Recent storms open the floodgates of development worries

Charlotte-area residents are scrutinizing the effects of new development on water runoff

The following article appeared in the Jan. 17, 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.

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The rise of creeks and streams after last week’s torrential rains give new ammunition to neighbors opposed to development plans; ‘It is concerning’

Last week’s heavy rains caused major flooding off the south side of a tract of land that could soon hold new apartments in the Piper Glen area. Neighbors are worried the proposed development, which they say would sit beyond the “no trespassing” sign pictured above, will cause more extreme flooding in the future. (Photo courtesy of Chris McIntire) 

by Lindsey Banks

Last week, in the aftermath of the area’s torrential storms, Piper Glen resident Chris McIntire and his wife Ellie looked out of their window, which offers a clear view of the Four Mile Creek about 200 yards away, and noticed three teenage boys riding down the creek on inflatable rafts. On a normal day, the creek is only a few inches deep and could never move a raft, much less two passengers. 

McIntire lives near one of south Charlotte’s biggest development disputes — an area between Rea Road and Elm Lane where developer RK Investments is proposing a mix of 500 apartments and 140 single-family houses and townhomes on wooded land near the Four Mile Creek Greenway known as the Gillespie property. A public hearing on the rezoning petition is scheduled for Feb. 19.

“The flooding is not getting any easier,” McIntire told The Ledger. “If you create something this dense, with this much hard surface, it’s going to infect everything close.” 

Typically, neighborhood opposition to development centers around issues such as traffic, impact on schools and concerns over protecting an area’s character. Last week's storms raised the profile of another worry of opponents of several proposed developments in south Charlotte — that adding large apartment buildings, parking lots and other structures will exacerbate flooding.