Cumberland County officials have decided to temporarily turn the empty Gillispie lot in downtown Fayetteville, once slated to become the new Crown Event Center, into an outdoor public space as they reassess the future of the long-delayed project.
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…