TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Strickland - Assistant City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cauley, MPA - Economic & Community Development Director
Derrick McArthur, - Economic Development Manager, Economic & Community Development
DATE: December 8, 2025
RE:Title
Adopt Resolution of Support Authorizing to Apply for North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Grant for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, Inc.Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
District 2 Malik Davis
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Strategic Operating Plan FY 2022- 2026
Goal II: Responsive City Government Supporting a Diverse and Viable Economy
• 2.2: To invest in community places to ensure revitalization and increase quality of life
Goal VI: Collaborative citizen and Business Engagement
• 6.2: To ensure trust and confidence in City government through transparency and high-quality customer service
• 6.3: To inform and educate about local government by enhancing public outreach and increasing community dialog, collaboration and empowerment
Executive Summary:
City Council is asked to adopt the attached resolution and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant application required for the substantial rehabilitation of a commercial facility located at 200 Green Street. The Economic and Community Development Department (ECD) and the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is assisting Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, Inc. with this project, which qualifies for the North Carolina Department of Commerce (NCDOC) Rural Economic Development - Building Reuse Grant, a program that supports the renovation of vacant or underutilized buildings that will result in new job creation.
To be eligible for submission, the applicant must secure a supporting resolution from the local government and obtain authorization for the City Manager to sign all required grant documents. Approval of this item will enable the City to proceed with the grant application on behalf of the company, supporting economic development and job creation within District 2.
Background:
The Building Reuse Program, under the Rural Grants/Programs Section of the NC DOC, provides grants to local governments. Three categories of funding are available for 1) the renovation of vacant buildings, 2) the renovation or expansion of a building occupied by an existing North Carolina company wishing to expand in their current location and 3) the renovation, expansion, or construction of health care entities that will lead to the creation of new, full-time jobs.
The City of Fayetteville is requesting a $80,000 Rural Economic Development Grant from the NCDOC for a building reuse grant for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, Inc. The company will undertake substantial renovations of property at 200 Green St; and in turn, guarantee the creation of 10 new full-time jobs. At least $3,050,000 of qualified project expenditures are estimated to be made by Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, Inc. to redevelop this property.
Issues/Analysis:
Approval of the grant application would support the renovation of an underutilized commercial property in the downtown area and incentivize private investment and job creation. The project aligns with the City’s economic development goals by supporting business expansion and downtown revitalization.
Budget Impact:
If awarded, the grant requires a 5% local cash match of $4,000, which will be provided by a General Fund transfer. There is sufficient funding available in the ECD general fund budget for FY 2026 to accommodate this grant match.
Options:
• Adopt the attached the Resolution of Support for the Building Reuse Grant authorizing the City Manager to sign the grant application for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, Inc.
• Do not adopt the attached the Resolution of Support for the Building Reuse Grant authorizing the City Manager to sign the grant application for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, Inc.
• Direct staff to some other course of action.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council move to adopt the Resolution of Support for the Building Reuse Grant authorizing the City Manager to sign the grant application for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, Inc.
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Attachments:
Resolution of Support for Building Reuse Grant