ENGAGE A quarterly business journal of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
The Municipal Edition Spring 2018
when you need us... we’re right here.
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capefearvalley.com
2018
Board of Directors OFFICERS
Jim Grafstrom – Chair 159 Maxwell Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 910.483.8133, Fax: 910.483.0263 www.faybiz.com, www.fayyp.org www.faymac.us info@faybiz.com Engage Magazine is a Business Publication of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Christine Michaels PRESIDENT & CEO
CHAMBER STAFF Nick Capapas CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
David Guy
Spectra Venue Management
Jerome Scott – Vice Chair The Insurance Guy
Kitti Jo Finch – Past Chair CenturyLink
Pam Jackson – Treasurer Fayetteville State University
Bill Pannhoff – Secretary B&B Catering
DIRECTORS
Charles Allen, V
Two Men and A Truck
Michael Fletcher Manna Church
Jim Graham Bizcard Xpress
William Hedgepeth
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Select Bank & Trust
Jenny Proctor
Ralph Huff
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Kelly Moore DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Taneshia Kerr DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
H&H Homes
David Lane
Houston Astros
John McCauley
Highland Paving Co.
William (Bill) Pryor
COPY EDITORS
Cape Fear Valley Health System
Christine Michaels Jenny Proctor
Campbell University
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Beasley Media Group
Christine Michaels Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Special thanks to the personnel in each town for providing information.
John Roberson Gary Rogers
To advertise in this publication contact
Lynnie Guzman 910.486.2726 | lguzman@fayobserver.com FayBiz.com Friday, March 23, 2018
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Message from the President
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reetings! In this edition of Engage we are highlighting the municipalities surrounding the City of Fayetteville – their history, their present and future and the activities and natural beauty of Cumberland County. We hope you pick up a few quirky facts, and are motivated to take a leisurely drive through the county’s 661 square miles and get to know the people, organizations and businesses that make this such a wonderful place! Each quarter, we bring you a different facet of our community – we have covered the economy and
leadership development, and next we will be bringing you editions focused on Fort Bragg and its impact locally, and one on Small Business. Since moving to Cumberland County nearly a year ago, I have been struck by what this area offers in terms of shopping, dining, the arts, history and entertainment all surrounded by beautiful countryside and welcoming people. Please, let’s take time to appreciate all that we have to be proud of!
Christine Michaels
President & CEO Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Cumberland Outdoors For those of us more comfortable in denim and hiking boots, Cumblerland County offers a number of places to reunite with nature. Here are just two! Check out others at VisitFayettevilleNC.com Carvers Creek State Park
2505 Long Valley Road Spring Lake, NC 28390 910-436-4681 | www.ncparks.gov/ carvers-creek-state-park
Cumberland County’s first State Park has ties to the Rockefeller family and Long Valley Farm, the historic retreat of a James Stillman Rockefeller. The farm continues to offer scenic, contemplative hiking through longleaf pine forests, and rangers lead regular interpretive programs, including occasional tours through the vacation home of the late JS Rockefeller, who bequeathed the property for conservation. Stillman won an Olympic rowing title for the United States then became president of what eventually became Citigroup.
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A dramatic flood in September 2016 severely damaged a dam and the 100-acre millpond that is a significant park feature. Fishing in the millpond, views from the floating observation deck and some trail opportunities are temporarily interrupted as repairs are being made. .A longrange master plan includes varied recreation proposals for the park’s more than 4,000 acres. Smith Lake Recreation Area
Smith Lake Rd. Fort Bragg 910-396-5979 | bragg.armymwr.com/ programs/smith-lake-recreation-area
This Fort Bragg facility is open to the public. Visitors can enjoy mountain bike and hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, volleyball and basketball courts. The property features a 5k walking and running trail; a dedicated mountain bike trail; fishing in designated areas on the north side
ENGAGE YOUR QUARTERLY CHAMBER BUSINESS JOURNAL
Carvers Creek
of the lake (license required); and alcohol and hunting are not allowed. DoD ID Cardholders and their guests can take advantage of the Army Travel Campground, which is open year round and offers cabins, RV sites and primitive tent camping. Due to sustained damage from Hurricane Matthew, Smith Lake Beach and the Wake Zone Cable Park did not open for operations for the 2017 season. Be sure to check out all of their other recreation opportunities and for re-opening dates.
Celebrating our Towns! To know more about what life is like in the towns surrounding Fayetteville, there’s no better place than some of the local festivals and events held throughout the year. Here is just a sampling:
SPRING LAKE
HOPE MILLS
find out more at www.Spring-Lake.org
find out more at www.TownofHopeMills.com
Dr. Seuss Parade and Family Fun Day in March to celebrate the Birthday of Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat. A parade of characters kicks off the event, and continues at the Recreation Center with games, food vendors, and fun. “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”
July 4th Parade and Party in the Park – traditional parade in the morning with entertainment that night in Municipal Park, food, games, vendors, horseshoe tournament and fireworks.
