The Junker property on W. Catawba
June 28. By Dave Vieser. Two new Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signs on the Junker property are all about financing, not affordable units. The luxury West Catawba Apartments complex on West Catawba Avenue will have HUD financing.
Cornelius Planning Director Rox Burhans said the 195-unit complex will be priced at market rates. “The signs are required to be posted as part of the HUD financing they are receiving,” Burhans said.
Market-rate housing refers to non-subsidized properties that are rented by those who pay market-rate rents.
Developer Jamie Rolewicz could not be reached for comment. 
In 2021, the approval of last-minute rezoning changes by some members of the Town Board may have cost them the election. Only then-Commissioner Denis Bilodeau voted against the project.
The original plans for the site were proposed by developer Jake Palillo, but soon after gaining town approval, the project was taken over by Jamie Rolewicz/West Catawba Properties, which is comprised of Legacy Pointe Properties as well as New Castle Development Group, an apartment developer from Charlottesville, Va.
Rolewicz is well-known for high-quality real estate projects including the Watermark luxury condominiums behind Goodwill.
The architect for the West Catawba Apartments is The Housing Studio, a well-known architectural firm in Charlotte whose principal is former Cornelius Mayor Chuck Travis.
Ugh more apartments in an already over congested area and again the infrastructure to provide for all of this sits in Raleigh who has limited interest to provide anything in Mecklenburg county. Where are our elected State Representative and Senators at getting what the area needs accomplished?
Posted by Michael Robert Youron | June 28, 2024, 1:06 pmNot to mention all of the trees destroyed with no regard to nature.
Our country and our town are being run by big corporations.
SAD
GONE is the charm of Cornelius, in its place we have traffic, more concrete, no beauty of nature and, hotter temps due to overcrowding in an asphalt jungle.
Posted by DE | June 28, 2024, 4:49 pmStupid is as stupid does
Posted by George | June 30, 2024, 10:20 amWhy are there tree limbs hanging from the power lines?
Posted by George | June 30, 2024, 10:22 amThe Tree Cornelius disrespect has been expressed clearly….They are gone! Sad.
MORE IMPORTANT POINT: Lake Norman is a nationally recognized LAKE..compared favorably with Lake Tahoe..world renown. Cornelius Nc “ our Town” has unique opportunity to BECOME “ Cornelius on Lake Norman North Carolina”. Not simply an extension of Charlotte NC.
IT NEEDS TO BE A UNIQUE LAKE TOWN IN USA.
Our elected Mayors, leaders have served well so far.
Now one time to change…to create The Lake Town destination. Encourage NEXT Mayor election reflect A NEW BIG TIME VISION. Last cycle was close..try again.
Posted by William Brophey | June 28, 2024, 5:42 pmThis town really needs to wake up. So much ugly developments. Davidson is light years ahead of Cornelius. When will the leaders wake up and make attractive and upscale building WITH high end landscaping a priority. Multifamily homes need to be forbidden in Cornelius moving forward – way too many for this community already
Posted by BW | June 29, 2024, 7:09 pmThe development in this area is heartbreaking. All those trees, a necessary habitat for the local wildlife (which is now roaming the town, causing a stir), are gone. The constant construction and growth of this area is fully unnecessary and seemingly only for town profit. No consideration for the residents or our thoughts on the town’s needs. We don’t need more high-end (high priced) apartments! We don’t need a second mall across from birkdale! Cornelius, Huntersville, and lake Norman in general, need to put the towns’ resources towards better infrastructure. Fill the potholes! Improve the public transportation! Focus on improving the town for current residents, not trying to bring more people to live here.
Posted by Moss A. | June 30, 2024, 6:46 pm“last minute rezoning.” Translation. These cowards can be bought and sold.
Posted by Mike | July 3, 2024, 7:04 pm