Updated 9:30 p.m. ET, Jan. 30, 2024 

Fayetteville city officials submitted a formal request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to grant $30 million in hopes of renovating the city.

Murchison neighborhood lies within Fayetteville and historically was the home of older generations, with a high concentration of low-income households. Older residents continue to worry about the increasing prices due to their livelihoods being at risk as they live off of pensions and most are retired. Many are for improving safety in the city, but now that the rebuilding of homes has come to the table many are starting to doubt if it is truly to help or push them out. 

City officials of Murchison held meetings to determine ways to improve the area for their citizens- landing on the decision to renovate the area. They hope the renovations will make Murchison more visit-friendly and boost business in the town.

The plan seems to be a positive change for city officials and locals alike, many of them feeling that this change was long overdue. However, many locals worry the costs of living and housing rates will rise with renovations. 

In 2021, Cumberland County received $172 million from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money allowed for improvements with sidewalks, traffic lights, accessibility, and parks to be built. All the renovations seemed to positively impact the area, but fearful residents worry that the town will become far too unfamiliar- and expensive. 

Now, plans are being discussed with residents to expand and renovate existing housing to improve the environment ensuring thriving citizens and businesses.