Proposed commercial project on W. Catawba

Sept. 10. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of the Catawba Retail Project at their Sept. 9 meeting, sending the proposal to the town board for a final decision, most likely in October.

The project, known formally as Catawba Commons, is a request by FHNC of Charlotte to amend the zoning at 20151 W. Catawba Ave., for a 6,700 square foot building. The 4.3 acre property is the site of a former First Community Bank office.

The new structure will likely have two restaurants, one on each end, and retail or medical offices between the two restaurants. The proposed development plan also includes a second building farther away from Catawba, also about 6,700 square feet.

Conditions

After review by town planners, a number of conditions were added to the application.

Of particular interest: “All significant trees within the property wooded area, as identified on the rezoning plan, MUST be retained. Any trees requiring removal due to utility installations or similar improvements are to be replaced at a 3:1 ratio. All tree removals must be approved by the town.”

In addition, the DOT will make final recommendations on whether a turning lane is needed, after reviewing the proposal and anticipated traffic impact.