CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte city leaders approved a hotly debated apartment project Monday that will bring nearly 200 units to a vacant lot along 7th Street in Elizabeth.
Centrum Realty, the developer behind the project, says it plans to add almost 200 apartments to a plot of land along Seventh Street between Lamar Avenue and Clement Avenue.
"After looking at everything and the progress that has been made, I am going to support this rezoning petition," Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera said.
The project will create dense housing in a quiet, residential community. That's where the tension lies. City Council was split on the decision and highlighted the need for housing in a fast-growing area. Some say the structure isn't in tune with the rest of the Elizabeth neighborhood.
"I will not be supporting this," Council Member LaWana Mayfield said. "I have concerns with the height, for me it's not a benefit for community good when we are getting multifamily developments that could promote diversity."
The city of Charlotte issued the following statement to WCNC Charlotte when asked about the development:
"The development team engaged city staff prior to a formal submission for the rezoning project to understand requirements as it relates to all city departments, including transportation.
With this petition some transportation improvements include upgrades to 8’ sidewalks on all frontages, an upgraded pedestrian crossing across 7th Street, additional bicycle parking, and on-site bicycle repair station, and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) education packets provided to residents.
City staff collaborates with every developer project to promote multi-modal infrastructure to balance all transportation users (motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, e-scooter users, and safe access to nearby transit with the CATS Gold Line streetcar). The commitments in this approved rezoning plan accomplish that."
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.