Developer withdraws controversial 2,000-home project on Concord farmland

CONCORD, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A developer is pulling the plug on a controversial plan to build almost 2,000 homes on farmland in Concord, but the project is not over yet, because the developer plans to resubmit it in the future.

What the developer of Concord Farms is planning has the owners of a business divided.

There’s just enough sizzle left to keep two business owners, Carmela and Francesco Ventura, going.

“Usually, we’re really good at coming together, compromising,” said Carmela.

He does the cooking, and she does the talking.

“That’s it. You gotta eat it,” said Carmela.

They have to make it — at work and at home.

“I’ve always said where I lack, my husband picks up,” said Carmela.

They’ve been married for 26 years and own Nonna’s Italian restaurant in Concord.

They agree on a lot, but not what’s set to go in for development.

“I’m against it, I’m not going to lie,” said Carmela.

Developer D.R. Horton wants to turn this 550-acre farmland on Weddington Road and George W. Liles Parkway into a massive development.

“For me, I think it’s a great idea, but for others, not,” said Francesco.

While it may be good for business, Carmela says almost 2,000 homes, a hotel, and retail are too much.

“Our schools are not equipped for it, our roadways are not equipped for it, it’s just so many things,” said Carmela.

After a public outcry against the development, including a petition with almost 2,000 signatures, D.R. Horton pulled its sewer application with a promise to resubmit it later.

“I’m on the outskirts of Charlotte for a reason, and I want to keep it that way,” said Carmela.

Carmela hopes the developer scales back and considers what the people want.

“That’s almost like bringing a big city feel to this small town,” said Carmela.

Kristin Bickman, Division President for D.R. Horton’s Charlotte North division, sent Queen City News the following statement:

D.R. Horton is committed to delivering high quality homes in each community we serve. We are currently in the very early and conceptual phases of a comprehensive rezoning process for our Concord Farms project and recognize the level of public interest in new development within the community. We’ll continue to work closely with local leaders and be responsive to questions regarding school capacity, transportation and potential infrastructure needs. For the time being, we have withdrawn our sewer application, with plans to resubmit a coordinated rezoning filing and sewer application on later date, to be determined. We look forward to our continued engagement with the community and sharing more information on these topics as we progress.