May 14. By Dave Vieser. A decision on rezoning for Mayes Meadow, a 160-home project to be built on farmland in southeast Cornelius, is expected at the Monday May 17 Town Board meeting.

The proposed development became a lightning rod for comments and concerns from residents and commissioners during the past several months as it wound its way through the town’s review process. Initially the Planning Board, while commending the project, recommended denial by a 5-1 margin indicating that it didn’t comply with the land use plan.

Mayes Road project site plan

Shortly thereafter, the town updated its land use plan to provide for greater density in the rural preservation area, after which the project fit into the parameters.

Town Commissioner Jim Duke said he will vote against the proposal. However, previous comments from other commissioners suggest that approval is likely on Monday.

Commissioner Michael Miltich said he “appreciates” the Mayes Meadow project for how it has preserved open space.

MILTICH

“I appreciate the Mayes Meadow project. A conservation subdivision with low density (lower than adjacent properties), 50 percent open space, allows for reasonable use of the land by the landowner (the Mayes family), preserves an open vista on Mayes Road and existing woods, and supplies connectivity to the Greenway system,” Miltich said.

Monday’s public hearing will be live-streamed via the town web site www.cornelius.org as well as FaceBook. The Board will accept public comments as follows:

—Via email to TownofCornelius@Cornelius.org

—In-person, with several precautions, including mandatory masks (even when speaking) and touchless temperature checks.

No audience seating will be available in the Assembly Room. Speakers and guests may wait in the lobby or Community Room, with appropriate physical distancing.