WILMINGTON — The developer of a 44-acre development called “The Avenue” has withdrawn its request for rezoning to construct the massive mixed-use development on Military Cutoff Road.
Wilmington’s Communication Manager Malissa Talbert confirmed the developer had indeed withdrawn its plans, but said there was still the chance it could resubmit them in the future.
The development came under both city and resident criticism after a staff report suggested the new development would overburden the already congested Military Cutoff Road.
The developer, The Carroll Companies, described the project as “the new benchmark for luxury and style in the Southeast. This luxury, mixed-use development in Wilmington, N.C., will feature 500 luxury apartment homes, a Westin Hotel, and approximately 320,000 (square feet) of retail and office space on an aesthetically striking thoroughfare.”
After city staff came back with less than favorable reviews regarding the approval of the rezoning request, the Wilmington Planning Commission was supposed to have a public hearing on the rezoning request, but the developer requested a continuance until November. The sudden request for a continuance did not sit well with city residents who were in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting to voice their opinions on the development.
Talbert also confirmed that if the city were to vote against approving the rezoning, the developer could not resubmit the plans until a period of time passed, now, the developer can resubmit plans at any time.
Michael Praats can be reached at Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com
