Eastland Mall site proposed redevelopment picks ups momentum

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An end could be in sight for the long-vacant Eastland Mall site. Charlotte City Council has closed the bidding for future developers.

From millennial housing to an FC Barcelona soccer facility, the four potential developers have big plans for the old Eastland Mall site. Charlotte City Council is hoping by next month to recommend a master developer that can execute that vision.

"I am pretty confident that we are going to end up having a developer that will meet us much further than halfway," Councilman Matt Newton, who represents the area, said.

However, the momentum was almost halted.

Councilman Ed Driggs launched a robust debate over whether the council should slow down. He told the Economic Development Committee additional developers contacted him, saying they want in. Driggs was hoping leaders would put out a request for proposals to get more options. He's hoping to avoid another failed project like the proposed movie studio.

"There's no well-defined plan, so I would just like us to get something like an RFP in place," Driggs said.

Ultimately, the committee decided to commit to one of the four developers.

The room was once again packed with east Charlotte residents who were hoping a jobs catalyst will come soon.

"We want something better, but we want it sooner than 2020, 2021," resident Diana McLemore said.

"It can be developed so beautifully and that is what we need," resident Diane Langevin said. "And I want it yesterday."

The big question still out there is how much in tax dollars will be needed to help finance the redevelopment. The city has at least $10 million set aside from a previous bond referendum.

City staffers plan to bring a recommended developer to the Economic Development Committee in June. A sale could be finalized by February 2019.

Cox Media Group