A development agreement to aid the former Eastland Mall Redevelopment project was approved by the Mecklenburg County commissioners, after a 7-1 vote in favor of the redevelopment plan.
The terms of the agreement ensure that the city of Charlotte provides assistance to the former Eastland Mall Redevelopment project, by providing tax incentives worth up to $11 million. Cost of construction for this infrastructure is pegged at $26.6 million, of which Tepper Sports and Entertainment will provide $4.25 million.
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This planned Redevelopment project will occupy a landmass of 78.3 acres and 22 acres of the total land will be allotted for Charlotte FC’s major league soccer academy. Although Charlotte FC’s headquarters was actually part of the original plan, this plan has been changed to accommodate just the academy as the key structure in the revamping.
As part of the Eastland Mall Redevelopment project, the Charlotte FC academy is designed to feature clinics, camps, training, and tournaments while International clubs are expected to hold practice sessions at the academy upon its completion. Hence, the camping facilities have also been included in the plan of the remodeling. Project construction will be executed by Tepper Sports and Entertainment, the owners of Charlotte FC, and the public will be permitted to use the facility.
An estimated thirteen fields will be developed on the 22 acres of land. Three large fields will be built, one for the public to use while two will be designated for academy use. Four more medium-sized fields along with three small-sized fields will also be built for public use.
On the other side of the 78 acres, there will be a total of about 485 residential units. These residential units will be divided into 250 apartments for rent and 85 units for seniors to afford. The remaining 150 housing units will be townhomes and single-family homes to be put up for sale at market prices as stipulated by the county. Business spaces are also part of the add-ons in the Eastland Mall Redevelopment project.
According to the president of Eastway Park Neigborhood Association Carolyn Millen, the former Eastland Mall Redevelopment project is a tremendous move to develop the area and it also has the potential of bringing East Charlotte back to life.
