CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A push for more housing in south Charlotte is getting pushback from neighbors.

 

What You Need To Know

Developer Goldberg Companies Inc. proposed adding 212 units to Legacy Arboretum Apartments in south Charlotte

Neighbors say the expansion would bring more traffic to an already congested area

The proposal as it stands would also cut down a significant amount of tree canopy

The developer will take more time to consider community concerns before presenting an updated proposal to city council

 

Goldberg Companies Inc., an Ohio-based developer, wants to add more than 200 units to Legacy Arboretum Apartments off Pineville-Matthews Road that would nearly double the number of residents who live there.

Kevin MacVean, the attorney representing Goldberg, told the city council in last week's zoning meeting his client is considering input from residents.

Longtime neighbors say that will bring more traffic to an already congested area. Tom Seddon describes the commute in front of Providence High School and nearby Elizabeth Lane Elementary as a nightmare during the school year.

“You’ve got one thing backing up into another thing, backing into another thing,” Seddon said. “Like you do here where one school hits another school and hits another school then hits a really busy intersection in Matthews.”

His daughter attended Elizabeth Lane. He’s lived in the area for 10 years and says the drive from his home to the high school takes two minutes during the summer, but it’s a 20-minute drive in the fall.

Goldberg’s plans would also take away tree canopy in the area, which Seddon says goes against the city’s goal to preserve the environment.

“In the 2040 Plan it is one of the key things is to preserve the natural environment and integrate that into the built environment,” he said.

The developer has adjusted its original proposal, reducing the total number of projected units from 500 to 478. Seddon says that’s not enough.

“I guess it’s a nice sign they appear that they need to listen,” he said. “I’m not sure that they’ve listened hard enough just yet.”

The attorney representing the developer did say it's willing to cooperate with the community at last week’s zoning hearing.

Councilman Ed Driggs recently told residents the developer will also take more time to consider community concerns.

The earliest council can vote on the new proposal is Sept. 19.