Build a Better Block Project aims to up Fayetteville's walkability

In an effort to change that, some realtors in the area have secured a grant to look at ways to make the city more pedestrian friendly.

On Saturdays, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., two lanes of Hay Street and Morganton Road, in The Points in Haymount area, will turn into one. A bike path will also be installed, and foot traffic will be encouraged.

With some shops, a few places to eat and the Cape Fear Regional Theater in the area, the Build a Better Block Project hopes to make the area a little more lively.

"We're hoping that the retailers, after it's said and done, are really happy with the day and overall get some foot traffic. Some people walking around, shopping, having lunch, that's the idea," said Angie Hedgepeth, the coordinator for the Build a Better Block Project.

"I'm really excited to see what Haymount could potentially be in the future," said Patrick Leclair, owner of the Leclair General Store. "I talked a lot about it with a few different individuals. We're looking forward to seeing people in here and really all around."

Fran Morketter, who owns Betty Kelly's Gift Shop, said she loves the idea bringing more foot traffic near her store this Saturday. But she and others would be concerned if the change is permanently made, especially with the new downtown baseball stadium being built just blocks away from the Haymount area.

"This is the main thoroughfare downtown to Hay Street,” she said. “So, that that's going to make them all trickle off to the side, which kind of concerns people. But I think I it? would make a lot of bottle-necking, and I think it may deter people from coming through here."

But Hedgepeth says this is just a test, and may be tested in other places as well.

"[We’d like to try] Massey Hill. I've actually had people approach me about the Spring Lake area," she said. "We had talked about downtown Lumberton."