"I feel numb. I feel very numb. It's going to be very, very difficult these next coming days," said Ticca Harris.
"Michael hasn't been told anything about the nature of UNC's investigation and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name."
General manager Michael Lombardi was placed on administrative leave, the school announced Monday.
"It's just awful. My prayers are with the family," neighbor Christina Urban said.
Located 1.6 miles north of UNC's main campus, the site is slated to be developed into a mixed-use area designed for living, working and recreation.
ESPN reports the decision stems from a human resources complaint filed by a former UNC employee.