Mecklenburg commissioners review new Brooklyn Village redevelopment plan

Mecklenburg County commissioners discussed a new redevelopment proposal for Brooklyn Village in uptown Charlotte, a project that has faced delays since its initial developer was selected in 2016, WFAE reported.

The county initially chose Florida-based Peebles Corporation to redevelop the historic Black neighborhood in Second Ward, but Peebles never constructed any apartments and recently sold a parcel to Charlotte-based developer First and Early, according to WFAE.

First and Early's plan maintains the total square footage of 630,000 but reduces office space and apartment units, and includes a 150-room hotel. Construction would begin three years after county approval, WFAE reported.

Some commissioners expressed support for moving forward, while others raised concerns. Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell requested more affordable housing units, and Commissioner Arthur Griffin criticized the plan for not adequately honoring Brooklyn's legacy.

Meanwhile, Mecklenburg County has filed a lawsuit against Peebles Corporation regarding other parcels in the Brooklyn Village project, WFAE noted.