TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Jay Toland, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Yamile Nazar, Director
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Human Relations Department
DATE: March 28, 2022
RE:
Title
United States Department of Justice Report for Repurposing the Fayetteville Market House
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal II: The City of Fayetteville will have a Responsive City Government supporting a diverse and viable economy. Goal VI: The City of Fayetteville will continue to have a collaborative “resident” and business engagement base.
Executive Summary:
Information is presented to Council involving suggested options for the repurposing of the Fayetteville Market House.
Background:
At the request by City Council on April 15, 2021, the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Commission was directed to implement the United States Department of Justice (hereon in, “USDOJ”) City SPIRIT community engagement module. Its purpose was to host events where Fayetteville residents could share ideas on how to repurpose the Market House. Two community events were held: one in October 2021 and the second in January 2022.
Following the two events, USDOJ collected all information provided and a report was finalized with recommendations received. The content of the report will be shared with City Council by USDOJ Representative Dion Lyons, and members of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Commission.
If strategically repurposed, the historic Market House has the potential to make a significant contribution to local and regional African-American history, positive community race and human relations, residents’ quality of life, as well as municipal tourism and the regional economy.
The community groups were comprised of diverse individuals, age, race, gender, who represented the civic, business, religion, higher education sectors, the Human Relations Commission, and others, to include but not limited to, city government staff.
Issues/Analysis:
The initial top five overarching options are as follows:
Top Four Responses in Order
1. Structural Modification - Inside lane of the traffic circle bricked in to create a larger footprint for outside activities.
2. Art Exhibits - Activate the four sidewalk corners to speak to the diversity of the community (not just Black history). Corners can host temporary art. Make it active space that people can engage with.
3. Art Exhibits - In depth with the emotional connectivity associated with the history of Fayetteville and the Market House highlighting successful Black contributors to the structure. Upstairs - present/future. Downstairs - past.
4. Themed Events - Destination visit for education of the student community (Pre-K through 12 and college/university) with a combination of static displays, plays, volunteer opportunities, master classes.
The City SPIRIT community event attendees were tasked with developing greater details on how to accomplish the above-referenced.
Budget Impact:
None at this time.
Options:
Select options from the USDOJ City SPIRIT recommendations for repurposing the Market House (recommended).
Do not approve the proposed repurposing options provided in the USDOJ City SPIRIT report.
Recommended Action:
City staff recommend that repurposing options that can begin implementation be considered. This action is consistent with the intent and spirit of the Human Relations ordinance which provides guidance to the Human Relations Commission and City Staff in support of its efforts aligned with Goal 4 which promotes Fayetteville as a desirable place to live, work and recreate.
Attachments:
USDOJ final report
PowerPoint Presentation