July 12. By Dave Vieser. Details concerning two new development projects on West Catawba Avenue will highlight the Cornelius Town Board meeting on Monday. While no decisions will be made at the meeting residents are invited to attend, and to make comments.

Both projects have already been the subject of community meetings, but Monday’s meeting will actually mark the official beginning of the conditional zoning review process for both proposals.

Lightbridge Academy

Rendering of Lightbridge Academy

This is a request by First Hartford Realty Company to construct a 13,400-square-foot, one-story building at the intersection of West Catawba and Edinburgh Square Drive, for an early childcare center and preschool facility. The proposal calls for the inclusion of 42 parking spaces. At the community meeting, the major source of concern was the traffic that could be generated by this school. In response, attorneys for the applicant noted that the current zoning for that site would permit more parking spaces than the preschool proposal.

Catawba Avenue Retail

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.

Proposed commercial project on W. Catawba

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.

At the community meeting, the proposal was met with generally positive reaction.

What happens after Monday night?

Dates will be scheduled for public hearings before the Town Planning Board and the Town Board, during which commissioners will vote for or against the projects.

The July 15 Town Board Meeting will begin at 6pm in Cornelius Town Hall on Catawba Avenue. It may also be viewed on the town website: www.cornelius.org.