Spring Fling in April - coincides with the start of baseball season with an opening-day baseball ceremony, live music, carnival rides and games.
Ole Mill Days in October – annual street dance, Ole Mill Reunion, tractor pull, haunted house, vendors, Kid’s Corner and entertainment.
EASTOVER
FORT BRAGG
find out more at www.EastoverCivicClub.com
find out more at www.Bragg.ArmyMWR.com
Heritage Day - in September at the Eastover Community Ballpark, honors the community’s agricultural heritage. Festivities include exhibits, food and other vendors, and musical entertainment.
Fort Bragg Fair in May – Carnival rides, entertainment and a variety of family-friendly shows and concerts. Open to the public – admission charged. Fourth of July Celebration – Festivities include some of today’s hottest musical acts, parachute demonstrations, flag ceremony with flag of each state, fireworks, food and beverages. Free and open to the public.
New Year’s Eve Flea Drop – December 31 at the Eastover Community Center - Attendees gather to ring in the New Year watching a 3-foot-tall, 30-pound handcrafted flea drop to mark the end of the year. As the clock strikes midnight and the big flea hits the bottom, a replica 1861 cannon is fired.
FayBiz.com Friday, March 23, 2018
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County Commissioners Identify Goals for 2018
Left to right front row – Dr. Jeanette Council, Chairman Larry Lancaster, Michael Boose Left to right back row– Marshall Faircloth, Jimmy Keefe, Glenn Adams, Charles Evans
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he Cumberland County Board of Commissioners agreed on six major goals for the year during a planning session held in late January. The board will focus on capital projects; public water expansion; economic development; financial strength; performance and efficiencies, which include reviewing the structure of County human services; and completing negotiations on several projects, including sales tax, baseball and school funding agreements among others. The commissioners also identified five capital projects for staff to include in a capital planning
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model that will be part of the budget process. The projects are countywide water; a 911/Emergency Operations Center; Crown Theatre/Performing Arts Center; Civil War and Reconstruction Education Center; and a new County administration building as well as Courthouse renovations. The governance structure of the Public Health and Social Services Departments, was also reviewed, with two options for management being considered. “This was a successful day for our board. We accomplished our objective of reaching consensus on a lot of issues we have been discussing for a while,” said Chairman Larry Lancaster.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY HOUSING TO SEE UPTICK IN ACTIVITY
C
umberland County saw a 3% increase in 2017 building permits over 2016, and that modest growth is spurring some builders to make plans. In a report released by The Market Edge, a specialized reporting firm out of Knoxville, TN, Cumberland County building permits have grown from 664 in 2015 to 674 in 2016, ending 2017 with 695. At least one local builder hopes to capitalize on that increased demand. In 2017, H&H Homes, which is active across North and South Carolina, sold a record-breaking 662 homes, which was 91 homes more than in 2016 and its highest sales volume to date. Then late last year, H&H Homes significantly expanded its footprint through the acquisition of more than 341 developed and undeveloped lots from homebuilders in both North and South Carolina . Its latest acquisition is 148 lots from Bill Clark Homes, 57 of which are developed lots in Cumberland, Moore and Harnett counties, and 91 are undeveloped lots in those same communities. Collectively, these lot acquisitions in 4th quarter 2017 represent an investment commitment of more than $18,500,000. The Cumberland County neighborhoods in which H&H Homes purchased Bill Clark lots for immediate development include Lake Upchurch (24 lots), Windwood Oaks (2 lots), and Riverwood (5 lots). The remainder of the purchased lots are for future development in Lake Upchurch and Windwood Oaks.
that keep our prices low, while maintaining the excellent quality standards that have exemplified the H&H Homes brand for more than 27 years. The ultimate winner here is the homebuyer.” H&H Homes has been featured in Builder Magazine’s Builder 100 list, which highlights the nation’s leading builders based on annual closings from the prior year. H&H Homes was first featured in the Builder 100 in 2009 and today ranks at #78. Additional information can be found at hhhomes.com.
2017 Cumberland County Home Sales* Total Closed
3,702
UP 8.6%
Median price
$120,000
UP 1.7%
Median s.f.
1620
UP 0.3%
Median $/s.f.
