CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Groups in Charlotte's South End neighborhood are concerned about plans to build an office building in the area, because they say the changes could strip the area of its character.
The building would be at the intersection of South Tryon and Camden Road, where Common Market is located and the Food Truck Friday event used to be held.
Charlotte leaders listened to plans for the building at Monday’s city council meeting, which was open to the public.
The council ultimately recommended approving the new development project, pending some minor issues.
One concern centered around the design being well above the height limit for the area.
The developer has already made several changes to the original plan.
In addition to the office building on the 2.3-acre lot, the developer added retail space on all three corners. The developer has also changed the facade and added a small park.
The Food Truck Friday event had to relocate because of the new development. It will reopen in the spring in two different locations.
Channel 9 spoke with David Frers, the owner of The Living Room in South End.
He said he's grateful for having been at the same location for the last 15 years.
However, he will now have to look for a new location. The building he's in now will come down for the office building project.
"I feel like we are very lucky to have such a long run here in South End," Frers said. "It was a really special place to be."
Even though there will be retail space in the new building, he said rent will likely be higher and he said no one has approached him about the possibility of staying.
Common Market, The Boulevard at South End and Black Sheep have also announced that they are closing or relocating.
The project doesn't sit well with everyone.
Jennifer Carver, who goes to school in the South End, is worried about how the neighborhood will look and feel with a large office building.
"South End has a lot of personality, and it takes away from it a little bit," Carver said.
Some restaurant owners nearby said they hate to see old businesses leave the area and they expect that construction may slow down business temporarily. However, they are choosing to stay because, in the long term, there could be more foot traffic.
Be sure to download the WSOC-TV Wake Up app to get the latest breaking news, weather and traffic on your phone first thing in the mornings.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- McCrory sends letter addressing I-77 toll lanes
- Mother numb after losing daughter in fatal wreck
- NC lawmaker claims troopers mistreated him during traffic stop
- Child tests positive for cocaine, woman charged with neglect
- Experts warn winter coats could put kids in car seats at injury risk
- Don Shula rooting for his son Mike, Panthers to go 19-0
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
