Charlotte Gives Green Light to 575-Townhome Project Near University Area
The project will add 575 townhomes across 107 acres near Mallard Creek Church Road. Builders must keep rental units at or below 20% of the total homes.
575 townhomes were approved by Charlotte City Council near the intersection of North Tryon Street and Mallard Creek Church Road.
Image Courtesy City of Charlotte ZoningIn a decisive move on Monday, the Charlotte City Council backed a major housing plan near North Tryon Street. The project will add 575 townhomes across 107 acres near Mallard Creek Church Road. Builders must keep rental units at or below 20% of the total homes.
NVR Inc. leads the push to boost home-buying options in the University District. "We need for-sale units in that area," District 4 Councilwoman Renee Johnson said, according to Queen City News.
The site sits just minutes from the JW Clay Blue Line Station. Traffic studies show the new homes will bring 4,331 daily car trips: a sharp jump from the 1,988 trips allowed under current rules for 209 single-family homes.
Site plans for the approved area.
Standing alone in opposition, Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield voiced strong concerns. "As a very high-intensive project that will create considerable strain on our infrastructure, especially road infrastructure, when we do not have the current financial wherewithal between our funding and the state funding to accommodate this infrastructure change, I will be voting no," Mayfield said.
The west end of the site will give 5 acres to Mecklenburg County for parks. Two access points will connect this space to the Mallard Creek greenway, adding vital green space to the area.
Support came from both University City Partners and the District 4 Coalition. The Alexander family, with Sarah Land Alexander at the helm, currently owns the tract north of Mallard Creek.
Mayfield pointed to the abundance of nearby apartments as a key issue. "We don't want to look like some communities that have seen a high increase in multi-family as opposed to owner-occupied dwellings," she stated.
The 20% rental cap aims to strike a balance in the housing mix. This restriction should boost opportunities for potential buyers while maintaining neighborhood stability in the growing University district.
