Engineering drawing for the proposed Exit 27 in Cornelius. (SOURCE: Cornelius Bromont)

I-77 widening and other proposed road projects around the half-billion-dollar Augustalee mixed-use development in Cornelius passed an important hurdle Wednesday when the Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO) voted to add them to regional transportation plans. Read the full story

The proposed widening of I-77 and other road improvements associated with the half-billion-dollar Augustalee mixed-use project in Cornelius won approval from a key committee Thursday and moved on to a final vote April 29 at the regional planning group MUMPO.
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Citizens examine maps at Cornelius Town Hall Wednesday showing proposed roadwork around the planned Augustalee project. (David Boraks photo)

Developers of the $515-million Augustalee mixed-use project in Cornelius face a key vote on April 29 when the regional planning organization decides whether to move forward with about $90 million in roadwork required as part of the development. If approved, developers Cornelius Bromont LLC say they’ll remain on track to open the first retail stores and luxury condos in 2012.

The work would include I-77 widening, construction of a new Exit 27 at Westmoreland Road, and other local transportation improvements. As a condition of approval by the Cornelius Town Board last year, developer Cornelius Bromont agreed to pay up front for the work, and be reimbursed later, mainly through tax revenues the development generates. Read the full story

Death Cab for Cutie, Thursday at the college.

Public schools are off for spring break, which may lighten traffic on the roads this week. Around town, there’s plenty going on. A public meeting is scheduled Wednesday at Cornelius Town Hall with information about I-77 widening and other road projects proposed as part of the massive Augustalee mixed-use development, at Westmoreland Road and I-77. Also Wednesday, 1st Lt. Kevin Bell, a Davidson grad just back from Afghanistan, speaks at the college about his experiences. On Thursday, rockers Death Cab for Cutie headline at Davidson College’s Spring Concert. Lake Norman Art League hosts an art critique and social tonight. And the Lake Norman Teen Council and Ben & Jerry’s invite teens to play electronic games tonight on the wall outside the ice cream parlor.

In sports, the Davidson men’s soccer team hosts Charlotte Eagles Tuesday night, while the baseball team plays Gardner-Webb Wednesday and a trio of games against The Citadel next weekend. The college tennis teams also are in action this week.

Those events and more in The Guide, http://davidsonnews.net/guide/

Rendering shows how the newly renamed Augustalee development would look. (SOURCE: Cornelius Bromont)

The $516 million Village at Lake Norman mixed-use development proposed off U.S. 21 in Cornelius is still awaiting government action on promised road improvements. But developer Cornelius Bromont LLC is moving ahead with plans for a 2012 opening of the first retail stores. And on Wednesday, the developer announced a new name for the project: “Augustalee.” Read the full story

Toast Café will open its Davidson location at 101 N. Main St. Thursday, initially serving breakfast and lunch. “Come hungry,” owner Brian Burchill told DavidsonNews.net.

Also in this report: an update on the Sheraton and other Exit 30 projects, Davidson firm upgrades ‘Ace & TJ’ website, and the developer of the Village at Lake Norman project in Cornelius has bought the land for the development.
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The Cornelius town board on Wednesday approved a rezoning for the $516 million Village at Lake Norman development, in a 3-2 vote. The developers’ pledge to help with at least $80 million in roadwork – including widening I-77, adding a highway exit and improving other roads – appeared to sway the majority in favor of the project. But the project still faces an uphill battle as the developers seek approval for their roadwork and financing plans at the local, county, state and federal levels.
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