The White House Gardens business currently operates on the site

July 30. By Dave Vieser. Developer Jake Palillo is proposing a 252 unit multi-family complex along with retail and commercial on the White House Garden property adjacent to the Wher-Rena Boatland on West Catawba Avenue. The proposal went before the Cornelius Pre Development Committee this week.

There may be some rough water ahead.

“This may not work right now,” said Mayor Woody Washam. “But it sure could generate a healthy discussion among our planning board members and commissioners,” he added.

Washam: May cause ‘healthy discussion’

Palillo is betting on a growing demand for smaller homes, with fewer worries about upkeep and maintenance.

In addition to the 252 units, Palillio plans to set aside about 5,000 square feet for commercial use, including a pub-style restaurant.

The residential units would be contained in three separate multi-story structures set back from West Catawba and built so that they surround and open up into an interior courtyard in the middle of the complex. Two retail/commercial buildings would be closer to West Catawba.

Concerns arose from several other committee members besides Washam. “Connectivity with walkways and crossing West Catawba jump out to me as major issues” said Scott Higgins.

Town Manager Andrew Grant suggested that more commercial and less residential might be more appropriate.

Planning Director Aaron Tucker reminded the developer that the NCDOT may be a major stumbling block in light of their delay in starting several area traffic improvements, most notably the widening of West Catawba Avenue.

Currently the site is undeveloped except for the White House Gardens, an outlet for fountains, statues and planters, as well as a boat repair shop on Junker Drive, behind the White House Gardens.