Low-Income Housing Could Come To Wealthy Area Of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — One of Charlotte's wealthier parts of town could get its first low-income housing project. City leaders will decide whether to rezone the southwest corner of Johnston Road and Providence Road West, which is in Ballantyne, to allow for the development.

The Charlotte Housing Authority plans to build more than 100 apartments. Spokeswoman Jennifer Gallman wouldn't discuss the Ballantyne project specifically but said the housing authority tries to build homes that blend well with the surrounding neighborhoods.

Gallman used a First Ward project as an example.

"It is a mixed-income, thriving community," she said. "Look at all of the development that has happened since [it was built.] You have daycare centers, community centers... people are literally living here, working here, playing here."

Gallman also said the authority tries to spread out affordable housing, instead of clustering it in one part of town. She said its real estate experts look for land close to mass transit, schools, doctors' offices and grocery stores.

Some Ballantyne residents have complained to city leaders, urging them not to rezone the property. While those people might anticipate more crime and lower property values, Eyewitness News reporter Jason Stoogenke met one single mother who doesn't mind the idea. Patrina Debiase said she is struggling financially after recently losing her job, and knows there are others in similar situations.

"Being a single mother, it's hard for me," Debiase said. "So I know I'm not going to bring any crime around, you know what I mean? So there are other women and men – whoever -- that are just like me that were laid off and they need help too, I think."

City leaders have not yet set a date to vote on the rezoning request.

WSOC