County leaders say the move is a short-term solution while they review economic development options for the Gillespie Street site. Residents and courthouse employees say the decision does little to address ongoing parking shortages around the Cumberland County Courthouse.
Residents who regularly visit the courthouse say finding parking has become increasingly difficult.
"We have a lot of people, a lot of people going to court. We should be able to just pull in and park," said Chelsea Singletary, a Fayetteville resident.
Singletary said the lack of available parking adds unnecessary stress to court visits.
"I feel as though you know, something as important as court. You should be able to come in and do what you need to be done. Done and go," she said.
Courthouse employees share similar frustrations. Jesse McPherson, who works at the courthouse and did not want to be on camera, said he arrives at least an hour early to secure a parking space.
"It's been very limited parking around here. If you don't get here early enough, you won't get a parking spot," McPherson said.
"We've got a very public location with that lot. We don't need a fence around it. It needs to be accessible by the public," said County Commission Chairman Kirk DeViere.
Crown Center timeline
Parking challenges near the courthouse began in 2022, when county leaders approved the Gillespie Street lot as the future site of the Crown Event Center.
In May 2023, the county board approved a new concept design for the project, including a rooftop terrace.
Despite signs of progress, the board voted in June to pause the multi-million-dollar project because of economic concerns.
DeViere said the county has taken steps to recover some of the lost parking spaces.
"We lost about 200 spaces. We tried to gain some of those back in and around the courthouse. Now you have to walk a little bit to get that. We've also redesigned the back part behind the courthouse to realign that parking to where it's both public parking as well as employee parking. And then we've expanded across the street," he said.
McPherson said he hopes county leaders will consider long-term solutions.
"Just redo it, make a parking deck, make more parking slots, because it'll be a lot easier for people. Find parking," he said.
County officials say they are evaluating several economic development opportunities for the site and expect to review plans in January. A public hearing on the matter was scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Monday.
Where to park?
Free Public Parking Options
Visitors to the Courthouse may use the following free parking lots:
- First Presbyterian Church lot - entrance located in the 200 block of Person Street, available weekdays from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
- 334 Person Street (gravel lot)
- 125 S. Kennedy Street (gravel lot)
Click here to learn more