Citizens listen to possible plans for Eastland Mall site

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Developers presented their ideas Monday to revitalize the old Eastland Mall site, which has been vacant for years.

The city has had trouble revitalizing the east Charlotte eyesore off Central Avenue, but there is new hope for what the future could hold for the area.

Four developers presented their ideas to the city's Economic Development Committee. Channel 9 is aware of three of those proposals.

One developer wants to build a new, walkable neighborhood, like Baxter Village in Fort Mill. It would feature shops, homes and restaurants.

Another developer would like to put in an amateur sports complex, apartments and potentially offices and a hotel.

The third proposal includes a plan to build medical facilities, with housing, restaurants, shops and green space.

The city could make a decision on what to do with the space by the end of the year.

Eastland Mall closed in 2010 after several shootings. The city bought the property in 2012 and tore the mall down in 2013.

Shortly after that, a developer planned to build a movie studio on the property but the city scrapped that idea because it didn't seem reliable, and it has struggled to find developers ever since.

In 2016, the city sold part of the property to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and a new magnet school will open there in the fall.

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