Zoning Board declines approval for Mintworth Avenue multifamily project proposal

The City Zoning Meeting held on June 16, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on a significant zoning petition that has implications for local development and community planning. The meeting addressed a proposal to rezone an 8.43-acre site located off Mintworth Avenue, which is currently designated as Neighborhood Services (NS) and Neighborhood 2 B (N2B). The proposed change aims to allow for the construction of up to 64 multifamily attached dwellings under the N2B District.

During the meeting, city staff presented their analysis of the petition, indicating that they do not recommend approval in its current form. While the staff expressed no major concerns regarding the type of project proposed, they highlighted several site design and transportation issues that need to be resolved before a favorable recommendation could be made. Key points of concern included the need for improved site design features and transportation provisions, such as access points and road improvements.

The proposal includes plans for multiple access points to the site, enhancements to the left turn lane on Margaret Wallace Road, and the addition of a 10-foot wide landscape yard along the western boundary. Furthermore, the developers plan to construct an 8-foot planting strip and sidewalk along Margaret Wallace Road, as well as bicycle facilities to improve accessibility. The site is also served by the Katz 52X bus route, and the petitioner has committed to coordinating with the transit authority for necessary bus stop improvements.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the city's ongoing efforts to balance development with community needs. The proposed zoning changes reflect a broader trend towards increasing housing density in response to growing demands for multifamily housing options. However, the staff's recommendation for further revisions highlights the importance of thorough planning to ensure that new developments align with the city's infrastructure capabilities and community standards.

As the meeting concluded, the petitioners, represented by Joel Madden of True Homes, acknowledged the staff's feedback and expressed their willingness to address the identified issues. The next steps will involve further discussions and revisions to the proposal, as the city continues to navigate the complexities of urban development and zoning regulations. The outcome of this petition will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future developments in the area.