Eastland Mall Secret Deal (Charlotte: sales, neighborhood, option to buy)

[CherryTwist]

Why is the city trying to purchase Eastland Mall for tens of millions of dollars in secret? I don't understand.

[sophialee]

Link?

[CherryTwist]

dont know how to post links. but here.

Charlotte Holds Closed-Door Talks On Possible Eastland Mall Purchase - Charlotte News Story - WSOC Charlotte

[NCgirl]

It's no secret that the city wants that space to be developed into something else. I seem to recall the possibility of the city purchasing the mall being discussed awhile back.

The city still has the same vision for Eastland it's had the last two-and-a-half years--a mixed-use development with the types of businesses and amenities east Charlotte craves.

East Charlotte resident Rob Spry said, "It'll help the neighborhood, help the city."

The city's been trying to get the property's five owners on the same page, but that's been slow-going.

The city sees Eastland as the heart of east Charlotte and it's big. If you superimpose its footprint on uptown Charlotte--the mall property would stretch from the stadium to the arena.

[mullman]

So foolish.
Local GovCo and their pet projects...

[Metallisteve]

It's called community development and trying to make our city a better place to live. Apparently the private sector can't handle it. Maybe the City can do a better job. Who knows. However, nothing will happen without Council consent. If you oppose it, voice your thought out concern. Don't just gripe about it.

[mullman]

Originally Posted by Metallisteve

If you oppose it, voice your thought out concern. Don't just gripe about it.

Oh I don't 'just gripe', I remember in November, every November when I vote...

[Metallisteve]

Originally Posted by mullman

Oh I don't 'just gripe', I remember in November, every November when I vote...

Good on ya. I wish more people would! Take it a step further though and go to Council meetings and voice your opinion. Contact the Council reps for the area...and your reps...let them know. If they hear nothing, it means consent.

[prwfromnc]

Originally Posted by Metallisteve

It's called community development and trying to make our city a better place to live. Apparently the private sector can't handle it. Maybe the City can do a better job. Who knows. However, nothing will happen without Council consent. If you oppose it, voice your thought out concern. Don't just gripe about it.

You've said it all my friend, AMEN!

[NCgirl]

I seem to recall the possibility of the city purchasing the mall being discussed awhile back.

I found this. Initially the city wanted to purchase a few parcels, now they are considering the whole property.

From a July 24, 2008 article

It’s unclear how Glimcher’s decision to cede ownership of the struggling mall will affect the city of Charlotte’s plans for the site. City Council members recently approved a $75,000 option to buy the Dillard’s parcel -- the latest step in an effort to redevelop the shopping center.

In March, the city approved an identical option agreement for the vacant Belk Inc. store at Eastland. That store closed in February 2007, with the chain citing low sales and shifting shopping patterns to other Charlotte-area retail centers.

Glimcher cedes control of Eastland Mall