The city's Economic Development Committee has displayed a united front in the decision to channel an additional $11.3 million into the Eastland Yards project. The committee's unanimous vote, which took place on Tuesday, paves the way for full City Council deliberation and a potential green light for the increased funding next Monday. This raise comes atop last year's commitment of $30 million, signaling a robust investment in revitalizing the defunct Eastland Mall site.
According to The Charlotte Observer, due caution had been exercised by the city staff, who forewarned of probable cost inflations for the redevelopment project as early as October. Despite the foresight, the additional financial requirements come at a time when the city is also entangled in advancing the much-anticipated Red Line commuter rail and contemplates a sales tax increase.
The new development blueprint has been drafted following a wrench thrown in the works by Tepper Sports and Entertainment's withdrawal from their committed youth academy and soccer fields in July 2022. The site, sprawling across 29 acres, is currently undergoing a transformation, with parts of it under construction. The emergent plan is now being spearheaded by EDGE Sports Global, Charlotte Soccer Academy, and Southern Entertainment. It envisions a mix of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, eateries, a fieldhouse, a fitness center, and a much-needed community learning center.
As outlined by WBTV, the Eastland Yards project's scope extends to basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts within an indoor complex, and provisions for outdoor soccer fields, parking, and restaurants. Although Charlette FC had initially eyed the location for its headquarters, those plans dissolved in 2022, leaving the grounds ripe for an alternative vision.
If the full council approves the funding increase, it will confirm the city's strong investment in the Eastland Yards project. Residents are eagerly waiting for Monday's vote to see the abandoned mall site transformed for community and sports use.
