‘Do your magic’: Charlotte City Council asks staff to combine Eastland proposals

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte City Council entered the Government Center Monday with two options on the table for the remaining 29 acres of Eastland Yards. Councilmembers left the Government Center with a task for staff, which was to combine them in 45 days.

It's passed. Send good vibes to Tracy Dodson. Charlotte City Council is asking staff to report back in 45 days on a combined QC East/ indoor sports project. Unanimous vote. #CLTCC
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) August 29, 2023

The Charlotte City Council’s Jobs and Economic Development Committee, and the developer of the majority of Eastland Yards Crosland Southeast, endorsed QC East for the remaining 29 acres. The project called for soccer, esports, concerts, and a food village. The other project on the table was focused on indoor sports. City staffers told the council they have concerns about the financial viability of the indoor sports proposal. Despite those concerns, the project has garnered a significant amount of community support from east Charlotte residents and neighborhood associations.

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Councilmember Marjorie Molina, who represents Eastland Yards, proposed the compromise Monday night. She made the motion for city staffers to attempt to combine the two projects and report back to the Charlotte City Council in 45 days.

“I, along with the members of this body, want the best for east Charlotte,” Molina said. “There are things about both proposals that are amazing.”

The Charlotte City Council unanimously voted to back Molina’s proposal. Councilmember Dimple Ajmera, who used to represent Eastland Yards, said the proposal isn’t everything community groups have asked for but “life is about compromise.” She asked community groups to give staff grace and hear the new proposal out.

“In 45 days, you are going to do your magic,” Ajmera said to staff.

Councilman Tariq Bokhari, a minority investor in QC East, indicated developers are willing to work with each other. Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston warned residents that a combined proposal would be complicated financially. Winston asked staff to talk to Mecklenburg County about a backup option of converting the 29 acres into a park.

The unanimous decision came after a marathon council meeting with dozens of people speaking in favor of their proposed projects.

“Trust your neighbors when we say we know what is best for east Charlotte,” indoor sports supporter Greg Asciutto said.

“Soccer, being the world’s favorite pastime, there are so many children in that area that want to play soccer and don’t have the facilities to do so,” QC East supporter Brad Wylde said.

The two sides were far apart Monday night. Over the next 45 days, city staffers will attempt to bring them together.