Some Ballantyne residents upset over proposed development

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some neighbors near Ballantyne are angered by a proposed development that could include a large grocery store, movie theater and parking deck at the corner of Rea and Tom Short roads next to the Mecklenburg-Union County line.

The location is the same plot of land that Walmart wanted to build on six years ago. Neighbors fought against the plan and it halted.
 
Now a new developer wants the land currently in Union County to be annexed by the Village of Marvin and rezoned but some neighbors said their plan is just too big.
 
It's prime land in a wealthy part of Union County that's growing fast.

Resident Liza Kravis said it would create too much traffic and possibly attract crime to neighborhoods like Hunter Oaks, Somerset and Marvin Creek.
 
Residents said it could have a huge Harris-Teeter flagship store based on what a Harris-Teeter representative said at an informational meeting this week.
               
Developer Raley Miller declined to talk on camera but a partner said they're listening to concerns from neighbors and their plans could change.
 
Not all neighbors are against the idea.
 
"The age of our children -- they are getting older and it would be nice to have things we can walk to," said Cheryl George. "In this neighborhood, you can walk anywhere."  
 
Barbara Kuntz disagreed with George.
 
"What they are planning is so out of place and gigantic, and so out of Marvin's policies," Kuntz said.
 
Opponents are hoping for changes to the plan but everyone agrees that development is coming to this part of town.
 
Harris-Teeter would not confirm if they are considering a store in this development.
 
The Village of Marvin mayor said the plan is at the beginning stage of the review process and there will be more public and staff meetings before a decision is made.

WSOC