$75.71
UP 2.6%
The first 25% sells in 16 days or less 50% of the market sells in 50 days or less *DATA PROVIDED BY LONGLEAF PINE REALTORS
“These acquisitions support our goal to expand in North and South Carolina and to become one of the largest builders in the Carolinas,” said Ralph Huff, founder of H&H Homes. “Growth enables us to achieve economies of scale and cost savings
FayBiz.com Friday, March 23, 2018
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CUMBERLAND AT A GLANCE
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C
umberland County began as a settlement in the Upper Cape Fear Valley between 1729 and 1736 by European migrants known as Highland Scots. The area became a vital transportation link to other major settlements. A receiving and distribution center was established in 1730 on the Cape Fear River. This settlement was known as Campbellton. The Colonial Legislature passed an Act in 1754 which resulted in the political division of Bladen County, thus forming Cumberland County. It was named after the Duke of Cumberland (William Augustus) who commanded the English Army. Campbellton was named the County seat during 1778. In 1783 Campbellton was renamed Fayetteville in honor of Marquis De La Fayette, a French general that served in the American Colonies Revolutionary Army. Fayetteville’s growth was set back by a devastating fire in 1831 and by the invasion of General Sherman in 1865. One of the principal factors that boosted the slow recovery of the area was the opening of
Camp Bragg as an artillery and temporary training facility in 1918. The base was closed in 1921 and later reopened as a permanent army post and renamed Fort Bragg in honor of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, a North Carolina native. Presently, Cumberland County has a population close to 319,431 and encompasses approximately 661 square miles. The area is known as the “Sandhills.” Cumberland County has progressed from its beginnings as a riverfront distribution center to a highly commercialized area offering a variety of services to its citizens. The county has nine municipalities, including the City of Fayetteville: the towns of Eastover, Falcon, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman and Wade. Our major industries are Air filters, Automobile tires, Carpets, Clothing, Farm chemicals, Paints, Pesticides, Synthetic fibers, Tools and Agriculture. Our major crops are Corn, Cotton, Small grains, Soybeans and Tobacco.
The #1 choice for high quality paving in Southeastern North Carolina
910-485-5790 www.highlandpaving.com FayBiz.com Friday, March 23, 2018
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Copper Tubing Manufacturer Announces New Facility In Fayetteville Feb 22, 2018
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ambridge-Lee Industries LLC (CLI), one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of copper tubing, announced in February that it has selected Cumberland County for the location of a new facility. This project will result in the immediate creation of 19 full-time jobs. Headquartered in Reading, PA, the global company produces copper tubes for water supply, air conditioning, refrigeration, and a variety of commercial applications. Its new facility on Tom Starling Road will manufacture “line-sets”, which are pieces of copper tubing and tube insulation that are cut, assembled into various configurations, packaged, and shipped to customers. Cambridge-Lee chose Cumberland for its improved logistics for customer service and product production as well as a readily available workforce. “Fayetteville provides us with an improved reach to our customers as well as an improved ability to streamline and grow our operations,” said Dave Spadafora, VP Global Supply Chain for Cambridge-Lee. The Project will include renovations at the Cape Fear Distribution Center and the purchase of machinery and assembly equipment. As the business grows, additional capital investments are expected to expand its operation and distribution capacity in our community. Cumberland County endorsed the company’s application for a “Building Reuse and Restoration Grant” through the NC Department of Commerce. The Department awarded $27,780 to the project based on its creation of 19 full-time positions, with the County providing an additional 5% match. “We are happy to support this project and excited to welcome this global company to our community. The new jobs and investment this facility will bring are prime examples of how our business climate and aggressive approach to economic development are creating growth and new opportunities for our citizens,” said County Chairman Larry Lancaster.
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The new jobs will be manufacturing positions offering a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits packages. CLI is expecting to begin operations by mid-2018 and will be accepting applications for Manager, maintenance technicians, assemblers, and truck drivers soon. It also plans to add more full-time and part-time employees in the coming year. Additional assistance from the NC Department of Commerce includes a diverse training package from the North Carolina Community College System. Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) was involved in the recruiting process and will be managing this training program. The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) worked with the company to identify a location, evaluate the building, and connect with assistance programs. Commenting on the cooperation that resulted in the success of this project, Andrew Pennink, the Chairman of the FCEDC Board of Directors said, “On behalf of our Board and staff, we greatly appreciate the efforts of our State, County, and local partners who helped make this possible. The year is off to a great start and we look forward to more success stories like CLI in the near future.”
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PLANNING LAND USE AROUND FORT BRAGG A STORY OF REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND LEADERSHIP
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t may seem like common sense that housing developments shouldn’t be built along the path of aircraft take-off and landing strips, and that high-decibel military exercises would be held away from the edges of the base property. But that coordination hasn’t always happened between military properties and the nearby communities. So how do the residents of the counties surrounding Fort Bragg know that living near a major military installation won’t have harmful effects? And how does the military plan around development outside its boundaries? The answer is RLUAC - the Regional Land Use Advisory Commission, a non-profit based in the Sandhills that brings together twenty-one units of local government representing eight counties and thirteen municipalities. The 25 year old organization was the first regional group established in the country to coordinate land use decisions between the military and the local governments. Today, the primary mission of RLUAC is to balance the following three key objectives: • Protect the Civilian Population from negative military impacts; • Protect the Long Leaf Pine Ecosystem from destruction; and • Protect the Military Training Mission from incompatible development. Jim Dougherty, the director of RLUAC, said the organization has been faithful to its core mission since it was formed, and provides a forum for the military and the communities surrounding it to discuss land use policies. Zoning changes, new or expanding subdivisions and telecom towers come before the organization for their input. “We balance three often conflicting interests, and we do it in a non-regulatory
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manner to help them make good development decisions, ” Dougherty said. This is done through a combined effort in regional planning which will culminate this year with the release of a Joint Land Use Study. Over the last year, the study process has included presentations to the Board of Commissioners in all six of the study area counties, stakeholder meetings with local government officials & staff, Fort Bragg officials & staff, state agencies, and related regional organizations and groups. Compatible growth focuses on such things as noise from munitions, protecting foraging areas for the red cockaded woodpecker, aviation noise and routes, wildlife habitats, water quality, light pollution and the sensitive ecosystem. Participating in the discussions along with the military are groups such as Sustainable Sandhills, Sandhills Area Land Trust (SALT), the Longleaf Pine REALTORS, and the Nature Conservancy.
