|
WHERE WOULD NEW ARENA GO?
2 Uptown sites appear to be the front-runners
Of the 4 most discussed places, First and Third wards gain attention
By SCOTT DODD
Two pieces of uptown land owned by Mecklenburg County appear to be the
front-runners for a new arena site. City and county officials have already
discussed a possible $11million land deal that would pave the way.
The two sites, in Third and First wards , are among four that may be
looked at by the city.
Some county commissioners are eager to help, while others believe
Mecklenburg's budget crunch makes this a bad time for them to contribute.
Business owners, on the other hand, are eager to see an arena in their
corner of uptown.
"We're going to lobby for it," said developer Daniel Levine,
who owns part of a possible arena site on North Tryon Street and has
already drawn up plans.
Each of the four sites has strengths and weaknesses. Besides cost, the
city will likely consider the development potential around each site and
its impact on tourism and hotels, Assistant City Manager Ron Kimble said.
Third Ward
Who owns it: The county recently bought
8acres along Graham and Mint streets for $24million from Wachovia Corp.
History: The Center City 2010 plan envisions an arena in this
general location. It was the spot the city had settled on before the June
referendum.
What's happening: Commissioners Chairman Parks Helms said the
county could give the city part of this site in return for city-owned
property on East Trade Street. That's where the federal government may
want a new courthouse.
The county could then swap that land with the feds for the old federal
courthouse on West Trade, which might be an ideal site for the Mint
Museum.
Conservatives on the board think it's a bad deal. "The last thing
we ought to do is buy a building where we're going to hang more art,"
Bill James said.
Odds: Helms, who has discussed the possibilities with city
officials, believes Third Ward is still their top preference.
Hal Marshall (First Ward)
Who owns it: The city, county and Levine all
own land in this part of First Ward, including the Hal Marshall Center on
North Tryon Street, which houses government offices.
History: The city and county are negotiating with The Palladium Co.
for a massive renovation that would put an upscale retail center, hotel,
homes and offices on their property.
What's happening: County Manager Harry Jones has discussed a deal
with the city similar to the one in Third Ward.
Charlotte would pay Mecklenburg $11million for its Hal Marshall land.
The county would then pay the city $11million for land on East Trade where
the federal government may want its courthouse, allowing a swap.
Odds: The site is on the future light rail and trolley corridors
and is close to Interstate277.
South End
Who owns it: Dozens of property owners have
pieces of South End, including developer Tony Pressley's 13 acres.
History: A once-rundown industrial district that's now among the
city's hottest office, residential and restaurant spots, South End is
where the Charlotte Knights AAA baseball team wants to build a new
stadium.
What's happening: Developers and businesses like the idea of an
arena nearby, but no plans have been drawn up.
Odds: South End also is on the future light rail and trolley lines.
Property values are generally lower than in uptown, but buying enough
acreage could require a significant city investment.
Second Ward
Who owns it: Most of the property is in
private hands, including Grace AME Zion Church.
History: This site was among 16 identified two years ago by a
city-appointed residents committee as a potential location.
What's happening: Not much. Owners were unaware their area was
under consideration.
Odds: Proximity to the Charlotte Convention Center, uptown transit
center and many hotels makes it desirable, but buying enough land could be
a problem. |
