Fayetteville Residents Upset Over Author's Comments About City

Some Fayetteville residents are fired up about an author's comments describing the city. TheChamber of Commerceis so upset that they are encouraging neighbors and business owners to take a stand in defense of the city's image.

The opening of the newAirborne and Special Operations Museumand a growing downtown district has Fayetteville making its mark as a revitalized city. However, some people say it is still just a military town.

Author Sheila Turnage, a resident of Farmville, wrote a travel guide on cities in the state. In her book, she describes Fayetteville as a city with a "sky-high testosterone level."

She also paints a picture of Fayetteville with adjectives like "flashing neon" and "platoons of topless bars."

Maurice Allan, a barber who was born and raised in Fayetteville, says Turnage's remarks are a slap in the face.

"I was a little offended because there was more negativity in what she wrote other than what people should know about the city," he says.

Allan's co-worker, Ezekiel Haines, says Turnage's description was pretty accurate, although he admits it is kind of harsh.

"I kind of agree with her," he says. "When I first got here last year in October, I felt that same atmosphere."

Although both men have different views on the city they call home, they agree that Fayetteville can never start a new beginning until people look past old stereotypes.

Turnage says her remarks are simply her opinion. She says she does not mean to offend anyone.