Charlotte City Council members got an earful Monday night, after residents for and against a controversial development plan turned out in big numbers for a zoning meeting.
Over 1,000 Dilworth neighbors signed a petition to illustrate their disapproval of a large retail and office space complex at the corner of Morehead Street and Kenilworth Avenue. The plan would include a Walgreens and additional office space.
A Tudor-style apartment building and a white, regal-looking former home would have to be torn down.
"It's a gateway corner to a historic neighborhood. And as such, Walgreens doesn't fit the profile," said neighbor Jana Harston. Her street backs up to the proposed development.
Several neighbors on her street have posted "No Walgreens" signs in their yards. They are worried about traffic and losing neighborhood character.
Lincoln-Harris, the developer, plans to match the style of architecture to the area of town.
"The Morehead corridor is a location where it is appropriate to look at retail in selective circumstances," said Walter Jones with Lincoln-Harris.
Zoning officials said the amount of traffic would double, but the intersection can handle the congestion.
City council members will formally vote on the proposal on October 15th.
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