CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council heard arguments Monday night both for and against building more apartments in Steele Creek.
The public hearing during the council's rezoning meeting is the latest example of people at odds over growth in the Queen City. Some city leaders say apartments are crucial to address the lack of available housing in Charlotte, while others say they’re overstressing infrastructure.
The proposed apartments would replace where the Piedmont Kennel Club building currently stands on Choate Circle. There would be 350 units among three- and four-story buildings, and a public dog park.
City staff members are recommending city council approves the apartments because it falls in line with the city’s 2040 plan to build housing near essential services. The property is near the RiverGate Shopping Center.
However, a nearby homeowner and the Steele Creek Athletic Association (SCAA) spoke out against the petition.
"There's a lack of ownership and investment in a local community when it's apartment living versus owned townhomes," Monica Zeleznik said. Zeleznik's backyard backs up to where the community would go.
Jonathan Burke with the SCAA argued the apartments, which would be right across from the organization's fields, won't bring in families that will pay to use their services. He worried their amenities would be used for free, adding extra burden to the organization.
"I agree one- and two-bedroom units aren’t optimal for families, but folks need housing and families are going to live where they can afford," Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston responded.
The developer said he is proud of the outreach his team has done to address the community's concerns and they'll continue to work with the SCAA to find a solution. The developer also plans to add a roundabout near the community to mitigate traffic concerns.
Now that a public hearing has been held, the petition by Toll Brothers Apartments will head to the city's zoning committee for consideration.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter 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.
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