North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The City of Fayetteville held a public meeting recently to discuss future infrastructure improvements in the Locks Creek community. The meeting provided an opportunity for local residents to hear directly from city officials and ask questions about plans that could shape the area’s future.
“This event is an opportunity for residents to hear directly from city employees about plans for the community’s future and to ask questions, share ideas, and provide feedback,” said Deputy Public Services Director Byron Reeves. “We value the voices of our residents and want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn about our initiatives and provide input.”
The meeting comes at a time of significant development in the area, including a plan, backed by Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and his business partner Darrin Collins that includes building a 300-unit apartment complex has been a focal point for local debate. Last June 24, the City Council voted 5-3 to rezone the site and 8-0 to annex it into the city limits, paving the way for the project to move forward.
This project is one of three apartment developments currently underway near the commercial cluster surrounding the Cedar Creek Road interchange with Interstate 95 at Exit 49. Combined, the three developments are expected to add more than 1,000 new units to the area. The developments include:
- Colvin’s 300-Unit Apartment Complex: Proposed on about 28 acres off Cedar Creek Road, between Fields Road and Water Oaks Drive. The site is directly across from the Locks Creek residential subdivision.
- Cricket Council USA’s 500-Unit Complex: This Florida-based project will include more than 500 units, fronting both Cedar Creek Road and I-95, and will feature outdoor recreation facilities, including cricket fields with locker rooms and bleachers for tournaments.
- GoodHomes Communities’ 200-Unit Complex: A former Holiday Inn will be transformed into approximately 200 apartment units, offering additional housing options in the area.
Also, the Locks Creek drainage improvements project was identified through the Cape Fear 2 watershed study and has documented flooding concerns. The project is located near the intersection of Cedar Creek Road and Locks Creek Road in the area south of LA Dunham Road and East of Cedar Creek Road. There are 3 access points into the neighborhood; Pasture Lane and Carriage Road are both off of LA Dunham Road while the third one is Locks Creek Road off of Cedar Creek Road.
The tributary to Locks Creek that runs parallel to Cedar Creek Road overtops LA Dunham Road and Locks Creek Road in frequent storm events. Both Locks Creek Road and Carriage Road are often inundated and can prohibit safe passage during larger storm events.