WEDDINGTON, N.C. — Weddington officials are giving residents more time to voice their concerns after an overwhelming response to a proposed development project Monday night.
The 80-acre mixed-use project would allow new homes, retail, restaurants and green space in a town center-style development between Providence Road and Weddington Road. Many people say the development would make an already crowded area too busy.
Diana Iannacone has lived in the same house for 30 years. She raised her family in Weddington because of the quiet rural feel.
“When we first moved here, people would ride their horses,” Iannacone said.
Now, she's fighting to keep Weddington's identity.
“Because that’s where we chose to live, at least that’s what we thought," Iannacone explained. "If I wanted to live in Charlotte, that’s where I would’ve put down roots."
Weddington Town Council met Monday night to discuss the zoning change. People opposed to the project showed up in big numbers for public comment, raising their concerns about traffic and overcrowding to the Council. There was so much feedback that officials decided to continue the public hearing at April's Town Council meeting.
Nearly 2,500 signatures have appeared on this petition and many residents are citing concerns of traffic and overcrowding.
“I’ve driven down this road for 30 years and all of a sudden I look around and say 'I’m not even sure where I am anymore,' because all of these developments and houses have been built over the last few years, "Iannacone said. "Sometimes, I wonder to myself am I even in Weddington anymore?"
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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