and Deno Hondros were unanimous in voting for the special use permit. Like Councilman Thompson says, a police presence may help curb some of the criminal activity the Carters spoke of for residents as well. But you, Mrs. Carter, and your husband were the only residents to oppose the special use permit, and that didn’t enhance your opposition.
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The body of a 32-year-old male shooting victim discovered by city police officers on Jan. 11 along the 700 block of Tamarack Drive in north Fayetteville is the second city homicide of 2024, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. Anyone with information on the killing may contact http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org or (910) 483-8477 or Detective A. Wolford at (910) 705-2141.
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“It’s obvious that this board is going to vote for a tax increase,” Hope Mills Commissioner Elyse Craver is quoted in a CityView Today report about some town leaders and commissioners who believe a tax hike may be necessary to keep up with paying for and providing town needs and services. “But I think that if we budget our money better and stop wasting money, and I see it all the time, we could do better.” Craver says she’s looking out for senior citizens on fixed incomes.
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Developers with hired bulldozers are taking down those once aesthetically pleasing trees along N. Edgewater Drive in the VanStory Hills neighborhood, and it’s sad to see.
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“Bill, I just had the opportunity to read the article you wrote about Jeff (Goldy) Goldberg,” Ronnie Mitchell writes in an email about our Jan. 11 column on the retired WFNC 640 A.M. radio voice of “Good Morning Fayetteville.” Goldberg was presented on Jan. 8 with the “Key To The City” by Mayor Mitch Colvin and The Fayetteville City Council for Goldberg’s commitment to keeping the community updated on local issues. “As always, your piece was well written and insightful,” Mitchell writes, “and an honor to Jeff that is and was well deserved.”
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“I was aware they had built parking decks, but not aware they now charge to park in the street," Phil Barnard writes in an email about downtown parking. "I arrived on Hay Street at dark-thirty this evening (Jan. 5) to pick up a to-go order from a restaurant. I was parked for less than 10 minutes and returned to see a parking ticket on my vehicle. Great, we allow the most dangerous drivers on our streets to do what they want, unlicensed vehicles to ride the streets in packs and others to do burnouts in parking lots and roadways without fear of being stopped. But let someone park in what has long been a free parking spot for 10 minutes, and it's a violation. And don't make it obvious that there's a charge for parking. No, I did not see the parking fee sign in the dimly lit street.” All is well that ends well. Barnard says he appealed the ticket, and it was dismissed. Good for the downtown parking folks. We may not like paid parking, Mr. Barnard, but it’s just how it is.
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“Bill, thank you so much for your wonderful article about me as the director of Junior Cotillion in City View Today,” Betsy Abbott writes in a note about our Dec. 19 column recognizing Mrs. Abbott with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Gov. Roy Cooper for her work since 2005 as head of the National League of Junior Cotillions Cumberland Chapter. “I am so grateful and honored to receive The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and even more honored to have you write an article about me. I have read the article over and over, and your detailed, specific comments bring a smile to me every time.” You deserve, Mrs. Abbott, the honor of The Long Leaf Pine. You have taught our young people good manners and respect for others that will follow them all of their lives.
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So sad to learn of the passing of Dr. David Barkman, the retired veterinarian who had such a compassion for so many of our four-legged pets at Highland Animal Hospital, dating back to 1976 in this community along with partner Dr. Cliff Bostic. Together, they cared for thousands upon thousands upon thousands of our pets, and my late mother would be the first to tell you so. Dr. Barkman set an example for two sons and two grandsons, who followed in a father’s and a grandfather’s veterinary footsteps. He also was devoted to Haymount United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and participated in so many of the church mission undertakings and callings. If there was a need, Dr. Barkman was there reaching out to help you. Dr. David Lyle Barkman was 76 when he died Tuesday. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Haymount United Methodist Church, with visitation from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Coming Sunday: E.E. Smith High and Fort Liberty. Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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