Charlotte Residents Rally Against Proposed Apartment Development
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday night saw the Charlotte City Council meet to discuss a development proposal that’s stirring up some hefty emotions in the Elizabeth neighborhood. The proposal aims to develop a new apartment complex along Central Avenue and Piedmont Street, and while it sounds promising for some, many local homeowners have some serious concerns.
The Proposal Details
The developers plan to construct a tall building designed to house 315 apartments. This new structure would soar to heights of 85 feet tall along Central Avenue, tapering down to 65 feet in the center, and finally 50 feet where it meets the quieter residential streets of Piedmont and Sunnyside. Plans indicate this project will replace several existing offices, a house, and an empty lot currently residing on Sunnyside Avenue.
Community Concern
For many homeowners, like lifelong resident Joe Duke, this project is alarming. Having lived in the Elizabeth neighborhood for over 30 years, Duke tends to a beloved rose garden at the end of Sunnyside Avenue. He voiced his worries to city leaders, fearing that this development will drastically change the character of his quiet street.
“They’re gonna tear down and continue to tear down history,” Duke lamented, emphasizing the feeling among many that developments like this threaten the essence of their community. “It’s going to transition a quiet, dead-end street into a driveway for 315 apartments!”
The Developer’s Response
During the public hearing back in August, the developer’s attorney, Keith MacVean, responded to the community’s concerns by presenting their vision for the new apartments. MacVean explained that they have worked meticulously to ensure the building’s design blends harmoniously with the existing architecture in the area. He emphasized, “We’ve worked hard to create that transition… We understood from the beginning there were concerns about including the two parcels at Piedmont and Sunnyside.” According to MacVean, the design seeks to incorporate styles reminiscent of the duplexes and quadruplexes that already comprise the neighborhood.
The Bigger Picture
Yet, the discussion doesn’t rest solely on aesthetics. Duke brought attention to the looming challenges presented by the proposed future Silver Line transit project. Earlier this year, plans for the Silver Line saw significant cuts, no longer offering support for connections from Plaza Midwood to Matthews. Duke questioned how the developers could still use the Silver Line as a selling point in their documents.
“They haven’t faced the reality that it’s not going to happen there,” he noted with evident frustration. Additionally, Duke raised concerns about flooding in the area, already experienced due to runoff from businesses along Central Avenue. “It runs through our yards like a river,” he added, worried that the new apartments could exacerbate these flooding issues.
Looking Ahead
As the neighborhoods of Plaza Midwood and Elizabeth continue to evolve, residents like Duke hope that developers will prioritize community needs while envisioning further development. After deferring the decision on this proposal, the zoning committee will hold a vote on the matter at a later date, allowing for more community input before moving forward.
For now, the Elizabeth community remains on edge, weighing their deep-rooted connection to their neighborhood against the inevitability of change. Let’s hope they find a way to accommodate both growth and the cherished charm of their home.
