Big development in works for Lower South End, near Scaleybark light rail station

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte's lower South End neighborhood is expected to get a major facelift.

A developer plans to build apartments, a hotel and office space next to the Scaleybark light rail station.

Channel 9 had previously reported the land was originally meant for affordable housing.

Instead, plans changed.

Beacon Partners now plans to build a 15-acre project called LOSO Station.

The development will have space for offices, retailer, restaurants, a 150-room boutique hotel and 350 apartment units.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Affordable Housing Crisis]

“I think it’s a good thing,” Charlotte resident Nicole Stephens said. “This area has been kind of vacant and sad, looking forward to some new things.”

Last summer, a Channel 9 investigation found out another developer was supposed to use that land for affordable housing.

A deal was made more than 10 years ago, but the apartments were never built.

“To see multiple projects go up, and not what was initial promised to folks in this area, is concerning,” said community leader Caleb Theodros.

To ease some concerns, officials with the Beacon Partners said half an acre of the project will go to affordable housing along Dewitt Lane.

Stephens hopes the project doesn't impact the parking at Scaleybark light rail.

“You can see it's at capacity every single day,” Stephens said. “If you get here after 9, there are no parking spots. I would be very sad if they took this parking lot away.”

Beacon Projects officials said the project will have an impact on Charlotte Area Transportation System riders.

The park and ride lot will have to be relocated during construction, but will eventually be reincorporated into the LOSO Station.

Beacon Partners officials said construction could start this summer.

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