Judge rules that Fayetteville can annex community

Fayetteville, N.C. — A Cumberland County Superior Court judge granted a motion on Thursday that effectively ended a gated community’s challenge to a proposed annexation, officials said.

Fayetteville City Council members voted last October to annex the Gates Four Golf and Country Club. The community has opposed this decision for the past five years.

Residents of the 600-home community won a temporary stay from annexation when they fought a city plan in 2004.

On Thursday, a judge granted the city’s motion for a summary judgment.

Councilman Charles Evans said the community can appeal to the state Court of Appeals. There is no word on if the community is planning an appeal.

The annexation is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Nov. 22.