photo credit: Visit Fayetteville, NC
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Eastover
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he Town of Eastover, once known as Flea Hill, becomes famous every New Year’s Eve with the celebrated “Flea Drop.” Attendees gather to ring in the new year watching a 3-foot-tall, 30-pound ceramic flea drop to mark the end of the year. As the clock strikes midnight and the big flea hits the bottom, a replica 1861 cannon is fired. The event is run by the Eastover Civic Club, and the flea commemorates a name derived from the ample presence of fleas which used to congregate in the vicinity of the local church building located near Flea Hill Branch. This designation has existed since the late 1700s, and appears officially on an 1822 map showing Flea Hill Branch, a small creek located close to the present day Eastover Community Center. It’s all part of the local lore that gives Eastover its charm. Although undocumented, a book published in 1856 relates to an incident occurring prior to the American Revolution which refers to Flea Hill Creek and Flea Hill Swamp. The 1830 U.S. Census list Flea Hill as a Census District. Flea Hill was later designated as a township, and remained so until 1929 when the state legislature changed the name to Eastover Township. The Town of Eastover was incorporated in July, 2007 and currently has a population of 3,720. Eastover is a place where community spirit is a part of everyday life…..where people proudly remember their heritage, live with a genuine concern for their neighbors, and unite purposefully to create for the future. The relaxing rural setting consists of roads
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3863 Dunn Road (910) 323-0707 | www.EastoverNC.com
dotted with green pastures, farmland, and small neighborhoods. The commercial district along Dunn Road, between Beard Road and Rock Hill Road, consists of mostly locally-owned establishments providing convenient goods and services for residents, as townfolk say, “with friendliness and a smile.” Their motto is Eastover, “Remembering our Heritage and Creating our Future”. This farming community is 11.5 square miles in size and has a Tyson chicken and feed distribution center located here. Other businesses are BB&T bank branch, the IGA food store, a dentist, optometrist, Bethesda Health Care and Eastover Gardens (Alzheimer unit), and 37 other businesses located along Dunn Road. The town is seeing housing growth with 105 homes at Eastover North I & II (Dunn Rd & Beard Rd) on lots of up to ½ acre; and on Rock Hill Road at Rock Hill on Fairview with sixteen lots of over an acre each. The Town just completed the Ballpark Road extension which provides a second ingress/egress to our 40 acre ballpark facility. Ongoing ballpark expansion will bring a splash pad, tennis courts, volleyball, additional soccer field, and future amphitheater and extended walking trails. Plus, the design stage has been completed for a new 6,500-square-foot town hall. To get a feel for the Town, join them at the Heritage Day Festival September 18th!
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COMMUNITY.
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Hope Mills
5770 Rockfish Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348 910-426-4112 | www.TownofHopeMills.com
A Town Called Hope Mills
H
ighlanders from Scotland began living in the area of present day Hope Mills and by the mid-to-late 1700s a large saw mill had been built along the Little Rockfish Creek and in 1789, the first permanent settlement was organized. In 1839 the first cotton factory – Rockfish Factory was completed. By the mid-1840s this factory was the largest cotton mill in North Carolina in terms of capital investment and the value of production.
eight cotton mills in Cumberland County, including the Rockfish Factory, but Bluff Mill was spared and by 1868 was back in operation. It was sold in 1871 and after much rebuilding, renovation and replacement of machinery, the mill was re-opened in 1872, and became known as the Hope Mill. In 1885, the name of the settlement on Rockfish Creek was officially changed to Hope Mills.
In 1841 a mill was constructed on Beaver Creek. This mill was known as the Bluff Mill as it was located at a bluff near the intersection of what is now Camden and Hope Mills Road.
In 1888, a second mill was constructed by the Hope Mills Manufacturing Company, on Big Rockfish Creek. The mills became known as Hope Mills Number One (on Little Rockfish Creek) and Hope Mills Number Two.
