Things looking up??

For anyone not familiar with Robeson County, the county is one of the poorest in both the state and country as a whole. Years ago, the county strived as a plant community, with many different companies having plants in the county. But now as more and more companies move overseas, the effect is seen right here.

So while this story may not be of that much interest to you, aside from maybe becoming a stop on the road to Myrtle Beach, think about what it would mean to Robeson County as well as the students of UNCP.

This story is from The Robesonian...
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Major development planned next to I-95

LUMBERTON — An ambitious plan to turn 257 acres adjacent to Interstate 95 into a retail, entertainment, dining and hospitality oasis — complete with a baseball stadium — was announced today by a Lumberton businessman and his new partners.

Rob Redfearn, owner of Black Water Grille, has gotten together with a group of private investors in a sweeping project they expect will change the face of Lumberton and Robeson County, according to a statement from Brooks Redfearn Developments.

The 257-acre tract of land located on the west side of I-95 between Exits 19 and 20 is now under contract to be purchased by Brooks Redfearn Developments for an undisclosed amount, according to the statement. The open land is between Carthage Road and Roberts Avenue, west of Lackey Street.

The broker for the property, Kenneth Richardson of KA Richardson Co. in Lumberton, told The Robesonian he cannot comment on the matter. Richardson did confirm that he represents the family that owns the land.

The preliminary plan for Brookstone Landing includes a number of new hotels, outparcels for restaurants, townhomes, apartments, retail shops, offices, big box retailers, a movie theater, a central shopping village, walking trails, bike paths, soccer fields, baseball fields, a skateboard park, rock climbing walls and more.

A 6,500-seat sports facility is also being considered for a Triple A baseball team. The stadium would also be used for concerts and other events.

Total investment in Brookstone Landing is expected to reach $875 million and likely will take years to reach completion, according to the developers.

They hope this collaboration will change the economic face of Robeson County, said Mae Graves of Brooks Redfearn Developments.

“It’s massive — 257 acres — we’re really excited about the project. It will be very good for Lumberton. It will be wonderful,” she said.

Redfearn said he formed a relationship with the developers after they saw a story on him on CNN in which he talked about his Lumberton restaurant and his desire to open a second one in Fayettevile.

“The contract is signed but we haven’t closed on it yet. We’ll close in the next few weeks,” said Redfearn. “... This is the kind of project that will put Lumberton on the map. It will dispel a lot of notions around the state that this area has not got a lot to offer, and will create an excitement that we all hope our local political leaders can parlay to attract even more business and industry to the area.

“The people in the rural parts of Southeast North Carolina have suffered too many job losses and economic hardships over the past 15 years. We feel that is about to change.”

According to Graves, the developers are in discussions with several large chains of restaurants and hotels. Graves said it is important to work together with the city and county officials “to create a vital and active sort of facility that we can all be proud of.”

Redfearn said the location is ideal.

“Believe it or not there are nearly 2 million people living within 60 miles of this location. In addition, there are over 2 million cars per month traveling I-95 and I-74. This development will give more of them a great reason to stop, shop, dine and spend the night.

“This will be a cohesive, planned development that is similar to others found around the country — incorporating residential and office areas with popular retail, entertainment and dining alternatives, all designed to be attractive and functional,” Redfearn said.

The developers say they are designing a project that will be attractive to retirees as well as younger people who they foresee moving to Robeson County as the area grows and new industry requires additional manpower.

There is a shortage of good rental properties in the city, and the project will create mid- to upscale living accommodations adjacent to shopping and entertainment venues, according to the release.

“Attracting new industry to the area has been historically difficult because Lumberton has not had a lot of amenities to offer. This development will change that forever,” Redfearn said.

“Having an abundance of good restaurants, shopping and entertainment alternatives has always been essential to attracting manufacturers and distributors which can provide higher-than-average paying jobs. It’s a symbiotic growth plan where all parties benefit,” he said.

For information call (888) 370-5217, Ext. 300, or visit the Web site at www.brooksredfearn.com.