WILMINGTON — The developer of a proposed 500-unit luxury apartment complex and hotel off Military Cutoff Road will seek a continuance from the Planning Commission tonight.
The project has been in the works for almost two years. The City of Wilmington last week released its staff report and summary regarding the proposed development, The Avenue. The findings of the city reported that the development would increase traffic on an already-overburdened Military Cutoff Road.
“In sum, the proposal is a major destination-type project in the wrong location with insufficient road system connectivity,” city staff said in the report.
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The City of Wilmington’s Planning Commission was scheduled to review the staff findings Wednesday evening. On Wednesday morning, the company claimed the city’s report had several inaccuracies and requests more time for the city to review the plans.
A statement issued by Thomas Johnson, a lawyer for CIP Construction Company, read:
“We were extremely disappointed with the city staff report issued in connection with our proposed $200,000,000 mixed-use project located along Military Cutoff Road. As we developed this project, which includes a five-star hotel conference center, world-class spa and upscale dining and retail, we felt that we had support from the City of Wilmington and that our plan was a great fit with the city’s comprehensive plan and the guidelines of the UMX zoning designation.
“Unfortunately, the report that was issued by the city included numerous inaccuracies and material omissions that must be addressed with the city prior to moving forward with the requested rezoning and special use permit. As a result, we have requested a continuance from the City of Wilmington for our case. We are hopeful that the city, with additional time to consider the project and the incredible economic impact it will have on the area, will realize the benefits of our project, and we will have a positive resolution when our case is heard later this year,” the statement concluded.
The Planning Commission will have to vote to either approve or deny the requested continuance Wednesday evening.
