Ballantyne, NC – Residents from the Ballantyne area turned out to ask questions of the planning board and a representative from the Charlotte Housing Authority. Also on hand was a representative for the landowner of the tract of land that is up for rezoning on the corner of Johnston Road and Providence [...]]]>

Ballantyne, NC – Residents from the Ballantyne area turned out to ask questions of the planning board and a representative from the Charlotte Housing Authority. Also on hand was a representative for the landowner of the tract of land that is up for rezoning on the corner of Johnston Road and Providence Road West. The turn out was so strong from Ballantyne homeowners that they were moved to a separate conference room in order to allow the other agenda items to be discussed.

Residents were allowed to ask questions about how the planning board assesses rezoning requests. The planning board looks at the suitability of the property to handle the density planned (110 units) and if the current public services can support that request. Transportation and school assignment are part of the equation but not the sole deciders. Various departments are asked to weigh in on their recommendations as to what type of strain the proposed development may or may not place on current services.

Those that attended the meeting were on fact-finding missions, however many seem opposed to the idea of affordable housing coming to Ballantyne. Concerns that were raised included access to public transportation. Currently the closest CATS stop is approximately 1 mile away and at this time there are no plans to extend it. Others attending the meeting stressed the fact that this is a high traffic corridor with no existing sidewalks further complicating the issue of accessibility if the residents do not have transportation.

The view of the Housing Authority is that transportation is not a major consideration when deciding where to locate affordable housing projects. Currently only 50% of this type of housing is serviced by public transportation routes, according to Ben Collins of the Charlotte Housing Authority.

This development, if approved, plans to have apartments that will “mirror the community feel, while providing housing to those that work in the Ballantyne service industry. When asked if working in the Ballantyne area would be part of the application process, the Scoop Network was told that due to fair housing policies that can not be done. Affordable housing by law has to be open to everyone fitting the requirements.

The property has been zoned commercial for years now so the request for residential zoning comes as a surprise to many. Adjacent landowners had hoped to develop a commercial property and they feel that their property value will diminish if affordable housing fronts their property. The two developments would potentially have to share entrance-ways.

The developer requesting the rezoning is required to hold a public meeting in the area to inform the community of their plans. Notifications are required by law that property owners within 300 feet and homeowners associations within 1 mile be made aware of this meeting.

City Councilman Warren Cooksey was in attendance for the planning board meeting, the only city councilman to attend. Local residents are planning to hold a town hall style meeting to discuss the issue at hand in the coming weeks.

It is the policy of the Charlotte Housing Authority to create housing options throughout this city and to not cluster it into one area. According to the CHA, affordable housing will come to the Ballantyne area it is just a matter of where and when.

Stay tuned to the Scoop for updates, we are following this story on a daily basis. We welcome your comments and concerns on this story.

caroline@ballantynescoop.com

2010 Ballantyne Scoop The Scoop Network

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