CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The city of Charlotte is selling a crumbling commercial property on West Boulevard to a developer who plans to flip it.
In 2022, the city bought the deteriorating strip mall in the West Boulevard corridor to mitigate crime and drug activity. As part of the Corridors of Opportunity Program, the city asked developers to submit proposals on how to flip the strip mall into a refreshed commercial space that offers needed services in the community.
The city has chosen Lambert Commercial Real Estate to do the job, which plans to buy the property for $500,000. The Charlotte City Council unanimously approved the sale Monday night.
Executive Director of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, Sharika Comfort, told WCNC Charlotte she is excited for the future development.
"The last thing that you want to see in a thriving community are just abandoned buildings or closed down spaces. So, I think it's going to be vital to some of the growth that's happening to get those spaces up and activated."
Comfort added it’s imperative the builders keep the surrounding community in mind to prevent gentrification. "We want the residents that have been there to benefit from the changes," Comfort said.
Developers are in the early stages of design, but city documents say the project will feature small retail stores, an improved façade, and outdoor community space.
Comfort said she’s in communication with city staff members to ensure the neighborhood coalition is involved in the design process now that the sale is being finalized.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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