|
the Wedding-ton Road developments begun during that period. Fanning out throughout the region are
<br />numerous other developments - Poplar Trails, Zemosa Acres, Willow Bend, Parkview and Beech Bluff, to
<br />name a few, which are defining the region's developing suburban character. In addition to the new
<br />construction, the area has an ample supply of older housing, much of it situated along the roadside, on
<br />anywhere from one half acre lots on up. Multifamily housing, that is apartments, condominiums and
<br />townhouses has occurred much less frequently. Manufactured homes are found on single lot settings
<br />throughout the area. Countywide, the use of the mobile home has increased from three percent of housing
<br />stock to 13 percent over the past twenty years. In addition to the single lot sited mobile homes, there are
<br />several mobile home parks and subdivisions throughout the area, Silver Maple, Carolina Village, Country
<br />Acres and Farm Hill among them.
<br />
<br />OFFICE/COMMERCIAL
<br />
<br />Most of the office/commercial activity in the area has clustered about the western edge of the Concord city
<br />limits. The Concord Parkade with anchor Wal-Mart and other smaller stores are situated on Highway 29
<br />on the eastern end of the study area. These represent perhaps the area's densest concentration. Other
<br />commercial/office activity has tended to occur in conjunction with existing roadways, either along side of it
<br />as on Highway 601 and Highway 29 or at strategic intersections, for example, Poplar Tent and Highway 29
<br />and Morehead and Highway 29. Interchanges with Interstate 85 are also seeing commercial development, a
<br />trend which will accelerate in the near future.
<br />
<br />The eastern part of the plan area has much more neighborhood retail scattered throughout. Whi]e there
<br />are some concentrated areas of retail and services, like the intersection of Roberta and Old Charlotte
<br />Roads, most of the small businesses are evenly mixed within the older residential areas. Retail and
<br />services like these are almost all oriented to the immediate community rather than the larger area.
<br />
<br />Certainly the Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Subarea Three, must be considered one of the most
<br />unique commercial uses both county wide and regionally. Originally built in 1960, its original seating
<br />capacity has increased from 73,000 to 178,420. Two major races are held annually, one in the fall and one in
<br />the spring, each of which attracts well over 200,000 spectators during a week's worth of activities. In
<br />addition to race related businesses, there are a restaurant and an assortment of small retail shops.
<br />
<br />In addition to the speedway proper, the 2,000 acre site also has recently seen the expansion of a landfill
<br />operated by BFI. Currently, the landfill is handling 18 cubic tons of garbage daily. It also serves as a
<br />wildlife refuge. Area along the Rocky River is preserved and maintained in its natural state by a wildlife
<br />group. Longterm, the landfill was originally envisioned as filling in land for ultimate future parking.
<br />
<br />INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING
<br />
<br />Western Area industrial and manufacturing land uses are scattered throughout the area, but do share
<br />common influences affecting their location. These land uses are for the most part located within a short
<br />distance from the area's major roads: 1-85, U.S. 29 N.C. 49 and U.S. 601. They are also, except in the case of
<br />some of the smaller businesses, located in areas where water and sewer service is available. Because this is
<br />th~ part of the County,, outside of Concord and Kannapolis, with the most available services, it is no
<br />surprise that the Western Area is a major employment zone. Planned projects, available land, and
<br />expansion of existing businesses should lead to a strengthening of this position.
<br />
<br />The largest employer in the County, Philip Morris, lies within the Western Area and they have begun a
<br />major expansion within the last year. Located on approximately 2000 acres off U.S. 29, Philip Morris
<br />symbolizes how well industrial development can be adapted to the rural countryside. The expansion of this
<br />facility, the largest expansion of its type in North Carolina history, has been slowed to adjust to changes in
<br />international sales, but nevertheless is expected to be completed in 1995.
<br />
<br />Newer industrial sites include the International Business Park, a 515 acre development off Interstate 85 and
<br />the developing King's Grant project. International Business Park was begun in 1983 as a public/private
<br />partnership between the City of Concord and the owner, the Nolim Group. It is currently home to two
<br />businesses and has 450 acres remaining for development. The long discuased King's Grant proiect has also
<br />recently begun development along. Ti,ec~ in with both over ground transportation through its connection to I-
<br />WESTERN AREA PLAN DRAFT 4 ' PAGE4
<br />
<br />
<br />
|