We’ve been hearing an awful lot about "By Right" development in fact that phrase has been batted around like a pickle ball for months. 

The statements by the developer that "400 dwelling units can be currently developed by right" and Councilmember Driggs, "a possible by-right development that could include only half as many trees and minimal traffic improvements" are indeed concerning.

But what is the real story. What exactly does “By Right” allow:

Density: Had the Rea Road Gillespie Property been developed years ago under the current R-3 zoning with 53 acres we would have something around 50 homes of comparable size, layout and in a similar style to nearby neighborhoods. 

By the numbers under R-3, 53 acres might have yielded as many as 159 homes. Now under N1-A (The new less restrictive zoning) the developer could make them all triplexes. Translation 159 x 3 and the developer could build as many as 477 units.

However, the FEMA Floodplain, Four Mile Creek, Topography, a Required minimal tree save, Required open spaces, Curb and Gutters, plus CFD requirements for vehicle movement. Once all of this is accounted for, the actual number is closer to 400 units and perhaps “By Right” even a lower density. Which would align more closely with the density of the neighboring properties.
 
Rentals: N1-A prohibits multi-family rental apartments. “By Right” the developer cannot build multi-family rental apartments. 

Building Height: “By Right” the developer is limited to 48’ and cannot build the 65’ tall apartment buildings being requested.  

Traffic Improvements: Even if the property is never developed, the traffic is still going to be bad. The improvements outlined by the developer do not alone fix current traffic issues, nor will they even come close to offsetting the additional demand that 640 units will cause.

Those outlined on the property for ingress and egress are nominal.  Some of the offered traffic “improvements” are nonsensical and some will even make traffic worse.

“By Right” many of the offered traffic "improvements" are still required.

Tree Save: The developer has offered a "possible 30% tree save" which would include only the trees in the FEMA Floodplain and a very narrow 50" buffer along the southern edge of the property.

As "By Right" the development would require only a minimum 10% tree save but since the FEMA Floodplain would still be unbuildable it is likely the entire FEMA area would remain undisturbed.

As proposed the only areas spared are the FEMA Floodplain and the 50" buffer. We lose all the trees along Rea Road and Elm Lane either way.

It is of course entirely possible the developer would destroy all but 10% of the trees in the FEMA Floodplain out of spite or anger. 

The bottom line is that “By Right” 400 homes that are not multi-family rental apartments, nor taller than 48' with considerably less traffic, is far better than a rezoning that allows 640 mostly multi-family rental apartments in 65' tall buildings and with even considerably more traffic.

Please take a moment today and email Charlotte City Councilmember Ed Driggs Ed.Driggs@charlottenc.gov and tell him: 

“Developing the Rea Road Gillespie Property "by-right" and with no concessions is the better option than allowing the rezoning to go forward for the residents of our community and our Eagles Piper and Glen.”

Primary Election

Today February 15th is the first day of "Early Primary Election Voting" with 22 sites (Polls) located across Mecklenburg County. 

Here are the names of those on the ballot who have been active and engaged in our push to Save our Eagles Piper and Glen. 

Jaime Daniell 
Terry Lansdell 
Susan Rodriguez-McDowell 
Rachel Hunt 
Patricia (Pat) Cotham 
George Dunlap 

Note depending on your address and/or party affiliation you may or may not see all of these names on your ballot. 

Our nearby Mecklenburg County Early Voting Locations are:

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 5801 REA RD CHARLOTTE SOUTHPARK REGIONAL LIBRARY 7015 CARNEGIE BLVD CHARLOTTE BALLANTYNE - CARMEL COMMONS 7611 PINEVILLE-MATTHEWS RD CHARLOTTE MATTHEWS LIBRARY 230 MATTHEWS STATION ST MATTHEWS MARION DIEHL CENTER 2219 TYVOLA RD CHARLOTTE MINT HILL LIBRARY 6840 MATTHEWS-MINT HILL RD CHARLOTTE PINEVILLE LIBRARY 505 MAIN ST PINEVILLE

Early Voting Polls are open from 8:00 AM until 7:30 PM

Today Thursday February 15th and Tomorrow February 16th

Then 8:00 AM until 7:30 PM Monday-Friday (February 19-23)

Saturday February 24 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM

Sunday February 25 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM

8:00 AM until 7:30 PM Monday-Friday (February 26-March 1)

Saturday March 2 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM (Final Day of Early Voting)

• Primary Election Day is Tuesday March 5th 6:30am–7:30pm

Please note on Election day you must vote at your assigned polling
place which can be found on meckboe.org

Eligible individuals may register and vote during the one-stop early
voting period.

All Voters will be asked to show PHOTO ID on all days.

Egg Watch

We are seeing signs that we may have eggs that hatch today or tomorrow. We are seeing busy parents with a lot of vocalization. We will make that announcement just as soon as we can confirm we have a pair of new eaglets. 

Reminder

The Charlotte City Council Rezoning Hearing has be postponed until Monday March 18, 2024 at 5 o’clock.