About Cornelius' The Village At Lake Norman

The massive Village at Lake Norman development planned for Cornelius received the necessary rezoning for the proposed location south of Westmoreland Rd between I-77 and US 21, but major hurdles still remain for the project.

In a 3-2 vote Wednesday night (April 23rd), Town of Cornelius commissioners approved the rezoning for the land, but many other approvals will be needed along the way to completion. Complex financing plans for the project will need to be accepted by Mecklenburg County, and the Town of Cornelius has reserved the right to rescind the rezoning if all the financing issues are not to the Town's liking. Major road construction is proposed and needed by the developers, especially the addition of an interchange with Westmoreland Rd on I-77 and the addition of at least one more lane on I-77 through the area. This means that various state and federal entities will also need to grant approvals of one form or another.

Developer Cornelius-Bromont has made a number of assurances to the Town, including the promise of high-end retail tenants, straightening and extension of Bailey Rd (to an extent, this point was already in the developer's master plan), a new public safety facility, a return of $1.3 million for the Town's service costs, and acceptance of various intermediate deadlines for various aspects of financial approval and construction phases.

For the second straight day, Cornelius commissioners delayed voting on the rezoning of land that would allow the go ahead for the proposed Village at Lake Norman development.

Commissioners originally extended the Monday meeting in order to discuss the situation further. Commissioner Jim Bensman was unable to attend Tuesday's meeting in person but did participate via phone. The decision was made to delay the final vote until today, Wednesday the 23rd, in order for Bensman to be there in person for the vote.

Commissioners are trying to decide if the massive 104 acre development will positively impact the town and its future. Developers Cornelius-Bromont have proposed numerous road improvements as part of the development, but have stated that the Commissioners accepting the establishment of an interchange with I-77 at Westmoreland Rd is a necessary aspect of their project. In addition to the rezoning issue, Cornelius commissioners and Mecklenburg County officials would have to approve the financing plans of the developers, which include various tax fundings and credits.

The vote to rezone the property is now scheduled for today at 5 PM at Cornelius Town Hall.