Sept. 9. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Planning Board is expected to issue a recommendation on a project known as Catawba Retail at their meeting at 6:30 pm today. The conditions recommended by town staff include strict limits on tree removal.

About the project

This is a request by FHNC of Charlotte to amend the zoning at 20151 W. Catawba Ave., so they can build a 6,700 square foot building on the 4.3 acre site. This is the site of a former financial institution and is located just east of Chick Fil A.

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.

About the trees

After review by town planners, a number of conditions have been added to the application, with which the builder must agree.

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.

At a previous community meeting, the proposal was met with generally positive reaction, though concerns were voiced about traffic.

The Planning Board meeting will begin at 6:30 pm Monday Sept. 9 at Town Hall on Catawba Avenue. It will also be live streamed on the town web site: www.cornelius.org, and the town Facebook page.