Lightbridge site plan
July 16. By Dave Vieser. Under normal circumstances the initial presentation of development projects to the Cornelius Town Board attracts relatively small crowds.
That wasn’t the case on Monday July 15, as the Town Hall Meeting Room was totally filled with residents, most of whom were not happy with a new development project planned for West Catawba Avenue, known as the Lightbridge Academy.
The project is a 13,400 square foot building at the intersection of West Catawba and Edinburgh Square Drive. It would house an early childcare center and preschool facility. Prior to and during the meeting, the vast majority of speakers came to voice their objections and concerns about the proposal.
Residents prepare to speak at the Town Board meeting on Lightbridge Academy
Quotable
“There are many projects under construction or to be started with unforeseen traffic volume and flow on West Catawba Avenue,” said Sherry Stevenson, who emailed town officials prior to the meeting and came prepared with a power point presentation. “We cannot continue to build without prioritizing infrastructure change. We understand the need for schools but this location is just not the right place.”
The proposal calls for the inclusion of 42 parking spaces, but attorneys for Lightbridge noted that under current zoning for that site, more parking spaces would actually be permitted.
That didn’t impress many of the residents.
Logistical nightmare?
“Has the town considered the logistical and safety nightmare as parents drop off and pick up their children?” said neighbor Carole Bachenhein in comments made to Cornelius Today. “It’s time for the Town to consider the needs of residents and not just the revenue generated by new construction.”
Meanwhile, as the potential owner of the facility, Jonathan Padgett and his wife Jennifer pledged to make the facility as safe as it possibly can be. “We hear you and certainly understand your concerns.”
After a two-hour meeting, no vote was taken on the proposal, as the project will now be sent to the Planning Board for their review and recommendation.
In other action
At the same meeting, commissioners received information on a far less controversial request from 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. There remains some negotiation with the town and neighboring property owners so this project will probably not be sent to the Planning Board until September, according to Planning Director Rox Burhans.
