The many faces of Smithville

March 15. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Planning Board has unanimously endorsed the Smithville Revitalization Plan.

The approval at Monday’s meeting followed a detailed overview of the plan provided by Willie Jones of the Smithville Community Coalition which calls for workforce housing, rehabilitation of existing properties and subdividing some properties in the historically Black community just east of I-77.

Jones

More reviews

Under the review procedure established by the Town, the plan will also be reviewed by the town’s Architectural Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, the Mayor’s Housing Study Committee and the Town Manager.

“Once everyone has had an opportunity to review the plan and make recommendations it will come back to the Town Board for a final review,” said Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron.

Four major requests:

1. Approve the land use plan for the Smithville section of Cornelius.
2. Approve their request for $6.8 million in American Rescue Act funds.
3. Donate seven parcels owned by the town, worth $425,000
4. Support the coalition’s request to Mecklenburg County for $5.2 million in American Rescue Act funds.