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Downtown Fayetteville took an important step forward this week as the City Council approved a new development partner to finally build the long-planned hotel and apartment tower above the Hay Street Parking Deck. This $70 million project will bring new homes, a full-service hotel, and street-level energy overlooking Segra Stadium, helping us fulfill the original vision for that corner of downtown and making better use of a key City-owned property to grow our economy and improve on our already spectacular downtown.
For a long time, residents have asked, “When will something go on top of that deck?” Now we have a clear path forward. The approved plan includes a 124-unit, seven-story apartment building and a five-story hotel with 119 rooms, inviting more people to live, stay, and spend time in the heart of our city. This is exactly the kind of momentum we mean when we talk about Fayetteville as America’s Can-Do City, taking on complex projects, sticking with them, and delivering on commitments to our community.
This week also gave us an important chance to pause and say “thank you” to our veterans. With Fort Bragg next door and more than 25,000 veterans who call Fayetteville home, service is part of our identity as a community. I want to thank every veteran and military family for your sacrifice, your leadership, and the quiet ways you continue to strengthen our city every day. I hope those of you who had the day off were able to rest, recharge, and spend time with people you love. You’ve more than earned it.
This weekend, Fayetteville also has the honor of hosting the 2025 State Youth Council Mini Grant Conference at the Way 2 Real Community Center, led by our own Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council (FCYC). This is the first time our city has been chosen as the site for this annual statewide gathering, which brings together youth councils from across North Carolina to debate, award, and celebrate innovative youth-led projects that make a difference in their communities. Through the Governor’s Mini Grant Program, youth councils, local governments, and non-profit organizations can apply for grants of up to $500 to support projects that build leadership, character, and community engagement among North Carolina teens. I can’t say how important it is to invest directly in the next generation of community leaders right here in Fayetteville.
Thank you for showing up for Fayetteville. Together, we’re building a downtown that lives up to its promise and a community that continues to honor service, invest in our future, and find reasons to gather and celebrate. Have a great weekend!
Dr. Douglas J. Hewett
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