Oct. 7. By Dave Vieser. The Hunter family, which owns vacant farmland just east of Highway 115 in Cornelius, has sought to sell the property for years, to no avail.

The first development proposal brought before the town board was withdrawn by the developer, while the second plan, which required rezoning, was rejected by commissioners. In both instances, a commerce center was envisioned for the site, but the proposals were met with strong citizen opposition.

At Monday night’s town board meeting, the third time proved to be the charm as commissioners unanimously voted for the Town of Cornelius to purchase the 36.18-acre parcel for $3.45 million.

The move was applauded by local residents and town officials in attendance.

“I’m excited and appreciative of these plans,” said Jack Higgins, who lives nearby in the Bailey Glen development.

“This proposal is a real win-win for the town, our residents, and the Hunter family,” said Mayor Woody Washam.

The next question is what the town will do with the land.

The area east of Highway 115 is identified in the 2024 Parks and Greenways Master Plan as a priority for land acquisition to help balance park access on the east side of Cornelius. The property could eventually be developed for active recreation, greenways and open space.

The land is currently designated as Business Campus in the town’s land use plan, a category intended primarily for uses such as corporate offices, light industrial and warehousing.

If the property is ultimately used for parkland, funds for the multi-million-dollar purchase could come from the previously approved $20 million parks bond, a portion of which is earmarked for land acquisition.

While those funds are not immediately available due to bond sale procedures, the town board recently agreed to front some costs — such as land purchases — if opportunities arise. Bond proceeds could not be used if the land were developed for commercial use.

Blue Heel Development project approved

The board also approved a rezoning request to allow the construction of 29 new single-family homes on primarily vacant land at 19311 Old Statesville Road.

Currently zoned neighborhood residential, the property will be developed by Matt Gallagher of Blue Heel Development. The land, owned by the Magee James Davis Trust of Winston-Salem, has an assessed value of $438,000 and is mostly vacant except for one private home.

Gallagher said the homes will be 2,500 to 3,000 square feet, include first-floor primary bedrooms, and sell for between $700,000 and $900,000. Blue Heel previously built 27 townhomes on vacant land off Washam Potts Road.