As the textile industry flourished, so did the Rockfish Factory village, with a company store and rows of houses built for the families of those who worked in the cotton mills. In 1865, Sherman’s troops burned
By 1890, the village of Hope Mills was the secondlargest community in Cumberland County. In 1891 the community itself was incorporated as a town, known as Hope Mills Number One. Mr. S. H. “Sim”
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Cotton, superintendent of the mills, was its first Mayor. By this time, the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railway running from Wilmington, North Carolina to Bennettsville, South Carolina, ran through Hope Mills. The Railroad Depot, which was located at the juncture of the railroad and Trade Street, has since burned and is no longer in existence. As the mill industry flourished, the mills expanded, but today, none of these textile mills are in operation. They either have been destroyed or converted to other uses. The textile industry is a large part of our history. Without this heritage, however, there may not have been a Town called Hope Mills. Today, the town has much to be proud of. Mayor Jacki Warner says, “Our schools are some of the best in the state, not only in academics, but in extracurricular and athletic opportunities for all students as well.” She adds: “Our youth programs
are exemplary because of our town’s Parks and Recreation Department partnership with our county schools in sharing facilities and programs. Our library, walking path, and community center are conveniently located for a variety of uses by our citizens.” “Safety and security is a top priority – we are proud of our Fire and Police Departments along with the support our town government appropriates to promote their services,” she said. The town’s rapid growth has brought new shopping areas, a state-of-the-art theatre facility, restaurants, and businesses to meet the demands of more citizens. The addition of the new business expansion has also added jobs and extensive culture for our community. Hope Mills, not by mere coincidence, puts “Hope” as a high priority for our citizens, whom we still identify as neighbors, says Mayor Warner.
Credits Summarized by Pat Hall, Chair of the Historic Advisory Committee, from Hope Mills Heritage by Eddie Dees, various church histories, and newspaper articles.
FayBiz.com Friday, March 23, 2018
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Linden
9456 Academy St, Linden, NC 28356 910-980-0119
T
Fayetteville) due to difficult travel up the Cape Fear River beyond Carvers Falls. The Choeffington community dissolved after the relocation of the courthouse.
Choeffington was the earliest community in the area. It was located about one mile east of present day Linden. The first County courthouse was built there in 1754. In 1764, the courthouse was moved to the Campbellton-Cross Creek area (later named
The area of present day Linden was settled in 1800. The railroad was built around the same time. Because of the railroad, D.L. McBryde, noted “Founder of Linden,” envisioned residential and commercial growth for the area. His vision led him to subdivide land and sell lots. In 1816, the first place of worship for Presbyterians was started. Service was held at the Hodges Meeting House owned by the Hodges family. In 1835, Sardis Presbyterian Church was built. Reverend D.D. McBryde, father of D.L. McBryde, was the pastor. Reverend D.D. McBryde was one of the key founders of the Little River Academy. The McBryde family owned much of the land south of the Academy, which was located on the south banks of the Little River, less than one mile north of present day Linden.
he town of Linden is located about one-half mile from Harnett County in the northern portion of Cumberland County near the convergence of the Cape Fear River and the little River. The original land for the Town was part of a grant issued to Gilbert Patterson by King George II in 1744. On May 3, 1753, Martin Grantham of Bladen County sold a tract of land located on the northwest branch of the Cape Fear River to William Hodges, an English planter whose family settled in Virginia after the Revolutionary War. He was the first to come to the area of present day Linden. According to Cumberland County deeds, he later added several thousand acres to the original land contract.
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Evidence suggests that the opening of the Academy in 1880 was the key to the establishment of the Town. The rise in public education led to a statewide decline in private academies. As a result, the Little River Academy closed around the turn of the century. In 1896, the settlement around Sardis Presbyterian Church got a post office. The name “Linden” was given to the post office. The name came from a grove of nearby trees and was later assumed by the Town. The Linde tree was not native to the area. Historical accounts claim that seeds for the tree were brought in from New Orleans during the 1790s by a member of the Hodges family. Although the last sighting of the tree was during the 1960s, there are no Linden trees that exist in the area to date. The area experienced considerable growth during the early 1900s. A public school was built in 1901 and the Town was incorporated in 1913. The first census, taken in 1920, listed the population as 191. During the 1920s and 30s, the Town served as a marketing and processing center for the surrounding agricultural region. Agriculture was an important economic activity due to the area’s favorable soil conditions. There were at least ten commercial establishments along Main Street, several cotton gins, a busy train depot, and a hotel to accommodate the freight and passenger rail activity. According to the 2010 Census, the population for the Town of Linden was 130 residents, up 2.36% from the 2000 Census. The population has never exceeded its 1940 level of 224 residents. The Town government is made up of the Mayor and a five-member Board of Commissioners. Submitted by the Town of Linden
FayBiz.com Friday, March 23, 2018
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Spring Lake
S
