CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
The Charlotte Zoning committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend the development of a new retail complex at the corner of Kenilworth and Morehead.
Many in Dilworth are against the plan. More than 1,000 Dilworth neighbors signed a petition to voice their disapproval. The proposed complex would include a Walgreens and additional office space.
Charlotte City Council members got an earful on September 24, when residents on both sides of the controversial development plan turned out in big numbers for a zoning meeting.
The plan would require that a Tudor-style apartment building and a white, regal-looking former home be torn down to make way for the retail area.
"It's a gateway corner to a historic neighborhood. And as such, Walgreens doesn't fit the profile," said neighbor Jana Harston in September after the initial meeting. Her street backs up to the proposed development.
Several neighbors on her street posted "No Walgreens" signs in their yards before the September meeting. They say they are worried about traffic and losing neighborhood character.
Lincoln-Harris, the developer, said they plan 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.
Wednesday's vote is not final, officials said. The recommendation will be heard by the full city council when they vote on November 12.
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