Junker property rezoning sketch. W Catawba is on the right side, running up and down

June 2. The Cornelius Planning Board has recommended by a 6-0 vote that the Town Board deny a rezoning request from veteran North Meck builder Jake Palillo. He is planning 252 unit apartment complex with commercial space on West Catawba just east of the Wher-Rena property.

Tuesday’s vote was on a revised site plan for the currently vacant land between Junker and Harborview. It included more restaurant space but the changes did not win any additional support as the planning board members took issue with the project’s five-story height and density.

The denial is only a recommendation and the Town Board will have the final say on the matter.

Schedule

Currently their public hearing on the project is scheduled for Monday June 7 with a decision to be tentatively announced June 21.

The Planning Board three options on the submission:

1. Table a decision to the June 14 Planning Board meeting.

2. Find the application inconsistent with the Land Use Plan and recommend DENIAL to the Town Board.

3. Find the application inconsistent with the Land Use Plan but consistent with the TownLand Development Code and recommend approval to the Town Board with conditions.

Thumbs down

After a brief discussion the planning board chose the second option. (Planning board member Susan Johnson was recused.)

Neighborhood opposition

Several residents spoke at the meeting, echoing the comments of Anthony Grisanti, president of the Lake Norman Cove at Jetton Home Owners Association.

“The new site plan offered five high rise buildings cramming in 252 units, parking and commercial buildings (to include a restaurant. Is that what Cornelius is clamoring for? Higher density, overcrowding, building incongruent with … developments on West Catawba Avenue. I don’t think so,” he said.