pring Lake officially became a Town on April 9, 1951, when the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 791 establishing the “Town of Spring Lake.” Earliest records indicate the area remained one of relatively low population, small farms and woodland up until the early 1900’s. The big transformation was the influx of troops to what is now Fort Bragg. The symbiotic relationship was only natural given the proximity and how the military functioned at the time. As Fort Bragg grew, the community grew. Houses, churches, schools, businesses were built. Time passed. The military evolved. People came and went. The Town kept evolving and growing. Some came and went but some planted roots. Some had deep roots and had invested in the growth and expansion from the beginning. With approximately 2,500 residents and a radius of roughly one mile, the Town of Spring Lake not only took its place on the map, it has owned it ever since. In September 2008, the North Carolina General Assembly passed two bills that allowed for the annexation of all of what was Pope Air Force Base and a portion of Fort Bragg, bringing them into the Town limits of Spring Lake. Today, Spring Lake has over 13,000 residents and over 26 square miles of streets. The major undertaking by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to transform roadways in the Town is now drawing to a close as the Murchison Road Corridor project and the Poe Ave. Bridge are completed. Orange barrels disappear daily and roadways open up. Drivers are amazed to find there is more than a corridor before them. The beautiful and state-of-the-art Courtyard by Marriott hotel invites travelers to stay for a bit and enjoy the amenities and events the Town has to offer. It is just one of many plush hotels the Town has to offer. Couple it with the newly-renovated landmark hotel, the Gateway Inn, or the recently modernized Country Inn & Suites, the award winning Hampton Inn and the dependable and authentic Super 8 and it is clear to
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300 Ruth Street, Spring Lake, NC 28390 910-436-0241 | www.spring-Lake.org
see why Spring Lake welcomes you home. Spring Lake is full of opportunities for the adventurer. The new Spring Lake Outpost offers those seeking adventure and thrill, everything from kayaking to races. It lacks nothing for the true outdoors person. With state of the art fitness centers such as TNT Powerhouse Gym which plans to open its doors soon and top rated fitness programs such as All About Fitness (which now has two programs that are free for all residents to take advantage of) operating within the community, Spring Lake is becoming the leader in Cumberland County for healthy living. In addition, Compare Foods is slated to open its doors this spring which will only enhance the availability of good eats! Speaking of good food, there is no lacking when it comes to great food in Spring Lake. We pride ourselves on delicious cuisine regardless of what you are craving. We have fast food, homemade food, catered food, international food, specialty food, let-me-take-you-out-to-dinner-and-enjoy-an-eveningout-food, junk food and food you didn’t know you wanted. After those long work outs, you can treat yourself! It doesn’t stop there! Spring Lake prides itself on its annual events. The 17th Annual Spring Fling is right around the corner. This is the largest and longest running event in the Town’s history. Coupled with the opening day of baseball, the Spring Fling has something for everyone. Whether its carnival rides, live stage entertainment, merchandise vendors, food vendors, Art Attack!, games, prizes, face painting, special guests or something else, you are sure to find what you are looking for at the Spring Fling. The Annual Easter Egg Hunt has over 6,000 eggs for kids ages 0-12 years of age to find on three separate fields. This year, the Town hosted the 2nd Annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Parade and Family Fun Day on Main Street in downtown Spring Lake. In Spring Lake, there is always something to do. In our Town, we like to say, “Our heroes don’t wear capes; they wear dog tags.” Each year, we honor our veterans
and uphold our commitment to support those who serve by holding our Annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Annual Veterans Day Ceremony. We don’t do it because we have to. We do it because we are proud to. Our Annual ceremonies also include a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. We hold top notch ceremonies and events; something we are proud to do in our Town. We could hold our events anywhere in Spring Lake because Spring Lake just has so many great places but most events are held at our top-of-the-line parks. Mendoza Park, located off Highway 87, which is a “Gold Star Highway,” is our flagship park. Mendoza Park received a facelift a few years ago. It has a new concession stand, paved parking, three picnic areas, new playground equipment, not one but three ball fields, a walking trail which has benches and beautiful scenery. It is a park not only for the young, not only for the young at heart but with wi-fi, it is a park for even the generation glued to technology. Don’t stop just at Mendoza. You have to check out Ruth Street Park! New Tennis courts, new work out equipment, brand new playground equipment and more is on the way! Couple these parks with Wilson Avenue Park (it has the big water tower) and Woodland West Park (it’s our favorite neighborhood
park) and you can see why we have a great start to a park system. With Carver’s Creek right around the corner, we have it all. Spring Lake has so much going on it is hard to capture it all in one article. It is hard to focus on just one aspect. From the two campuses of FTCC to the Law Enforcement Training Center, we not only offer business opportunity in Spring Lake, we offer educational opportunity. We have shopping, medical, housing and so much more is on the horizon. Spring Lake has come a long way from the small community that once grew from supporting a small Camp the military set up in this part of North Carolina. It has grown into a strong Town that continues to charge forward. Spring Lake is the third largest municipality in Cumberland County in size but the largest in heart. What truly makes Spring Lake great is its people. They always have. From Mayor Grady Howard who fought to incorporate the Town back in the beginning to the current Board of Aldermen who strive each day to make the Town better than it was yesterday. It’s the residents who have been here for decades and those who have been here for weeks. It is all a feeling you get when you come here. You know you are welcome; you know you are home. THAT is Spring Lake Strong!
