Mills Market rendering
Nov. 23. The Cornelius Town Board unanimously approved the use of $9.6 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) at their meeting Nov. 19 meeting. The approval follows months of comment, focusing on the possible use of the once-in-a-lifetime federal funds.
“What we are recommending is to use the federal funds to supplant expenses by the town for fire and police salaries,” said Town Manager Andrew Grant. “Then we can apply the funds we would have used for other vital needs.”
Here’s the breakdown:
—$3.4 million for Smithville Revitalization Plan, Street/Stormwater Infrastructure.
—$3.0 million for transportation projects
—$1.5 million for parks
—$1.0 million for capital projects for Town Center
—$400,000 for public safety including police boat and Fire SCBA equipment.
—$300,000 for Dana’s Branch Stream Restoration
Mills Market update
Developer Highline Partners formally presented the Mills Market proposal for downtown Cornelius.
The mixed-use proposal would include 263 apartments with an average size of 815 square feet; rentals will run $1,665 for one-bedroom and $2,240 for two bedrooms, with a total of 170-210 parking spaces.
The historic Doc Washam house would come down in the proposed plan.
The six-story building would be approximately three stories higher than the Cain Center. There have been concerns that the project would be too tall and too dense for downtown. The project must go through a detailed series of public hearings, including both the Planning Board and Town Board.
However, before that occurs, a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) must be completed and approved by the town and NCDOT.
Officer recognized
The town officially recognized Cpl. Dominic Saladino who was named Officer of the Year by the Cornelius Police Department. He was nominated for his exceptional work investigating several cases. “His testimony helped convict a repeat offender who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term,” said Police Chief Kevin Black.
“He has another case pending which resulted in several firearms being taken off the streets. He is highly self-motivated and enjoys working cases beyond the scope of his normal job requirements,” the chief said.
