Local

Residents express interest for outlet mall in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An outlet mall coming to Charlotte may include more than stores, according to a zoning request.

The Tanger Outlets is planned for the Steele Creek area at Interstate 485 and Steele Creek Road.

“There’s business out there to be had and why not bring it here to Charlotte?” asked Matt Ghantt, who lives near the site.

There is some excitement from people who live near the site. However, construction on the 82 acres of the Steele Creek area, just outside city limits, is not set to begin until next year.

The plans include more than retail stores. The rezoning documents show space for a 120-room hotel, up to 120,000 square feet.

There is also 480,000 square feet of retail floor space.

Most people told Eyewitness News they were thrilled to hear the plans.

“I think that’s actually great, especially with the downturn in the economy,” Ghantt said. “We can use all the attention, you know, we can get.”

People didn’t express much concern for the traffic the outlets could bring to the area. What seemed to stand out for most people was the potential for jobs.

"I think that's pretty much good for any area right now, the way the economy is.  I think it'll be great just to see more jobs and some more money flowing," said Matt Shaver.

Simon Property Group and Paragon Outlet Partners also want to build Charlotte Premium Outlets in Stallings, but developers are still not sure they can open both outlets 20 miles apart.