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Town of Stedman
W
elcome to the Town of Stedman. Founded early in the 19th century, Stedman is located about 10 miles east of Fayetteville on Highway 24 in Cumberland County. We are a small bedroom community in eastern North Carolina, with approximately 1400 residents and growing. We have many things to offer you and your family. We host many local merchants, churches, daycares, public schools, a dental office, doctors offices, a volunteer fire department and post office. 2013 was a year of celebration for the Town, as it turned 100 on February 20th! The Town hosted a two-day Centennial Celebration to honor this special time and published a History Book of Stedman to commemorate our history. Originally known as Blockersville, the Town was named for the family of John C. Blocker. The name was shortened to Blockers when the stagecoach station and a post office were constructed, and remained the same until the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad was built from Fayetteville to Wilmington. Foresighted citizens of the small settlement obtained a railroad station by donating the right-of-way. David and Kelly Sessoms provided land for the station, which was built by local residents. Nathan A. Stedman was instrumental in locating the railroad in the community and the Town was re-named in his honor. In 1913, the town was incorporated by an act of the North Carolina Legislature, which provided for corporate limits of the town one-mile square. It further provided that “no spirituous, vinous or malt liquors shall be manufactured or sold within the corporate limits of said town.” As of this date, it is still not allowed. In the early days, Stedman had an academy with the highest standards. Today, we are home to Stedman Primary School and Stedman Elementary School. Stedman’s first government meetings were held in the homes of local residents. Today, a modern municipal building houses the administrative offices and the police department. The first public water supply facility was
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5110 Front Street, Stedman, NC 28391 910-323-1892 | www.townofstedman.com
constructed in 1978. At the present time, the Town has approximately 563 water customers. In February 2001, Stedman completed a waste water collection project and at the present time the Town has approximately 561 water customers. Stedman is continually growing with a current population of approximately 1,400, up significantly from its 121 people in 1920. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.1 square miles. The Town continues to be a rural community with approximately 40 commercial establishments. This small town seems to incorporate elements of the past and the future into the present with a great deal of harmony, and Stedman evidences serious development in all phases of community life.
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Wade
7128 Main Street, Wade, NC 28395 910-485-3502 | www.WadeNC.com
Cindy Burchett Wade Town Clerk
was held with the election of a Mayor and three Commissioners. In 1969, the charter was changed to add two additional commissioners and in this same year, the Wade Community Fire Department was established. In July of 1972 the Town acquired a building that could be used as a Town Hall where Board Members and citizens could meet to discuss the future of the Town. These meetings and the hard work of many different elected officials and citizens have resulted in many accomplishments and changes within the Town during the past 50 years.
T
he Town of Wade was settled around the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad and was named for N.G. Wade. Mr. Wade was a local businessman who sold cross ties to the railroad. The Town was originally charted in 1869; however this charter was later abandoned. Wade was again chartered on March 8, 1913. This charter called for the election of a Mayor and three Commissioners. The dimensions described for the Town in the 1913 charter made Wade exactly 1 mile square. Following the ratification of this charter until 1936 the Town progressed with the establishment of a post office, jail, drugstore, street lights and other businesses. There are no records of Town conducted business after 1936 until 1967 when work began by citizens to reactivate the 1913 charter. On May 6, 1968 the first election for this era in Town government
24
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The Town of Wade was able to construct its first park in 1977 with the acquisition of grant funds. Through the years many of the older homes in Town have rehabilitated through the Town being awarded three successful Community Development Block Grants. In 1985, Wade was awarded a $489,000 grant for the construction of a water system and in August of 1988 the first public water was available to Wade citizens.
