CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The City of Charlotte heard a rezoning petition on Monday, Oct. 18, for 55 acres of Uptown Charlotte previously discussed as a potential suitor for a new Carolina Panthers Stadium.
The petition for Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Company's land is to allow for mixed-use development. The destination will permit the "development of retail and wholesale trade; business, professional and financial services, offices, hotels, convention and conference centers, merchandise markets, high-density residential developments, and parking as a separate business," according to documentation from the City of Charlotte.
The motion will be moved to a subcommittee for further discussion.
While Monday's decision does not single-handily clear the way for a new stadium, it is seen as a milestone that would clear the way for future options.
The land is located directly across from Bank of America Stadium near the interchange of Interstate 77 and Interstate 277.
Last year, the Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co. announced it would move operations to Oakboro in Stanly County. David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, has publicly expressed interest in the plot of land, which could keep both his football team and newly created soccer team, the Charlotte Football Club, in Uptown Charlotte.
Develops say the proposal aligns with goals outlined in the Charlotte 2040 plan.
"You know, at some point that building [Bank of America Stadium] will fall down," Tepper said in June. "I said it before and I'll say it again. I'm not building a stadium alone. The community's going to have to want it."
Bank of America Stadium, which opened in 1996, is currently one of the oldest venues in the NFL. The Panthers, as well as Tepper's newest franchise, Charlotte FC, have made upgrades to the stadium to enhance the fan experience.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story said the land was approved for rezoning, which is not correct. WCNC Charlotte apologies for the inconvenience.