1) We recommended approval of a 109-room, Marriott-brand hotel along Northcross Drive. The topic was broken into two segments: a special-use permit and a rezoning. The main discussion was around the impact on some of the Birkdale residents whose property abuts this one. We were comfortable with this location, though, as the property was zoned commercial in the 1980’s, plus there’s a large natural buffer that the company will increase, and the building itself will be over 300 feet away from the property line.
2) We recommended approval of a couple of ordinance changes that will bring Huntersville into compliance with state law.
3) We recommended approval of an ordinance change that was generated by the mixed-use “North State” project that’s begun downtown. The Commissioners asked the Planning Department to clear up the definition of residential vs. non-residential because the square footage on the main floor that will house retail or some other commercial business turned out smaller than envisioned. This ordinance will help make more space available for businesses in future mixed-use developments.
4) We had a great first discussion on the 2023 Downtown Master Plan. We plan to discuss this important topic at a Special Meeting on February 1 and again during our regular Planning Board Meeting in February.
5) We wrapped up with a little housekeeping and approved our 2023 Planning Board Meeting schedule.
