Rendering of Mayes Meadow. (Bayard Development)
May 4. By Dave Vieser. The last time the Cornelius Town Board conducted a public hearing on the Mayes Meadow project, which consists of 160 homes to be built on vacant farmland, it was followed by negative comments as well as a recommendation for denial by the Planning Board.
Last night the project was up for its second hearing, still carrying a recommendation of denial from town planners. However, the town’s land use plan has recently been updated and the applicant, Bayard Simonini LLC, felt it was worth taking a chance.
Whether that was wise won’t be known until May 17 when a Town Board decision may be announced, but the public comments Monday were few.
Concerns expressed
Following a 40-minute presentation by the developer, Mayes Road resident James Spencer expressed concerns about the closeness of the proposed homes.
Justin Bossert, via email, suggested that the town’s traffic studies need to consider cumulative impacts of all the development projects in town, not just project by project.
Appearing in person, David Sayers again expressed concern about the Hwy. 115/Mayes Road intersection which he described as “treacherous.”
Mayes Road project site plan
Finally, in response to a question from Commissioner Jim Duke, the applicant’s spokesman Ken Holbrook said he could not guarantee that Simonini would ultimately be the builder.
Next step could be a May 17 decision by the town board.
Also at Monday’s meeting, the commissioners:
—Conducted the first public hearing on Atrium Medical’s plans for a 25,000 square foot medical office building on the southern edge of what was once known as the Augustlee property off of Statesville Road/Highway 21.The two story structure would be located northwest of the yet to be built Bailey Road extension intersection with Highway 21.
The Initial reaction was generally favorable. “I appreciate Atrium’s continued interest in Cornelius as they pursue their statement of need for a new hospital,” said Commissioner Denis Bilodeau.
DENIS BILODEAU
Two years ago, Atrium Health filed an initial application with the state to build a 30-bed acute care hospital in North Mecklenburg. The facility, which would have been located further north and west of the new office building, would have included two operating rooms. That application was initially denied by the state but Atrium has appealed that decision.
—Approved a $1.58 million financing agreement with Bank of America for new lighting and to refinance turf replacement at Bailey Road Park, and to purchase a new utility bucket truck for Electricities.
