Approval expected for 900+ homes in south Charlotte, plus middle school
Neighbors worry that local streets can't handle the growth, plus concerns over stormwater
The following article appeared in the April 15, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
A big rezoning near Rea Farms looks like it will get a green light, over objections of neighbors; 900+ new homes
The Charlotte City Council seems likely to approve a rezoning request tonight that would lead to 900+ homes and a new middle school off Providence Road south of I-485 — over objections of some neighbors who say nearby infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle it.
Developer Childress Klein and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have proposed 682 apartments, 211 townhomes and 24 single-family houses, plus a new middle school, on 125 acres known as the “Cato property” that is now woods and open space.
In January, The Ledger named the plan the No. 2 “hot rezoning to watch in 2024.”
Some residents in the nearby Stone Creek Ranch neighborhood have said they worried about the effect the new homes would have on traffic and stormwater runoff. At a public hearing last month, opponents said there are 15 zoning petitions in ZIP code 28277 totaling 6,204 residential units, which will account for more than 65,000 daily vehicle trips, as well as four schools within a mile and a half of the proposed development. They said traffic in the area is already “bumper-to-bumper at rush hour.”
A lawyer for the developers said they worked closely with neighbors to address some of the concerns, and that the project will be high-quality with plenty of open space.
City staff and a citizens advisory committee are recommending in favor of the plan, which almost always means the council will agree.
Nearby resident Marian Black said developers had reduced the number of units from 917 to 905, and that she is hoping the vote is postponed to address lingering concerns. City Council member Ed Driggs told The Ledger on Sunday night that the vote is going ahead, and he predicts it will pass. —Tony Mecia
Related Ledger articles:
“Neighbors object to 900+ homes and a school near Rea Farms” (🔒, Dec. 15, 2023)
“6 hot rezonings 🔥 to watch in 2024” (🔒, Jan. 10, 2024)
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman