[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6693167,"mediaKeyId","3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1","parentId",3534838,"title","Cool Springs Downtown District reports Q3 gains; council discusses expanding ambassador program","audioSeconds",3348,"startMs",6423000,"endMs",9771000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1&start=6423&end=9771","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1/thumbnail_6423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6693167/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Cool-Springs-Downtown-District-reports-Q3-gains-council-discusses-expanding-ambassador-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693167-f0912d9203da585266ec0955444bb6b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206613&Signature=crPFEkGajGgkgNQOrZToBP8hTd-Bw-ASnUCV9rUyptBrcn0lhoRa-~ff4t6kQi-fD3gcZjXXt-ySxlO-zPvBKo5vCBJFsitVCcRaeukb8rIu5k5mcTGkPgr4vuzw~IFjb9DACQty9MHBeL4n-BM0oULkHsM4ADK0BVe2o5l1oTN2rb6defWGTfmYOGVa8EaTvTNGH7iKRaSYmM0bhPe~bDY65IMNwheteX~b4oHAj0PpMddGk6EqOaDK4RPhrvwQK6bEYEBCbjL13I4ibvPJ1j9uipN9UrpazjJAG-UB~zTO66Ke9jGUxdlI3mYCmWFoB42grfgGifvZ4epgEFfhKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fayetteville","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Cool Springs Downtown District presented its third‑quarter report Tuesday, detailing new businesses, active development projects and programs meant to keep downtown clean and safe. Councilmembers and staff discussed expanding the district’s safety ambassador program, which the district said now has one full‑time and one part‑time employee.

Report highlights

Ashanti Bennett, interim president and CEO of the downtown district, told council downtown welcomed five new businesses in the last quarter and has 17 new businesses in the past year. She highlighted the Emmons infill project nearing completion and the Crown Performing Arts Center construction, noting about 263,400 square feet of downtown projects representing roughly $183.1 million in private and public investments. Vacancy rates declined slightly and average asking rents rose about 2.1%.

Clean and Safe/ambassador program

The district manages a shared waste management program and operates a safety ambassador program. Bennett described the ambassadors’ responsibilities — safety escorts, public‑realm upkeep and customer service — and said the program’s two staff members have responded to a range of needs downtown. Council members praised the program’s hands‑on work.

Council discussion and motions

Councilmember Benavente asked about specific enhancements and training for ambassadors; Bennett said additional training and adding staff to reach seven‑day coverage would improve responsiveness and safety. Councilmember Benavente proposed a motion to increase the ambassador staff to three full‑time positions and add training; the motion failed to receive a second and therefore died. Council later received the Cool Springs report by formal motion and confirmed the council supports continuing to expand and train the ambassador program; staff said the city previously provided funding to convert a part‑time ambassador to full time and to purchase equipment.

Why it matters: The downtown district’s work affects economic activity, cleanliness and safety in the heart of Fayetteville. Ambassador staffing levels, training and funding affect downtown visitors, merchants and residents.

Select direct quote

\"They are a real team and they managed to make sure that our downtown is as safe and as friendly and as welcoming as it can be,\" Ashanti Bennett, interim CEO of the Cool Springs Downtown District, said of the ambassadors.

Next steps

Council received the quarterly report; staff and district leadership will continue to pursue expanded training and staffing options and return cost estimates as part of ongoing budget and program discussions.

Provenance: Transcript excerpts from the May 27 council meeting include the Cool Springs presentation and council discussion about ambassador staffing and funding.

Ending: Councilmembers signaled support for broader ambassador coverage and training but did not immediately approve an expansion of the program’s full‑time staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fayetteville City Council Meeting May 27 2025","oneSentenceSummary","FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Cool Springs Downtown District presented its third‑quarter report Tuesday, detailing new businesses, active development projects and programs to keep downtown clean and safe.","taxTitle","Fayetteville City, Cumberland County, North Carolina","taxId",3862,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6693177,"Fayetteville holds required public hearing on budget; pastor presents petitions seeking splash pad for North Street park",1189,3024000,4213000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1&start=3024&end=4213","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1/thumbnail_3024000.jpg","/articles/6693177/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Fayetteville-holds-required-public-hearing-on-budget-pastor-presents-petitions-seeking-splash-pad-for-North-Street-park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693177-5782b7326d1c25cf23cb46158ee2946a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206613&Signature=HmqK4guZ1UVBx5Xe~RWTy1FPl2octHb3gHJwfrkaES1xOeyZmp5Vx1-HodPGGm~xN4jMGzyP7KeYqV8M0wY~AgB1tGggzl8dS0aXTwKtz84X~Ul8NAvNKklUtce25DuKrNrXvDfxS8zUXmKHbar8Zci9u7mi6I62verQtZgXIeKEJlwkYXSjvgtkbhHqZsAui6WQ9hJLY-D-IGVEzoxh7OLbloJz5M~iq-j46CitOigEDFnbl~JOHe5dqKbqBkJdJJuspJn~FUla-CrCZw0AR~L-L1~ogX~hnaMHYiK-4C7TSWByFGb1x2XfZyv26lr4VohjLSjrdbZKasxsm9GZyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — City staff delivered the required public hearing presentation Tuesday on the recommended fiscal year operating budget and capital/technology improvement plan, and the City Council heard one public speaker who asked the council to add a splash pad to the North Street (Blueberry Place) park budget.

