By Megan Braun

For the Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS — Despite opposition from neighbors, City Council voted Monday to approve a 136-acre development with nearly 300 homes and possible future commercial uses near Kannapolis Parkway and Rogers Lake Road.

The current plan consists of 166 detached homes and 111 attached homes. Two lots are also included which could be developed with commercial occupants. Bob Nixon, developer of the proposed project, said it will add about $600,000 to the city’s tax base.

The proposal drew a large number of residents to the council meeting, including those who live near the site and aren’t happy about the plan.

Betty Thomas, a Pine Creek resident and member of the homeowner’s association, spoke out against the development.

“Million dollar homes are located in surrounding areas, and the development is not in harmony with the surrounding developments,” she said. The proposed development is “too dense” and holds “too low of property value for the surrounding areas” she added.

Karen Hester, whose home borders the proposed development on two sides, said the plan will “drastically change the character of our neighborhood and decrease the value of homes.”

Home appraiser John Farris said, however, the demand for smaller homes is on the rise and that he has not found anything in his research that says the development will decrease the value of existing homes.

A resident of nearby Dogwood Boulevard, Jim Hodgins said he is “not opposed to development” but is “opposed to so many rooftops in one location.”

“We have to grow Kannapolis,” mayor pro-tem Tom Kincaid said.

The council also:

• Proclaimed May 4, 2016 as International Firefighter Appreciation Day;
• Proclaimed the week of May 11-16 as National Police Week;
• Proclaimed May 15, 2016 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day;
• Recognized the Kannapolis technological team for their service in the move to the new city hall;
• Recognized 911 communicators Candice Wilhelm, Hollie Morton, and Heather Clay with awards for outstanding service;
• Presented Travis Furr with the Kannapolis Police Chief’s Award for exceptional service in move of police operations to new headquarters;
• Approved and annexation agreement between City of Kannapolis and Town of Huntersville;
• Discussed the Downtown Demonstration Project;
• Discussed leasing of downtown properties and hiring a commercial broker to help fill vacant properties;
• Discussed two minimum housing violations.