TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
FROM: Kecia N. Parker, NCCP, Real Estate Manager
DATE: August 11, 2025
RE:
Title
Adopt Resolution of the City of Fayetteville City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Acquire a 1.38 Acre Parcel of Real Property Located at 1013 Person Street for the Cape Fear River Park
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
2
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 4: Desirable Place to Live, Work, and Recreate
Executive Summary:
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation has identified the need to purchase the property located at 1013 Person Street for the Cape Fear River Park parking lot. The parcel was identified as part of the $35 million bond referendum passed in 2016. The Parks and Recreation General Obligation Bond will be utilized to cover total costs of $146,087.00 for the purchase.
On April 28, 2025, staff presented to the City Council a briefing on the due diligence activities required prior to acquiring the proposed relocation site. These activities have now been completed and include:
• Property appraisal and review appraisal, confirming market value;
• Environmental site assessment, with no concerns raised for the proposed use of the lot; and,
• Title search, confirming clear ownership.
All findings support the City's interest in proceeding with property acquisition.
The proposed site is owned by Christ Gospel Church of Fayetteville, NC, now known as One Church Covenant Fellowship and the City has negotiated an Option to Purchase Agreement in the amount of $145,000.00.
To proceed with the acquisition, Council is asked to adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to finalize the purchase of the property.
Background:
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation has identified a 1.38-acre parcel located at 1013 Person Street as the proposed parking lot for the Cape Fear River Park.
In March 2016, Fayetteville voters passed a $35 million bond referendum for parks and recreation. The Cape Fear River Park, which is located on approximately 13 acres off Person Street, is currently being designed. On December 2, 2024, City staff updated City Council on the progress of the project. On April 28, 2025, City staff briefed City Council about the site and outlined the due diligence process. The Council’s consensus was that purchasing the site is a fiscally responsible investment aligned with both current and long-term operational needs.
As part of the acquisition process, staff completed the following:
• Title Search - Confirmed a clear title to the property;
• Appraisal & Review Appraisal - Validated the purchase price against market value; and,
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment - Found no environmental concerns if the parcel is utilized for the proposed parking lot.
Following these evaluations, staff negotiated an Option to Purchase Agreement for $145,000.00, which includes a $1,500.00 deposit in earnest money.
This purchase aligns with the City of Fayetteville Goal 4, objective 4.4 to provide a clean and beautiful community with increased green spaces.
Issues/Analysis:
Property Acquisition Cost Breakdown - Cape Fear River Park Parking Lot
• Purchase Price (as negotiated): $145,000.00
o Includes $1,500.00 already paid as earnest money deposit
• Additional Costs: $1,087.00
o Property Taxes: $700.00
o Title Insurance: $361.00
o Recording Fees: $26.00
Budget Impact:
The purchase will be funded from the Parks and Recreation General Obligation Bond.
Options:
• Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all related documents necessary to acquire the parcel.
• Deny the request.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council proceed with acquisition and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all related documents necessary to acquire the parcel.
Attachments:
1.38 Acre Map for 1013 Person Street
Resolution for Purchase of Cape Fear River Park Parking Lot