Finance staffer Jeff Yates summarized key elements of the manager’s recommended budget: a proposed 13‑cent tax rate reduction from the prior year (the lowest in 30 years), continued investments in public and community safety (staff cited roughly $114 million), a 4% merit increase for employees with an additional 1% 401(k) contribution for specified employees, and a total recommended budget that staff said was about $8.5 million less than the revised 2025 budget. The recommended rate was presented as a breakdown of operating, GO bond, public safety GO bond and dedicated capital components.

Public comment

Pastor Rita McMillan, who identified herself as a resident of District 2 and pastor of New Life Covenant Fellowship Church, presented a four‑page petition and asked the council to include funding for a splash pad at North Street Park (also referred to in the meeting as Blueberry Place). “I am here as one of the concerned citizens of North Street and the surrounding community,” McMillan said, and asked the council to “greatly consider” adding the splash pad for children in that neighborhood. The clerk accepted the petition into the record.

Council follow-up and next steps

City staff reminded the council that the budget materials were posted online in mid‑May and that the public hearing was the legally required step before adoption. Yates and other staff told council members they would distribute follow‑up answers to outstanding questions and data the next day where possible; staff noted that one question — detailed census‑tract data — would take more time to assemble.

Councilmembers pressed staff for additional information about “parking-lot” items — additions council members had asked to be priced and considered — and staff said they would provide estimated costs and balancing options at a June 5 budget work session and at the June 9 adoption meeting if necessary. Councilmember requests to schedule an additional dedicated public hearing on the budget failed for lack of a second.

Why it matters: The public hearing clears a procedural hurdle for adoption; council members and residents asked for clearer cost estimates on items the council is considering adding to the manager’s recommended budget. A resident petition highlighted a neighborhood parks request the council may consider during the final budget deliberations.

Select direct quotes

\"The recommended tax rate is a 13¢ tax reduction over prior year's rate. It's the lowest rate in 30 years,\" Jeff Yates, budget staff, told the council in his presentation.

\"I am here as one of the concerned citizens of North Street and the surrounding community...I am advocating for the splash pad to be added into the budget for that particular community,\" Pastor Rita McMillan said as she handed petitions to the clerk.

Votes and formal actions

There was no budget adoption vote at Tuesday’s meeting; the council scheduled further work sessions and pointed to the June 9 adoption date. A motion to direct staff to select an additional public hearing date on the budget was made and failed for lack of a second.

Provenance: Staff presentation and public-comment transcript segments during the May 27 council meeting show the budget briefing, Pastor McMillan’s petition and the subsequent council questions about follow‑up work sessions and parking‑lot items.

Ending: Staff said they will provide requested clarifications and cost estimates during the budget work session Thursday and at a June 9 adoption meeting if needed; councilmembers urged residents to review the posted recommended budget and contact councilmembers with questions.","City staff presented the recommended fiscal plan ahead of adoption; a resident presented a four‑page petition asking the council to add a splash pad at North Street Park. Councilmembers asked staff for additional budget detail before the June adoption date and discussed scheduling follow‑up opportunities for public comment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6693183,"Fayetteville council adopts juvenile curfew ordinance after lengthy debate; enforcement details to follow",3516,9080000,12596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1&start=9080&end=12596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1/thumbnail_9080000.jpg","/articles/6693183/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Fayetteville-council-adopts-juvenile-curfew-ordinance-after-lengthy-debate-enforcement-details-to-follow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693183-2bdf8c2687b2bdcb4d7e2dcef8bb6d96/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206613&Signature=FAwRXnQkNcWTYbCKK327GNj7u-RoNoLshXq0nOgsQ61~FWSZH1nW9XdoZkGBExdJzkcXLb6yQ7PQtab8KqO3VR1TLCq2rLkH~GiIuqvua5jNecfqryf2VXAUzwr3sNSUUBY~LJTWyjqrMwYTwo~MA~XQFwefoB53GAJDiYD17SscVBe4Ufkgnxl36qOrRPB4OPDpuUEMhU~UMKG4JV8038evLLki7tHaPnQzKyj8Q1PqjqAumgJj4XP2pRITbi2RT4FxFtpCi0-ulWEAFsuSXuhX5xjq1EYSFvfdRSfLHfngpETEXgLVV4Zj72l-HL3yD8VgFo2XnP93lZCrRiLPuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville City Council voted 6–4 Tuesday to adopt a Youth Protection Safety Ordinance that establishes a curfew for juveniles 16 years of age and younger from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Councilmember Derek Thompson moved adoption; the measure was seconded and passed after several hours of public discussion and council debate. Councilmembers who recorded their opposition at the vote were recorded as McNair, Green, Hondros and Benavente.

City Attorney Erin Sweeney and Fayetteville Police Department leadership described the ordinance’s text and the exceptions the city will recognize, and said a task force of city staff and community partners will develop enforcement procedures and training before the curfew is enforced. Sweeney summarized the new ordinance’s scope during the council meeting, saying it defines “direct route,” “guardian” and other terms used to identify allowable exceptions, and that the text includes allowances for parental accompaniment, employment, school and religious activities and exercising First Amendment rights.

Sweeney briefed the council on the ordinance’s enforcement structure: an officer who contacts a juvenile must first determine whether a legal exception applies and, absent one, follow the investigation steps contained in the text. The ordinance specifies penalties: juveniles may be adjudicated delinquent; other violators face a class 3 misdemeanor and fines up to $500. Sweeney noted the legal requirement that an ordinance carrying a criminal penalty be introduced at one meeting and adopted at a later meeting — which the council followed.

Why it matters: Council supporters said the curfew adds a tool for public-safety partners trying to reduce violent incidents involving juveniles. Opponents warned the ordinance could criminalize youth, raise equity concerns and create enforcement risks if police and social services do not have clear operating procedures.

Key points from debate and council direction

- Enforcement and training: Council and staff repeatedly emphasized that formal enforcement would not begin immediately. The city manager and police chief said they will use the coming weeks to finalize standard operating procedures, training and community-engagement plans through a task force that includes police, the city manager’s office, Department of Social Services and other stakeholders.

- Exceptions and officer discretion: The ordinance lists specific exceptions (for example, being with a parent or guardian, traveling on a direct route to/from work or school‑sponsored activities, responding to an emergency). Sweeney said whether an owner or operator “knowingly” permits a violation will be judged by an objective standard — what a reasonable person in that role would know.

- Concerns raised by council and community: Multiple speakers on the dais asked how officers will handle common scenarios — for example, how long juveniles will be held if parents cannot be reached, and what services (meals, shelter or transport) would be provided during temporary custody. Chief Joyce and staff said those operational details are the task force’s work and will be addressed in the enforcement plan.

- Education and youth services: Several council members called for stepped-up youth programming, public education on the new ordinance, and partnerships to expand recreational and after‑school options before enforcement begins. A motion to tie adoption to commitments for expanded youth programming and community outreach was discussed during debate and council members said those topics will be addressed by the task force and in the June 9 follow-up work session.

Select direct quotes

“We can try to predict the most common scenarios that an officer could encounter and provide the training necessary in those situations,” Erin Sweeney, attorney for the Fayetteville Police Department, said during the council presentation.

“I will still stand by my motion to move along with the ordinance tonight,” Councilmember Derek Thompson said before the final vote, adding the ordinance is intended “to use every tool in the toolbox to keep our community safe.”

What happens next

City staff and police will convene the task force the council directed; staff said planned items for a June 9 work session include enforcement SOPs, youth‑programming proposals, technology options and stakeholder engagement plans. The council emphasized that those follow‑up steps must precede any active enforcement of the curfew.

Provenance: Transcript excerpts from the May 27 council meeting provide the ordinance presentation, debate and final vote; attorneys and the police department described the text and exceptions during the meeting.

Ending: The ordinance gives Fayetteville a new legal tool; council members said they expect to return with details on implementation and community supports before officers begin using it to seek compliance.","The Fayetteville City Council voted 6–4 to adopt a Youth Protection Safety Ordinance establishing a curfew for juveniles 16 and under. Council and city attorneys said enforcement protocols, exceptions and support measures will be developed by a multi‑agency task force and presented after adoption.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6693172,"Council approves two special‑use permits and forwards UDO sidewalk amendments to Planning Commission",3576,2656000,6232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1&start=2656&end=6232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3534838-e6b05164945b2d1b095e256d6309f1c1/thumbnail_2656000.jpg","/articles/6693172/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-two-specialuse-permits-and-forwards-UDO-sidewalk-amendments-to-Planning-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693172-034dcc3b8e89ee2a8ddc18c09d4d6366/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206613&Signature=At6KsyU3EJKoL9lDK0HKqgAAivSBZGYtOOD5rBeDO7WfNAYU6N8a0j51p3i2xVRbD8AcWXlrFfnHcQ-A0IgCq8-Ms0e0idZ7wJfoBUQ5e9wWPEx34UEC384MN6NQ5~VQuY1BRatHGTt9aj6--qyEJfCK9U-bnmIJaAy41e-BWq15dlbQ4Ewigz~YwOCIiON5FKLXdrsAa7ctH6mYxiIjFFHuZFhUgzGBQbTRoGlI9VmGaH9keSuC95zmIeS0crhF~LBhG8OwOSAsiM34du25BiKGDf2J8SfsuhcqfTsSb9TbT~BNKZ3D7cNVLuSltpjDRSOAONX8LkW7IHNUM1zE2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville City Council approved two special‑use permit requests during Tuesday’s meeting and accepted recommendations from the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) committee to send sidewalk‑standard amendments to the Planning Commission for public hearing.

Ice vending machine: SUP 2504

The council granted a special‑use permit to reduce the separation requirement between an ice vending unit and the public right‑of‑way at 2726 Raeford Road. Staff and the applicant said the ice vending machine was installed believing it met the 100‑foot separation standard but was later measured at roughly 86 feet from the right‑of‑way, requiring a 14‑foot reduction. Bill Allen, representing the owner and operator, told the council the machine has been in operation for 17 months, is well‑lit, has visible contact information and that the company keeps the site clean. Councilmembers found the request met the ordinance’s required findings and voted to approve the special use; staff noted Councilmember Thompson could not vote on evidentiary hearings per the council’s rules, and the motion was recorded as carrying unanimously by those voting.

Hounds Town USA (animal‑care use): SUP 2505

A second special‑use permit was approved for Hounds Town USA to reduce the required 75‑foot setback for an outdoor play/run area at a proposed animal‑care facility located at 4417 Ramsey Street in Ramsey Commons (the former Cape Fear Drugs site). Franchise owners Christie Bennett and Eric Allen described the business as indoor‑focused boarding and daycare with limited, supervised outdoor play periods (typically about 15 minutes at a time). They told the council they plan to install an 8‑foot vinyl privacy fence and screening, meet spacing/cleanliness/ventilation standards, and that the project represents roughly $1 million in investment with $277,000 in owner equity and a 10‑year lease with options to extend.

UDO committee and sidewalk items

Council’s UDO committee (members: committee chair, Councilmember Mahjandros, Councilmember Green, Mayor Pro Tem Jensen and Mayor Colvin) reported on six months of reviews including emerging recommendations. The committee asked the full council to receive a staff presentation on development incentives at a June work session and recommended two specific sidewalk‑standard revisions be added to the Planning Commission agenda for a June 17 public hearing and, if approved, returned to council for consideration on June 23. Committee members said the changes aim to clarify sidewalk standards and development incentives for higher‑density zoning across the city.

Why it matters: Both special‑use permit approvals balance property‑specific constraints and zoning standards with public‑safety, screening and neighborhood impacts; the UDO committee’s sidewalk amendments could affect future development requirements if the Planning Commission and council adopt them.

Select direct quotes

\"If the special use isn't granted, that requires substantial expense to move the box 14 feet, and it would affect our customers that use the box daily,\" Bill Allen said about SUP 2504.

\"We are an affordable and refreshingly straightforward approach to pet care...we are strictly an indoor boarding and daycare facility,\" Christie Bennett, Hounds Town USA franchisee, said in support of SUP 2505.

Formal actions and votes

- SUP 2504 (ice vending separation reduction) — approved (motion passed; recorded as unanimous among voting members; council noted a member was ineligible to vote on evidentiary items).
- SUP 2505 (Hounds Town USA setback reduction) — approved (vote recorded as 9–0 in the transcript excerpts presented to the council).
- UDO committee recommendations — council received the report and directed staff to place two sidewalk amendments on the Planning Commission June 17 agenda; the council will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation at the June 23 regular meeting if the commission forwards the items.

Provenance: Transcript excerpts show staff presentations by planning staff and applicant testimony for SUP 2504 and SUP 2505; the UDO committee report was presented and accepted by council.

Ending: Applicants may proceed with plan permits consistent with the special‑use approvals and building/permitting requirements; sidewalk amendments will proceed through the Planning Commission process for public hearing.","The council approved two special‑use permits — a setback reduction for an ice vending unit at 2726 Raeford Road and a reduction for an animal‑care outdoor run for Hounds Town USA on Ramsey Street — and a UDO committee recommended sidewalk amendments be scheduled for Planning Commission public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cool Springs Downtown District reports Q3 gains; council discusses expanding ambassador program

Fayetteville holds required public hearing on budget; pastor presents petitions seeking splash pad for North Street park

Fayetteville council adopts juvenile curfew ordinance after lengthy debate; enforcement details to follow

Council approves two special‑use permits and forwards UDO sidewalk amendments to Planning Commission