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Wesley Heights residents upset about proposed rezoning

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Residents in Wesley Heights are upset about proposed rezoning for new condos.

Dozens of homeowners in the Wesley Heights neighborhood voiced their concerns to developers, with the Drakeford Company, during a meeting Thursday night at the Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center.

They say Wesley Heights is designated as a historic neighborhood and rezoning would have implications on other historic areas like Dilworth and Plaza Midwood.

The developers’ plan to put up townhomes in the neighborhood could set a precedent for more development in historic neighborhoods across Charlotte.

Developers are looking at rezoning a couple of homes on Walnut Street.

Some residents are in favor of development, but not in their backyard.

Kevin Jones walked Channel 9 through his backyard to show how a rezoning plan would affect the privacy of his family and the entire historic Wesley Heights neighborhood.

"This decision has huge ramifications for the rest of the city,” Jones said.

A developer filed a rezoning petition for two homes on Walnut Avenue to change the area from residential to multiple-use.

This would allow the developer to build four-story townhomes.

Developers claim the townhomes would address rapid city growth while increasing property value.

"Condos in the backyard doesn't really fit with the character or nature of this neighborhood,” Jones said.

Homeowners said they are not against development, but they want better options that will preserve their community.

"We have a historic district, not only local, but national historic designation,” resident Geraldine Johnson said.

City Councilman-elect Justin Harlow, who was at the meeting, said “I think it will definitely be an eye-opener for developers if this passes."

Harlow said he has received many letters opposing the project, but there are homeowners who support it.

The project is still in its early stages.

There will be another neighborhood meeting before a zoning hearing occurs.

The City Council is expected to vote in January on whether to rezone the area.

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