Following contentious debate, council also advances tenants' rights study and approves policy requiring formal agendas for private meetings
FAYETTEVILLE — The Fayetteville City Council voted unanimously Monday to request the North Carolina State Auditor's office conduct a forensic audit of several stalled capital improvement projects, including the controversial Muhammad projects, Firehouse 4 on Bragg Boulevard, and the Hay Street parking deck development.
The decision came after lengthy discussion during a special work session where transparency and public confidence emerged as central themes. Council Members Deno Hondros, Malik Davis, and Lynne Greene jointly requested the audit, citing constituent concerns about delayed projects that have languished for years.
"We've been hearing great concern from residents about these stalled projects, particularly in District 2," Davis stated during the session. "This is an effort to provide transparency with the community."
The meeting grew tense when Council Member Mario Benavente challenged procedural matters, including a dispute over whether to view a video message from District Attorney Billy West regarding potential criminal investigations related to the projects. After debate, the council opted to review the video in closed session.
In other significant actions, the council approved researching tenants' rights ordinances similar to those implemented in Charlotte and Durham. Benavente argued the measure would help protect renters living in substandard housing, though Mayor Pro Tem DJ Haire expressed concern about potential unintended consequences for housing availability.
The council also mandated that all future "dinner meetings" – informal gatherings before regular sessions – must have formal agendas, a policy change prompted by recent disputes over meeting procedures.
The approved audit request now goes to State Auditor Jessica Holmes' office, which will determine the scope and timeline for examining the stalled projects that have frustrated Fayetteville residents and complicated the city's infrastructure planning.
Residents can review the full council meeting video and documents at fayettevillenc.gov. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for November 12. Follow ongoing coverage of the audit process at ccnc.news/.
