Matthews-Mint Hill - Carolina Weekly Newspapers

CommunityHigh density housing in Mint Hill?Proposed land use plan concerns some residents who saythey want low-impact uses to remainby Kara Loppkara@matthewsminthillweekly.comChris McAvoy bought his home inMint Hill’s Hidden Hills subdivisionfive years ago because of the “ruralfeel.” Now, he says, the subdivision offLebanon Road could be threatenedby surrounding high density, or “urbanresidential” developments if town commissionerspass the proposed ComprehensiveLand Use Plan.McAvoy was one of about a dozen residentswho attended what was supposedto be an advisory committee meeting forthe plan Aug. 17. But their commentsand questions shifted the meeting to analmost public hearing atmosphere.Mint Hill has been working withCharlotte-based consultants HNTB fornine months on the plan, which givessuggested future uses for the town’sproperty. The final draft of the planchanged the term “high density residential”to “urban residental” because of thenegative connotation, HNTB consultantPadam Singh said. “No matter how youdescribe high density residential (people)think uptown Charlotte and that’sA map of Mint Hill’s proposed ComprehensiveLand Use Plan. For more details, visit www.minthill.com/CLUP.not what we mean here,” he said.The plan highlights areas for residentialuses – urban, medium and low –retail, commercial and schools or othercivic functions like parks. Potentialgreenways and areas where neighborhoodretail centers could be located arealso marked on the map.Lee Bailey, planning director, urgedresidents to remember that the plan isjust a guide, and not an indication ofwhat must be built in Mint Hill in thenext 10-20 years during the plan’s shelflife. The plan doesn’t change town zoningordinances and any developer wanting tobuild according to the plan’s suggestionswould have to go through the town forapproval. It’s a lengthy process, Baileysaid, which includes a public hearingand other chances for resident input.But McAvoy said after the meeting thedisclaimers don’t give him much comfort.The plan now goes to the town’sPlanning Board for a recommendationand is expected to be voted on by towncommissioners in October, Bailey said.“It seems to me they’re designing forthe business owners and future residentsand they haven’t designed for currentresidents,” McAvoy said. “If I hadwanted urban residential, I would havemoved to SouthPark. Is my home goingto be devalued because of this plan?”McAvoy also said he doubts any of his(see Land use on page 14)ParksOpen spaceRural residentialLow density residentialMedium density residentialHigh density/urban residentialMultifamily residentialEmploymentPrimary greenwaysSecondary greenwaysSchoolsMap courtesy of Town of Mint HillHAnnNewmanNC House HDistrict 103Engaged Leadershipfor Eastern MecklenburgWhy Ann Newman?H Ann listens to and will represent all residents of East Charlotte,Mint Hill and Matthews.H Ann solves problems by working with individuals, families andbusinesses in our community.H Ann’s life experiences and inclusive leadership will make her aneffective voice in Raleigh.www.votenewman.comPaid for by the Committee to Elect Ann Newman, 5038 Carden Drive, Mint Hill, NC 28227 • ann@votenewman.comPage 12 • Aug. 20-26, 2010 • Matthews-Mint Hill WeeklySavvy Social Security Planning:What Baby Boomers Need to Know toMaxiMize RetiReMent incoMe.This informative seminar, presented by The Society for Financial Awareness, coversthe basics of Social Security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits.it is provided FREE to the publicat the following times and location:tuesday, august 31st at 6:30 pm and thursday, September 2nd at 6:30 pmLocation:Matthews chamber of commerce Building, 210 Matthews Station Street(across from the Matthews Library)RSVP is required.call 704-708-5001 or email mariaromeo@1aPG.com to register.Zodiac & Highlighters Dance ClubsFun, Meal, Live Band, The Best Value in TownDances every Friday night featuring slow, fast,country, shag, rock & roll, ballroom and line dancingSingles and Married Couples over 40Doors open at 7:00pmJoin for $20 and get first night FREEMembers $10 – Guests $12 • no jeansAmerican Legion Post 380, 4235 West Tyvola Rd. • Charlotte, NCZODIAC: Charlottezodiacdanceclub.comtaylorbt@msn.com • 704-752-8824HIgHlIgHterS: Charlotte.highlighters@yahoo.com704-504-3135www.matthewsminthillweekly.com