Plans To Update Shopping Center Upset Some Neighbors

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — The owner of a well-known shopping center wants to spend millions spicing it up, but some neighbors are upset.

Crosland plans to spend $6 million making over Quail Corners in south Charlotte, which is almost 30 years old. Crosland wants to give the facade a new look using brick and stucco and build more space to lease, including more free-standing buildings for a fast-food drive-through and gas station.

The latter part of the plan is what some neighbors are uncomfortable with, saying they're worried about extra traffic and losing the area's "neighborhood feel." Some of them met with Crosland to voice their concerns.

"I think they heard us," area resident Ashlynn Kelker said. "I don't know if they'll act on that. But I know they heard us."

Crosland said it's taking people's concerns into consideration, adding that its plans won't "detract from the quality of the shopping center or the surrounding neighborhoods."

The company still needs City Council members to sign off on a zoning change and, so far, some haven't made up their minds.

"So much changes between filing and the committee meeting and the public hearing that I think it is best to wait and see what happens at the public hearing and then take the matter from there," Councilman Warren Cooksey said.

The public hearing is set for the middle of November.

WSOC