http://66.225.205.104/JR20100618a.mp3
The Charlotte City Council will consider yet another affordable housing development on Monday and hear from neighbors unhappy with the plan. But Dilworth residents say they're most concerned about the density and design of the project. The 17 acres on South Boulevard belong to the Charlotte Housing Authority and are already home to about 300 apartments for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Dilworth Neighborhood Association board member Jill Walker says the neighborhood welcomes the affordable housing. And they welcome the Charlotte Housing Authority's plan to develop more of the land. They just don't think the plan is as good as it could be, says Walker. "If you look at the development standards for this project, it's simply about how high it can go and how big it can be," says Walker "There's nothing in these development standards that shows there's a creative 'Let's reach our higher angels' (approach)." The Charlotte Housing Authority wants the land zoned for up to 800 units. The Dilworth Neighborhood Association says that's too many. The Housing Authority also wants permission for some of the buildings on the property to be taller than the 120 foot limit. In exchange, the plan includes more green space than the zoning requires. Charlotte Housing Authority spokeswoman Jennifer Gallman says the agency is listening to neighborhood concerns: "There's a very nice green space in the center of the community that's currently not there," says Gallman. "They are looking at limiting the size of some buildings and making sure there are setbacks near the houses in the neighborhood - really wanting it to fit in well and add value to the Dilworth community and along the South Boulevard corridor." The Charlotte Housing Authority eventually hopes to see a mixed-use development on the property that includes office space and retail, but mostly a variety of housing options for different income levels. CHA Real Estate officer Jeff Meadows says some of those components may be sold to private companies for development. He adds that developers will find the land more attractive if the city grants CHA's zoning requests, which the council will consider during its 6 p.m. meeting on Monday.