Town Targets Summer Approval for Downtown Master Plan

By Dave Vieser – Town officials are targeting early summer 2026 for adoption of the downtown master plan, according to Planning Director Rox Burhans.

Before then, the town plans an extensive outreach effort to update residents on the proposal, which was first unveiled last year.

“We hope to have a final draft done by early April, which we can then post on the town website,” Burhans said at the March 16 Town Board meeting. “After that, we would seek to set up a community meeting in May to further explain the plan.”

If the timeline holds, adoption could follow in early summer.

“There are lots of steps that need to come together in order to meet this timetable, but we’ll do our best to make it happen,” Burhans said.

The previous town board had planned to vote on the plan at its Nov. 17, 2025, meeting but postponed the decision after hearing concerns.

Downtown residents raised a range of issues. Some cited concerns about proposed traffic pattern changes that could affect nearby homes and properties. Others opposed plans to extend Academy Street and the potential of eminent domain.

The plan was developed by the consulting firm Kimley-Horn. The process has included input from residents, local businesses and planning experts.

Outstanding Citizen Award

Mayor Denis Bilodeau established a quarterly Outstanding Citizen Award.

“Cornelius is very fortunate to have many citizens who volunteer their time and talent in an effort to improve our quality of life,” Bilodeau said. “Each quarter, it will be my honor to spotlight an individual who regularly goes above and beyond to support our community. Neighbors helping neighbors make Cornelius a special place to live.”

The first-quarter 2026 award was presented posthumously to Lin Snowa. His wife, Jeanne Snowa, accepted the award on his behalf. Snowa was a frequent attendee at Town Board meetings and was involved in numerous town and community events.

OTC social district

The board expanded the boundaries of the downtown social district to include additional portions of downtown Cornelius, including the Cain Center pottery studio, the Mills Market development, the Oak Street Mill complex and the live-work units on Catawba Avenue. Officials said the expansion will help accommodate current and future businesses seeking permits to serve in the district.

Affordable housing

Commissioners also officially designated the Town Board as the Cornelius Housing Authority. North Carolina law requires the town to designate a housing authority to support implementation of the Smithville Redevelopment Plan.

PARTF grant community meeting

The Town of Cornelius will host a required public meeting to receive citizen input regarding pursuit of a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant to defray costs of acquiring land north of Bailey Road. The meeting will take place on March 18 at Town Hall from 6-7 p.m. in room 204.