CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A family-owned farm in south Charlotte that’s been around for a century is moving to make way for a new hospital.
It’s not only the end of an era for Hall Family Farm, it’s also going to mean a lot more traffic along an already busy stretch of Johnston Road.
The Hall Family Farm started in 1914. Kevin Hall started making memories 10 years ago, when he and his wife started growing strawberries and pumpkins.
"We raised our kids. They were babies when we started this, and now one is about to go to college,” Kevin Hall said.
A deal to sell the family farm on Providence Road West to Novant Health for over $20 million is almost done.
Hall said the family didn’t take the decision lightly, as some offers from developers of townhomes and apartment complexes were turned down.
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"The family was happy to see it go in that direction rather than see another apartment complex,” Hall said.
Novant is planning a 161,000-square-foot hospital with 36 beds and three ORs. It's a $154 million investment Novant said will provide better access to vital care.
An application with the state is still pending along with a rezoning petition with the city.
Many who live in Ballantyne and Lancaster hope traffic is taken into consideration.
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"I understand that growth is important, but it's like, you have to look and respect the people in this area,” resident Liz Davis said.
It’s too early in the process to know exactly what will happen in the busy area.
Hall said they have a new farm 14 miles down Highway 521, where they hope to keep making memories.
"We've all sacrificed a good bit, but we've also enjoyed it," Hall said.