Murchison Choice Neighborhood Plan

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Client

City of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority

Description

The last 20 years have seen significant development and changes in the City of Fayetteville including the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville with new shops, services, hotels, offices, and entertainment opportunities. Unfortunately, these positive improvements have not benefited all residents in a truly equitable fashion. The city encompasses portions of Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world, which adds significantly to the regional economy. The Murchison Road Corridor itself is known as the historic center of African American culture in the city and is anchored by Fayetteville State University, a Historically Black College and University founded in 1867. In addition, the community contains easy access to public schools, early childhood learning centers, and various community medical clinics. The neighborhood’s natural creek corridors and small lakes are underutilized assets that can be greatly improved for local recreation. Because of Fayetteville State University, along with the community’s close proximity to downtown, the neighborhood provides a potential market for additional student- and faculty-oriented housing, as well as potential retail uses that could provide additional jobs and services for residents.

Through the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant, COLLABO is working with the City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority, local residents and a variety of community stakeholders – including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, anchor institutions, supportive services agencies, businesses, and others – to create a forward-looking Transformation Plan with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Through this planning process, community members and stakeholders will identify local assets, discuss current challenges, and create a vision for the future. This initiative will help to ensure that revitalization efforts fully benefit the local community.