This week, Charlotte City Council had their monthly zoning meeting. They meet every month on the third Monday. There are a few upcoming projects on the docket and it sounds like some of the upcoming projects are stirring mixed feelings in the community. Here are some of the projects under consideration.
The project getting the most backlash from neighbors is a 24 duplex townhome development on a 6.3 acre site on Sharon Lane between Providence Road and Heathmoor Lane. This rezoning request by Alan Simonini Homes and Saratoga Asset Management has neighbors worried about density, character and concern that it might set a precedent for subsequent development.
The expected 24 units would start at 3,400 square feet and $1 million. Both city staff and the zoning committee recommend approval for the petition. With some council members absent for the vote, the petition was deferred to City Council’s business meeting. More than 1,200 neighbors have signed a petition against the project and residents have packed the council chamber for hearings. Neighbors want to preserve their historic neighborhood and they are worried that this development will be a catalyst for negative change.
Another subdivision providing much contention in City Council is a 20 townhome project on 4.1 acres on Old Providence Road near Old Providence Lane. CW Development heads the project and residents seem fine with most of the proposal. However, a city ordinance requires connection to both Old Providence Road and Old Providence Lane. This would require cutting down some old growth trees that could act as a buffer between communities. A sidewalk would be required on the connecting streets as well.
Residents do not want the private road to exit onto Old Providence Lane as they are concerned about traffic cutting through causing safety and traffic problems. This has been an issue for many zoning petitions and the hope of residents and developers is a change to the ordinance. This project will come before City Council in a future meeting so we will see if they set precedent by changing the ordinance.
Also on the docket this month was a proposal by Barringer & Smith Properties and Alan Simonini Homes to build 16 townhomes in South End. The site is .7 acres on West Tremont Avenue between South Tryon and Hawkins Streets. The development is easily walkable from the Lynx East/West Boulevard Station and would be great for commuters. Neighboring businesses were concerned about new residents complaining about noise as the development is in a traditionally industrial area. Many businesses have been pushed out of South End after similar complaints. City Council approved the zoning request so the development will go forward.
If you are interested in purchasing a new construction townhome, call us at (704) 525-4045. You can also view townhome listings on our website here.