Morris returns unexpectedly to helm of Building Development Commission

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In an unexpected move, Jon Morris, who last week handed in his resignation as chairman of the Mecklenburg County Building Development Commission, ended up leading the commission’s meeting Tuesday.

Initially, when Morris said he was stepping down, Matt Lucarelli was announced as his interim replacement. But when it was discovered that the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce’s nomination of Lucarelli violated an ordinance that says BDC members must live in Mecklenburg County, the commission was in limbo.

Lucarelli lives in Fort Mill, S.C.

Last week, Rebecca Simcox, administrative assistant of the BDC, said that Elliot Mann, the BDC’s vice chairman, would serve as interim chairman until the chamber could provide a nominee and that person is approved. Mann would be leading meetings until then, she said. So it came as a surprise Tuesday when Morris showed up to lead the meeting, saying he would remain in that role until a chamber nominee is accepted.

“I was hoping it would be a very orderly transition,” Morris said. “But, unfortunately, the best-laid plans often go awry. So I will be here until they find that (chairman).”

On Wednesday, Natalie Dick, media relations director for the chamber, said her organization didn’t realize that Lucarelli lived in Fort Mill before recommending him. She said the chamber is working to find another nominee.

Dick said that she doesn’t know when the chamber might make the nomination. Simcox, though, said she believes that the new chairman will be in place by the BDC’s Oct. 16 meeting.

The BDC is made of 13 members, one of which is a Charlotte Chamber of Commerce appointee. The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners get to approve nominations for the BDC.

Morris is an industrial partner with Beacon Partners, a Charlotte-based commercial real estate developer. Lucarelli also works for Beacon, as a senior construction manager.

Payton Guion can be reached at [email protected].