AG 1998 01 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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There is no doubt, however, that area roads will need to be improved to handle both existing and estimated traffic volumes. The Poplar Tent Road interchange at 1-85, Poplar Tent Road and Derita Road are all currently on the MPO list for needed improvement and expansion of capacity. Whether these parcels are developed ~esidentially or for non-residential uses that need will only increase. There are two planned and scheduled improvements that will affect this area positively. The first is the re-construction of Kings Grant Boulevard to the north of its current location. That will provide more direct access from 1-85 and U.S. 29 to the airport and to this area. The second is the continued construction if 1-485 which is more long term, but will also give the western part of the County greater accessibility and provide access to the larger Charlotte metro area. The other transportation aspect to consider is the Concord Regional Airport. It is typical to look for rail access in identifying industrial and business park areas. In this case rail is not available, but the airport should be considered both as an asset to non-residential development and a detriment to possible residential use. The Concord Regional Airport opened in 1994. In its first year of operation there were 60 aircrafts based at the airport and 16000 flights. There are currently 130 aircrafts and last year there were 50000 flights. The airport continues to increase its operations and will be an impetus and asset to industrial and business development in the area and County. A summary of airport activity is attached. As the operations increase, the airport will also have a detrimental effect on residential development. This issue will be discussed further in examining the recommendations of the Western Area Plan, but it obviously has an effect on possible development of the properties under their existing zoning. This area is covered by the Western Area Plan. The plan was adopted as long range land use guide in 1992 by both the Board of Commissioners and Concord Alde,~en (now City Council) because of mixed jurisdiction. The plan indicated the best use of the affected properties as medium density residential (1-4 units/acre), with the exception of the southern part of the rezoning proposal which was indicated as best suited for non-residential use. The recommendation was based on existing conditions and assumptions, many of which have changed. When the area plan was completed in 1992 the airport and Kings Grant were planned but the airport not completed and the plans for Kings Grant included a mix of uses with a predominance of industrial areas. Since that t/me the airport and the major, roads of Kings Grant have been completed and the planned use of the area around the interchange has changed to commercial and service. Additionally, the amount of existing and planned non-residential use around the airport has increased.