Planning Department hosting forum for possible zoning changes

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department on Jan. 9 is hosting a forum to present recommendations for changes to the Pedestrian Overlay District on Morehead Street and throughout the Dilworth and Midtown communities.

The meeting will be held from 5-8 p.m. in the main hall of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St., and is an opportunity for property owners and residents to give feedback on the PED and the proposal to set a density cap on the district.

The purpose of the PED is to reestablish an urban fabric by promoting a mixture of uses in a pedestrian-oriented setting of moderate intensity, according to the city. The district encourages the reuse of existing buildings that contribute to the unique character or history of the area. The standards also encourage high-quality design, mixed-use development, the use of public transportation and development that complements adjacent neighborhoods.

The PED was first approved in 1999 and has been used in many areas of the city to promote walkable, mixed-use development, according to the city. In exchange for its higher-density by-right zoning, developers are required to meet enhanced building design standards and construct a pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

The city has been holding meetings since 2009 in order to gauge how well the PED has been working.