Latest news with #DowntownPlan
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Another four-story mixed-use building proposed for downtown Huntersville across from controversial project
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A proposed development would bring a four-story building of mostly apartments to downtown Huntersville, but town planning staff and developers are focused on promoting the benefits of the project's retail space. Northstate Development is attempting to rezone a 1.7-acre property on Gilead Road that is across the street from the Holbrook Town Center, a once-controversial project that set a strong precedent for the future of downtown. This is Holbrook Phase 2. The new Northstate rezoning presented at Tuesday night's town board meeting seeks to construct a 60,000-square-foot building with a mixture of retail and apartments on the ground floor, and the three floors above all residential, totaling 55 units. The land is currently zoned Neighborhood Residential. The land is adjacent to the 760 Craft Works brewery, and the developer is seeking to share an entrance in order to maximize street frontage. All required parking would be on site, on the back side of the property. Huntersville's 2040 Community Plan suggests using the property to expand Holbrook Park south to Gilead Road. However, planning staff pointed to the narrower Downtown Plan that recommends retail use to promote the 'gathering' aspect of the evolving community. 'We want to promote a balance of food-and-beverage venues and those stores that support downtown life and appeal to visitors,' Assistant Planner Director Brad Priest said. 'They come for services, walkability, enjoy open space. Parks are a part of it, but businesses are as well. Staff recommends the mixed-use, gathering component.' When asked by Commissioner Amanda Dumas if Northstate would consider a residential-only building, company representative Rachel Krenz suggested it was unlikely. The Land Use Plan requires 60 percent ground-floor commercial for new downtown construction. 'We could develop only as residential, but we want to put retail there,' she said. 'We want to do this mixed-use, desirable building. We know retail is needed downtown, and we want to be part of that solution.' If the shared driveway is not approved, then Northstate is preparing to put the entrance on the left side of the building. A two-story home is that neighbor, and a fence would be built, along with a dense, 10-foot buffer. Huntersville planning board approves transit-oriented development in preparation for proposed Red Line There is also an option to make the main residential entrance along Gilead, one that the developer opposes since it will reduce retail square footage and 'make the space more difficult to lease.' The property is within a few blocks of Discovery Place Kids, Huntersville Elementary School, Holbrook Park, Town Hall, and the proposed Red Line station. It backs up to a greenway, where three pedestrian connections would be provided. Despite the controversial nature of the sister project, which spurred 'Save Downtown Huntersville' signs, there was only one speaker during the public comment period. The town planning board is scheduled to review the project on June 24, with commissioner consideration slated for July 15. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The City of Champaign wants your input on downtown improvements
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Champaign is looking for public input on the future of its downtown area through an online survey. Officials with the city's Planning and Development Department said they hope that by gathering the community's perspectives and ideas, they can update the 2006 Downtown Plan and 'create a shared vision for future change in the community.' SEE ALSO: City of Champaign asking for input on downtown area upgrades To participate in the survey in English or Spanish, click here. City officials added that anyone is welcome and all are encouraged to give their input — not just those who live or work in the downtown area. To learn more, visit the City of Champaign's website. Further questions can be directed to planning@ or Senior Planner Eric Van Buskirk at or 217-403-8800. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Champaign asking for input on downtown area upgrades
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Champaign is turning to the public for input in downtown area upgrades. Downtown Champaign includes many businesses, cultural destinations, public services and other public spaces. Over the last few decades, there have been many changes, including new developments, shifts in businesses and the always evolving needs of visitors and residents. Champaign Regional Speedskating Club hosting championships at U of I The City is looking to update its 2006 Downtown Plan, which initially had recommendations for urban designs and developments, transportation, land use, market demand and programming. The new plan is aiming to provide a collective vision for an economically prosperous and inclusive downtown area for future generations of residents, businesses and supporters. 'This website is an opportunity for residents, business owners, and visitors to share their thoughts on their ideal Downtown Champaign,' the City of Champaign posted on their website. The City is updating their long-range goals for Downtown, and they want the public's help through a survey. The survey asks nine questions and demographic information. All surveys are anonymous, and participants are asked to not include any personal information in their responses. A few of the questions include: What services most influence your decision to visit Downtown? Looking to the future, what three descriptive words best describe your ideal Downtown Champaign? What amenities or big ideas from other places would contribute to your ideal Downtown Champaign? The survey is available in English and Spanish. Any additional questions are asked to be directed to planning@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
