Good morning. Toxic forever chemicals are known to be in the well water of residents in the Fayetteville area, attributable to pollution from the nearby Fayetteville Works chemical manufacturing plant.
Now, a new N.C. State University study is adding to a growing body of research showing how PFAS chemicals have seeped into the air, water and soil surrounding the Chemours plant — in this case, found in fruits and vegetables grown near the Fayetteville Works Plant. Read our lead story for more.
Welcome to CityView Today. We’ve also got a report from the town of Hope Mills, where commissioners voted Monday night to enter into a $500,000 contract with telecommunications company Motorola to supply new radios for the fire department. Also in today’s newsletter: the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners had planned to raise the rent by more than 500% for Cumberland County CommuniCare. The board voted Monday to cancel those plans; check out our story to find out why.
And Senior Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. gives us a look inside Fayetteville Regional Airport’s 75-year journey and where it’s headed next.
Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Interim Editor-in-Chief
New study confirms produce grown near Chemours plant contains high levels of PFAS
North Carolina researchers have confirmed that GenX and other PFAS have contaminated not just the water, but also the fruits and vegetables grown near the Fayetteville Works Plant.
More from CityView
Hope Mills commissioners approve $500,000 contract to upgrade fire department radios
“This is about preventing the loss of property and life,” Mayor Jesse Bellflowers told commissioners.
County planned more than 500% rent increase for mental health nonprofit
Commissioners stop rent hike, instead plan to further assess how much to charge Cumberland County CommuniCare.
THE KIRBY FILE: Fayetteville Regional Airport has come a long way in 75 years
“Thanks to the Fayetteville City Council, we are now able to be more competitive when speaking with additional carriers to begin flight service in FAY,” says Loren Bymer, the city spokesperson.
Events
TECH TIME AT HEADQUARTERS PUBLIC LIBRARY
- Where: Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters Branch, 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville
- When: 9-10:30 a.m. today
- What: Whether you need help setting up an email account, learning how to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or anything in between, we’re here to help you with your computer, tablet or smartphone questions. No appointment necessary.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 5-9 p.m. today
- What: Step into an immersive walk-through wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling displays that will transport you into the heart of the season.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
- Where: Arnette Park, 2165 Wilmington Hwy., Fayetteville
- When: 6-9 p.m. today
- What: Christmas in the Park Powered by PWC is celebrated at Arnette Park, a beautiful combination of developed facilities and natural woodland spanning 100 acres adjacent to the Cape Fear River.
Obituaries
Barbara Ann Willis
Barbara Ann Willis, 73, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Helen Ruth Torrans Hill
Helen Ruth Torrans Hill, 90, of Fayetteville, passed Friday, Dec. 13.
Angela Annette Hadley
Angela Annette Hadley, 58, of Fayetteville, passed away on Friday, Dec. 13.
Until tomorrow!
🎄 I got a chance to see our lovely community in action at yesterday’s DistiNCtly Holiday Party in Fayetteville. As we look to 2025, I’m curious about what you think makes our city tick and how we can better understand it, and each other, through CityView‘s reporting. My inbox is always open, but if you have any ideas, let me know.
~ Maydha
