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INSIDE ▼ City outlines affordable housing goals
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PAGE 2A Friday, April 17, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 15
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Leaders ready to act on data centers by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
CHARLOTTE – Planning Director Monica Holmes told the Charlotte City Council on April 13 that it may be three to six months before staff brings them recommendations for regulating data centers. Members of the council expressed concerns about the environmental impacts data
centers can have on a community, especially if they are located close to residential areas. The issue came up as the council was discussing community area plans. The council approved seven area plans in November and deferred the rest until March, giving staff time to collect more feedback from residents. The council not only adopted the remaining seven area plans April 13 but revised the ones already approved to
reflect the feedback. One of the changes addressed community concerns about data centers. The recommendation reads: “To ensure new development trends are compatible with existing neighborhoods, the city should establish guidance for new and emerging land uses, such as data centers, to ensure appropriate location and design.” Council Member Dimple Ajmera said a concern that constantly comes up at every
meeting is the need for infrastructure to keep up with growth. She identified data centers as a new pressure, especially near nature preserves and residential areas. “I’ve heard concerns around energy, water usage, quality of life, and these are some valid issues,” Ajmera said. “We need to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to these types of developments, because there is one coming in front of us pretty
soon.” Ajmera asked about the timeline in developing regulations outlined in the area plans, specifically around data centers. Holmes replied that staff has already been researching data centers. “We’ve attended several meetings with other cities – top 30 cities – to really understand what other cities are doing, how see DATA, Page 3A
City council revises small area plans
WHAT'S INSIDE
by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
Giving back Gala raises $3M for children's hospital, 2A
Paying homage 'Mommom' would love this restaurant, 1B
Let's cook Sweet solutions for grapefruit, 3B
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar’s coastal-inspired seafood concept has grown to 17 locations in the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Maryland and Illinois. Photos courtesy of Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Oyster bar makes debut CHARLOTTE – Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has opened its first Charlotte location at Promenade on Providence, adding a new coastal-inspired dining option to the shopping center’s mix of restaurants. The 2,718-square-foot restaurant is located in the former Queen City Craft & Gourmet space. Founded in North Carolina, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar is known for its casual, beach-inspired atmosphere and menu
centered around fresh seafood and East Coast oysters. The concept has built a strong following in coastal markets, including Wilmington, and is expanding into Charlotte to meet growing demand. “Shuckin’ Shack brings a unique, laidback coastal concept that complements the existing mix at Promenade on Providence,” said Kristian Komar, property manager at Childress Klein. “It’s a great addition for the see OYSTERS, Page 3A
Dawn and Kevin Powers said they’re excited to create a neighborhood spot where people can gather and enjoy a laid-back dining experience.
Salvins donate $1.5M to Queens University CHARLOTTE – Queens University of Charlotte recently announced a $1.5 million gift from philanthropists Bob and Susan Salvin. The investment establishes the Salvin Impact Fund for the Learning Society designed to deepen student engagement with global thought leaders and amplify the university’s visibility across the region. “Through their investment in this program, we will be able to elevate and expand key aspects of the Learning Society experience, especially the student lecture and outreach initiatives,” said Jesse Cureton, president of Queens University. “Bob and Susan’s generosity will help ensure that even more students have the opportunity to engage directly with leading thinkers and participate in
conversations in the classroom and beyond.” The Salvins describe the gift as a “magnet investment,” designed to attract corporate sponsorships and community support to compound the program’s impact over time. “I believe that we have a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of these students,” Bob said. “Susan and I wanted to make an investment that we could see in action, one that stimulates young minds and invites the Charlotte community to intersect with the university in meaningful ways.” They have championed a range of initiatives, from athletics to the arts. “The Salvins have believed in Queens at every turn, from our student-athletes to our
CHARLOTTE – Remember in November when the Charlotte City Council approved community small area plans for seven areas in the city? Since then, staff went out to the community to collect more feedback. The council revised those previously approved drafts April 13 to reflect that feedback. This includes areas within South Charlotte, such as the South Middle, South Outer and East Middle & Outer. Each plan includes recommendations to create a “complete community.” Here are some similar recommendations that have been added to all 14 of the community area plans: • To ensure future residential infill development is compatible with the character of existing neighborhoods, the city should adopt regulations that limit the maximum height of new homes to the average height of homes on the block (when permitted by state law). • To respect the character of existing neighborhoods, the city should limit future development of triplex buildings to properties located along major thoroughfares (when permitted by state law). • To encourage the development of new homes that are compatible with the character of existing neighborhoods, the city should establish an expedited permitting process for residential infill that meets guidelines for compatible development. • To protect the character of existing neighborhoods, the city should create a voluntary program that allows property owners to place additional development restrictions on their own properties, such as limits on building height. • To ensure new development trends are compatible with existing neighborhoods, the city should establish guidance for new and emerging land uses, such as data centers, to ensure appropriate location and design.
Bob and Susan Salvin have been longtime supporters of Queens University of Charlotte. Tricia Coyne Photography via Queens University of Charlotte
entrepreneurs, and now to the intellectual life of our campus and community,” said Lori Ann Summers, vice president of advancement. “This gift is a statement about what Queens is becoming. When our students take the stage alongside the
most compelling voices of our time, they are not just witnessing greatness. They are part of the conversation. That is what a Queens education looks like, and the Salvins are making it possible at every level.”
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This map shows the boundaries of area plans. Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte