Cumberland County commissioners approve economic incentive, water agreement and three rezoning decisions; adopt communications policy

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on March 17 approved a package of measures including a local incentive grant for Project CrossFit, a bulk water purchase agreement for Grays Creek Phase 1, two rezoning approvals and one rezoning denial, changes to employee health-plan contributions and wellness incentives, a taxpayer excise-tax refund, adoption of a communications policy for the board, and ratification of outside counsel to investigate issues related to the Crown Events Center.

Why it matters: The actions affect local economic development and jobs, residential land use and density across multiple precincts, water service to the Grays Creek area and two schools, county budget and employee benefits for fiscal 2026, how commissioners interact with media, and the county’s legal posture on the Crown Events Center matter.

Project CrossFit incentive Rob Patton, executive vice president for the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, presented Project CrossFit and asked for a local incentive grant. Patton said the company manufactures large air domes used by NFL and NCAA teams and plans a Fayetteville facility that would represent roughly $4.1 million in private investment and 72 jobs. The board approved a cash grant of up to $88,107 to be paid in installments over five years, contingent on the company meeting the stated investment and job-creation requirements. No public speakers signed up for the public hearing on the incentive.

Rezoning decisions The board acted on three land-use cases that came through staff and the planning board. Raul Howard, Director of Planning and Inspections, presented each case and summarized staff recommendations and the Planning Board's actions.

- Case ZON25-002: The board approved a rezoning from A1 (Agriculture) to A1A (1-acre minimum agricultural) for roughly 1.75 acres in the North Central Cumberland planning area. Staff and the planning board supported approval, and commissioners found the request consistent with the North Central Area Land Use Plan.

- Case ZON20-442 (listed as…