The City of Charlotte's zoning meeting on May 19, 2025, focused on the rezoning petition for the Mountain Island Lake area, addressing significant community concerns about traffic and infrastructure as development continues to increase.

During the meeting, representatives from the Mountain Island Lake Community Alliance presented their proposals and concerns regarding the proposed development, emphasizing the need for thoughtful growth that prioritizes safety and sustainability. Key issues raised included the necessity for a deceleration lane to facilitate safer entry into the new neighborhood, as well as the request for reduced conflict intersections (RCIs) to minimize left turns and enhance traffic flow. Preliminary support for the deceleration lane was indicated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), while the RCI proposal was still under review.

Community members highlighted the existing traffic challenges on Mount Holly Road, which currently experiences over 20,000 trips daily. They expressed concerns that the anticipated increase in traffic from new developments could exacerbate safety issues, citing past incidents of accidents and congestion. Residents called for the streets within the development to be designated as public rather than private, arguing that public streets would ensure better long-term maintenance and community integration.

City officials acknowledged the community's feedback and indicated a willingness to collaborate further on addressing the traffic and infrastructure concerns. They noted that while some improvements could be made, such as the deceleration lane, other requests would require more discussion and evaluation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city staff to continue engaging with community leaders and to explore solutions that balance development needs with the safety and quality of life for existing residents. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to the development plans before the petition returns for further consideration in June.