In this same year, the Town was able to acquire the land where the existing Town Hall was located and proceeded to construct a new facility. y. The year 1990 was significant to the history of the Town because for the first time the Town annexed additional tracts of land and so the Town was no longer 1 mile square. There have been several additional annexations causing changes to the dimensions of the Town since that time. The Town also acquired additional land for the park in 2001 and received a grant to do a complete facelift and addition to what is now called the Wade Community Park. This 32-acre acquisition allowed the Town to dedicate a new park with upgraded equipment and a paved walking trail in 2009. There are plans for additional phases of the park that the Town hopes to accomplish in the near future. The Town was also able to acquire the Wade Community Building from the Wade Community Club. The Town is working with Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation to remodel the building so that it can be used for Town events and rented by citizens as well. This project should be complete in Spring 2018. The Town hosts 3 different events during the year at our Park & Community Building. The first Thursday in May is our National Day of Prayer event and then the first Saturday in June (since 2009) is our Founder’s Day event. This event includes a parade, arts & craft vendors, food vendors, stage performances, games, a cake baking contest and a car show. The first Saturday in December we have a Christmas tree lighting and a visit from Santa. The Town of Wade became part of NORCRESS (North Cumberland Region Sewer System) in 2002 which paved the way for an $11 million project that would bring sanitary sewer to the Towns of Wade, Godwin & Falcon. This project was completed at the end of 2005 making sewer available to citizens in all three Towns and allowing growth to take place in areas that previously could not be developed. Change is taking place in the Town of Wade with the businesses, homes and overall growth. We currently
have one newly-built subdivision in Town. This has been the largest residential development in the Town since the reactivation of the charter. As of 2017, the population of the Town is approximately 555. We are conveniently located off I-95 at exit 61 and also have close proximity to I-295. As you can see the Town of Wade has faced adversity and yet accomplished many great things since it was chartered in 1913. We are still a small town but we try to provide our citizens with quality services and a quality way of life. The efforts of our past & present Mayors, Board of Commissioners and citizens have helped make the Town of Wade the wonderful place that it is today; a place that we are proud to call home. FayBiz.com Friday, March 23, 2018
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CUMBERLAND CONNECTED
W
ork is underway to complete the western portion of the Fayetteville Outer Loop (I-295) from U.S. 401 Business/Ramsey Street – north of Fayetteville – to I-95 just across the Cumberland-Robeson county line. According to NCDOT, the 39-mile outer loop will provide unprecedented interstate connectivity for the region and provide Fort Bragg direct connections to I-95. The North Carolina Department of Transportation further believes that the Fayetteville Outer Loop is critical for the region in that it will help support the military, promote continued economic growth and strengthen North Carolina’s ability to attract and retain business and industry. Other benefits which have been touted include reducing the volume of traffic on portions of the local street network; connecting major routes in the south, west and north portions of Fayetteville and providing an additional crossing of the Cape Fear River. Planning for the Fayetteville Outer Loop began in the late 1980s, and the first phase of the project – from I-95 to U.S. 401/Ramsey Street – opened in 2005. It was nine years later that the section from Murchison Road to Bragg Boulevard was opened, followed two years later by the $146 million portion from Bragg Boulevard to Ramsey Street. That 6.5 mile section provides a direct eastward connection from Fort Bragg to I-95, which is critical to deployment and
Location
national security. It is also a key factor in future plans to close Bragg Boulevard through the base. Project Highlights The project is divided into five sections and includes segments of roadway that are complete, under construction or in the planning stages. All American Freeway to Cliffdale Road is under construction and expected to open to traffic in October 2018. Work on the section from Cliffdale Road to U.S. 401/ Raeford Road was awarded to Barnhill contracting Co., Sanford Construction and HDR Engineering. The $85.2 million contract is expected to be completed by May 2021. Design is underway for work on Section B – U.S. 401/ Raeford Road to Camden Road – with a contract scheduled to be awarded in fall 2018. Construction is to be completed by 2022. In December 2017, a $129.7 million design-build contract was awarded to the Wilmington-based team of Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc., Branch Civil Inc. and STV Engineers Inc. The team will design and build Section A – Camden Road to I-95 – with a scheduled completion by July 2021. For more information, visit www.ncdot.gov/projects/FayettevilleOuterLoop/
Section
Status
U.S. 401 Business/Ramsey Street to All American Freeway.. Section DA............................................... Complete All American Freeway to Cliffdale Road.................................. Section CB .............................. Under construction Cliffdale Road to U.S. 401/Raeford Road................................ Section CA...........Design-build contract underway U.S. 401/Raeford Road to Camden Road ............................... Section B .................................................U-2519BA U-2519BB ..........................................................................................................................................In development Camden Road to I-95 .............................................................. Section A .................................................U-2519AA U-2519AB ...............................................................................................................Design-build contract underway
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FAYETTEVILLE LOOP COMPLETION PROJECT SECTIONS
SECTION DA
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Skib o Rd .
y
S. Re illy Rd .
e re
Morg anto n Rd .
. Ramsey St
an F meric All A
Ya dk in Rd .
ard ulev g Bo Brag
SECTION CB
Morg anto n Rd .
. Cliffdale Rd
Ro wa nS t.
SECTION CA Rd. ford Rae
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d. yR dsa Lin St on ey
nd
Br
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SECTION B
Hope Mills Rd.
Fayetteville
Rd. King
RockямБ sh Rd. . en Rd Camd
KE O H
TY N U O C
N SO BE RO
T N U CO
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SECTION A
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. Rd
LEGEND SECTION
LOCATION
DA
Ramsey Street to All American Freeway
CB
All American Freeway to Cliffdale Road
CA
Cliffdale Road to Raeford Road
B
Raeford Road to Camden Road
A
Camden Road to I-95
MAP NOT DRAWN TO SCALE * Dates subject to change. 08.10.2016
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