CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eastland Yards broke ground in August 2022 but there are still 20 acres of land available after Tepper Sports & Entertainment announced it would no longer build a facility for Charlotte FC on the grounds.
Three different groups have expressed interest in the site, which once housed Eastland Mall, but the city decided to extend its deadline for additional bids for about two more months.
Now, CharlotteEAST, a nonprofit advocacy board, is expressing concerns about the time the process is taking.
“We have been fighting for two decades now, for a project, or for an entity that will bring economic development to our corridor,” Greg Asciutto, the chair of CharlotteEAST board of directors, said.
In March, Charlotte City Council’s economic development committee heard about three different projects: The Eastland Aquatic Center, a Racquet Sports Entertainment District, and a Target store.
Both sports options would require more money to be raised, with some of that money coming from the city and taxpayers.
Not fully satisfied, committee members voted to extend the deadline by 60 days. The extension allows the two sports proposals to find more money and it also gives other projects the opportunity to still apply.
“I don’t see a whole lot of harm in opening all lanes up," Marjorie Molina, who is the Charlotte City Councilmember overseeing District 5, which includes the Eastland Yards site, said. "To say, 'Bring your highest and best proposal and let's see what we can deliver.'"
Asciutto said a sports component is what the community has been promised, but the city hasn't provided any framework on how to support such a project.
“They want to make sure this gets done right. They do not want to be rash," Asciutto said. "At the same time, we have to balance that with a decade of broken promises."
He says the longer it takes, the more risk there is.
“The community wants answers,” Asciutto explained. “We absolutely want the amenities to match what our community deserves, and what our community needs.”
There will be a committee meeting on May 1. Members will review any updates on the Eastland Yards project.
As of publication, the city's economic development team hasn't received any additional proposals despite the deadline extension.
CharlotteEAST said they're fearful no decision will be made.