CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Developers are hoping to build about 150 townhomes in Cotswold. However, some neighbors argue the community could have a disastrous impact on their properties.
Homeowners who live along McMullen Creek say they already deal with substantial flooding. They worry the proposed townhome community could worsen flooding since the development will replace woods that currently act as a flood zone.
At the end of Bridlepath Lane, there is a for sale sign for 14 acres of woods that surround a portion of McMullen Creek.
Attorney Collin Brown explained to the Charlotte City Council Monday that developer Empire Communities already owns a portion of the woods, which it has the right to turn into about 50 townhomes. The developer wants to buy the adjacent nine acres to make the townhome community about 150 units, but they first need city approval to rezone the land.
The Queen City is growing and that means more homes are needed. However, homeowner Tom Bengera admits the changes are stressing Cotswold’s roads and schools.
"The population issue is something the city has to address," Bengera said. "I'm no expert, I don’t pretend to know what needs to happen to lay the infrastructure for all of us."
Infrastructure includes stormwater services, and homeowners near the creek say they already deal with flooding several times a year.
"This is a massive amount of water that’s encroaching on our homes," Patrick Bleser said during the City Council's public hearing on the project. "We can't afford to add any more volume to that without it becoming very catastrophic."
Homeowners shared their concerns Monday night, worrying that floods will worsen without having nature to help soak up the water.
"It is imperative that our neighborhood not be subject to further physical or financial impacts of flooding exacerbated by this or any other project," Lori Stockdale said.
Brown said the developer is working with the city’s stormwater services for the project. City ordinances require developments to build adequate storm drainage and mitigate runoff.
A city spokesperson told WCNC Charlotte that Storm Water Services conducts thousands of development plan reviews and inspections each year to ensure they comply with regulations.
City staff members recommend city council approve the developer's rezoning request as long as the developer does a flood study and proves the project won't harm houses along the creek.
The City Council could vote on this issue as early as next month.
Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.