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INSIDE ▼ Property taxes and road funding concern lawmakers
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PAGE 2A Friday, March 27, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 12
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Parking lot to pave way for a Huntington Bank by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte City Council approved a site plan amendment March 23 that will allow parking in the northwest portion of the Ballantyne Quad to be redeveloped into a Huntington Bank location.
The change increases the allowable square footage at the 3.67-acre site from 30,500 square feet to 35,100 square feet. “We believe it keeps the intent of that conditional plan intact and provides for greater efficiency and use of the site,” city planner Holly Kramer told the council during the February public hearing.
No one spoke in opposition to the request during the public hearing. There was no discussion March 23 when the council approved the request. Eddie Moore, an executive with McAdams, represented the applicant, Huntington Bank, and site owner York Development Group during the public hearing. Moore said half of the parking at the corner of Huffines Lane and Ballantyne Commons Parkway will remain but the intent is to develop a walk-up bank. Huntington Bank already has branches in South End (124 E. Kingston Ave.) and SouthPark (6700 Fairview Road). The bank’s immediate neighbors within the Ballantyne Quad will include several
food and drink spots, such as Sabor Latin Street Grill, On the Roxx, Sunflower Baking Company, Nawabi Hyderabad House, Bibm Korean and Tony’s Pizza. Ed Driggs, who represents the area on the Charlotte City Council, asked if converting the lot to a bank would create a situation where there is not enough parking for neighboring businesses. “No, sir,” Moore replied. “The ownership group, they are fine. They understand they will be losing parking. We did take a pretty hard look. We're not under any parking minimums that are required as part of the old legacy zoning ordinance, and they do not feel it's going to create any issues, since there's not a drive-up component to this facility.”
Eddie Moore, an executive with McAdams, shared this image with Charlotte City Council in February of how a Huntington Bank location will look within the Ballantyne Quad.
Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte
Business award highlights DeBoer’s impact on community
CMS legends joining NCHSAA Hall of Fame CHAPEL HILL – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools legends Zoe Bell and Vicki Hamilton will be inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Surrounded by colleagues and loved ones, Tammy DeBoer was honored for her transformative influence as a community-centered leader and the strategic vision required to lead a $10 billion regional enterprise. Photo courtesy of Queens University Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – When asked 15 years ago what her dream job would be, Tammy DeBoer’s answer was instant: “I want to lead Harris Teeter.” Today, she is doing exactly that.
Her journey is a reminder of the heights a leader can reach when their path is paved with clear intention. “Intentionality isn't wishful thinking,” DeBoer said. “It is the discipline of knowing your destination so clearly that your daily choices begin to align with it.”
DeBoer highlighted the experiences that shaped her professional journey during a luncheon March 13 to honor her winning the 2025 Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year. From candy striper to the C-suite, DeBoer’s journey is defined by a willingness to learn and grow at every level. She spoke candidly about her start as a Food Lion cashier, her work on a furniture factory assembly line, and the challenges of her early days as a buyer. That role, in particular, forced her to find her voice. She stepped outside
her comfort zone to negotiate with the "aggressive" edge needed to succeed in the competitive grocery industry. DeBoer concluded her remarks with a challenge to the audience, urging them to lead with the same intentionality that defined her own career. "I encourage you to define your journey, your way," she said. "Declare it boldly, say it out loud. Believe it is possible and then go make it so." Story continues, see BUSINESS page 3A
Citi celebrates grand opening of Charlotte office CHARLOTTE – Gov. Josh Stein was among state and community leaders attending Citi’s grand opening celebration March 16 of its new office at 11225 North Community House Road.
The global financial services company is investing $16.1 million in the expansion and will add 510 new jobs to its existing 400 employees in the Charlotte area. “Charlotte is the country’s second-largest financial center, and North Carolina’s strong banking industry helps power growth across our economy,” Stein said. “Citi’s investment in the Queen City is an investment in our people and will strengthen Charlotte’s position as a hub for
financial innovation.” For years, Citi employees have operated from coworking facilities. Citi officials said the new office reflects a “modern, collaborative and secure approach to serving clients and supporting teams.” “Today marks a significant milestone as we put a stake in the ground in Charlotte with the opening of our state-of-the-art office,” said Edward Skyler, Citi’s head of enterprise services and public affairs. “This expansion deepens our commitment to Charlotte with its vibrant financial landscape, exceptional talent and business-friendly environment.” Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley touted North
Carolina’s workforce, which employs 232,000 people across the fintech and banking industries. Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt pointed to the state’s higher education partners. “Whether it’s our universities or our community colleges’ workforce programs across the state, we know that investing in people is the best way to stay competitive and keep attracting companies like Citi,” Hunt said. The project is partially facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant awarded to Citigroup Technology Inc. State officials said the project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $2.7 billion over the course of the grant’s 10-year term.
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This year’s class includes eight people who made significant contributions to high school athletics through leadership, service and achievement. Bell made her mark coaching volleyball at Providence and Ardrey Kell high schools. She compiled an overall record of 853-229, winning five state championships and 16 conference titles while also coaching softball at Providence. Bell is the founder and president of the North Carolina Volleyball Coaches Association and was named the 2018 American Volleyball Coaches Association National Coach of the Year. Hamilton served as the first female director of athletics for CMS from 1994 to 2011, where she championed expanded opportunities for student-athletes and strengthened Title IX compliance. Hamilton also implemented policies requiring student-athletes to maintain strong academic performance while promoting fair opportunities for women in coaching and administration. Others in the 2026 class include Michael Baker (Fairmont), Patty Evers (Elizabethtown), Greg Frey (Woodstock, GA), Beecher “B.W.” Holt (Bristol, Tennessee), Leonardo “Leo” Lockhart (Kinston) and Bobby Reynolds (Cherryville). Honorees represent decades of service as coaches, administrators, officials and advocates for student-athletes. Their achievements include state championships, national coaching honors, pioneering leadership in school systems, and lifelong commitments to mentorship, sportsmanship and community service. The NCHSAA will host a private reception for the new inductees on April 21 at the NCHSAA office. The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted during a ceremony on Aug. 15 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro.