CHARLOTTE — A city of Charlotte recommendation to build “QC East” at Eastland Yards was met with criticism and skepticism by several Charlotte City Councilmembers Monday night. At the heart of the issue was a city presentation saying “no action” was required by Charlotte City Council but that staff’s recommendation is to “progress partnership conversations with the QC East @ Eastland Yards team to next phase of due diligence.” The item was ultimately sent back to committee.
“I hope this day going forward we never have this language,” Councilmember James Mitchell said. “This is insulting to have this language.”
The QC East proposal involves three Charlotte companies, Southern Entertainment, Charlotte Soccer Academy, and Carolina Esports Hub. The $83 million project asks for $19 million from the hospitality fund and $11 million for infrastructure. Charlotte City Council has already committed to providing $20 million in hospitality funds for whatever project is selected for the remaining 29 acres of Eastland Yards.
The city views QC East as a more viable and shovel ready project than the other proposal, an indoor sports facility.
In a presentation to city council, the city’s assistant director of economic developer Todd DeLong said the city has greater confidence in QC East’s financial viability, long-term success and community use. He said the indoor sports facility had too many unknowns with uncertainty of schedules and infrastructure requirements.
The city partnered with Mecklenburg County and the CRVA to rank and evaluate the two projects by looking at qualifications, financial strategies, project approach and the schedule. QC East scored a 70 out of 100. The indoor sports facility scored a 59 out of 100.
While QC East has the support of the city, more than 200 east Charlotte community leaders and groups signed a letter calling on city council to back the indoor sports plan.
After Charlotte City Councilmembers lambasted staffers for delivering a recommendation without their authorization, Mayor Vi Lyles ordered this discussion back to committee. Staff recommended moving forward with QC East.
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) July 11, 2023
Several councilmembers said they were not ready to make a decision Monday night and criticized staff for the way the topic was presented.
“We keep saying we don’t want to get it wrong,” Councilmember LaWana Slack-Mayfield said. “Slow down. Slow down. Why the hell are we trying to rush this tonight.”
Councilmember Malcolm Graham, the chair of the economic development committee, defended staff. He said staff members are responding to Charlotte City Council and the community’s request for urgency.
“I want to be supportive of east Charlotte but the worst thing we can do, and I won’t do it as chairman of ED, is tell you what you want to hear versus what you need to know,” Councilman Graham said. “I am going to tell you what you need to hear.”
Mayor Vi Lyles asked for the city’s economic development committee to discuss the topic during a meeting this month. She asked staff to do nothing for now.
Councilmember Marjorie Molina, who represents Eastland, said she isn’t married to either proposal.
“I have a big fear to get it wrong,” she said. “The only thing I care about is the highest and best outcome.”
(WATCH BELOW: The Political Beat: City manager talks CATS, BofA Stadium, Eastland Mall site)
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