1980-2004
Today's changes shape tomorrow
What will Cumberland County look like when it celebrates its 300th birthday in 2054? More populous, more diverse and more urban. At least that's the standard outlook among demographers.
In many ways, the county's face is changing. It's just a question of what its makeup will be. Some issues have been historical dividers, whether they have pitted urban vs. rural, civilian vs. military, or black vs. white (and other ethnic groups, in the increasingly diverse population).
In the past 20 years, for better or worse - depending on one's perspective - annexation by the city of Fayetteville has started to change these dynamics. In what ways? Fayetteville is planning to stretch to the Hoke County line with its biggest annexation set for June 30, taking in 28 square miles and 43,000 new residents, many of whom opposed the city's move and plan to challenge it in court.
Fayetteville touches Fort Bragg, literally, so there's no longer even a physical distance between the two. Run-down sections of roadway between the former city limits and the post can't be dismissed as "a county problem" - they're now a city of Fayetteville issue.
The political lines have also been shifting. Military retirees, some of whom have been annexed by the city, have become more involved in civic affairs. County Republicans have gained ground in a traditional Democratic stronghold. And minority representation in government has increased during the past 25 years.
Some of what's happening today stems from what happened in the General Assembly in 1959. That's when Fayetteville was exempted from the annexation powers granted to most other cities.
Fayetteville did not gain annexation authority until 1983. It annexed its first urban area in 1984 and its second in 1988. Issues that had built up for more than 25 years had to be dealt with, including development standards, water and sewer needs, fire and police protection, garbage service, parks and recreation, and more.
Meanwhile, the county is experiencing other changes. The long-awaited Fayetteville Outer Loop is being built, with plans calling for its completion in the next 15 years. People in the rural, eastern part of the county foresee the highway bringing growth and development their way.
Hope Mills also is growing. And Gray's Creek. And Seventy-First Township. And Vander. And the Raleigh Road area. What will it all look like in 50 years?
Cumberland County's destiny awaits.
|
