Novant Urget Care Approved; ER Denied

Aerial map of Westmoreland property

By Dave Vieser — Novant Health received “half a loaf” at the April 20 Cornelius Town Board meeting: its request for rezoning to permit construction of an urgent care center on Westmoreland Road was approved, but a separate request to rezone property on Holiday Lane for a freestanding emergency department was denied.

There had been little opposition to the Westmoreland Road proposal, which received unanimous approval. Novant expects construction to begin later this year, with a 2027 projected opening. In response to a question from Commissioner Colin Furcht, Novant officials said the denial of the ER rezoning would not impede or delay the Westmoreland Road project.

As for the ER proposal, Assistant Town Planning Director David Cole said, “The town’s land use plan adopted in 2023 designated this property as part of the Waterfront Mixed Use land use category, which recommends a variety of water-oriented, nonresidential uses including restaurants, hotels and general office buildings. Single-family residential uses could also be considered. However, our planning staff finds the proposed emergency department to be inconsistent with the adopted land use plan.”

The commissioners voted 4-1 to deny the request, primarily due to site location. A majority of commissioners expressed interest in an ER facility if another site was available.

“I love the project and I want to see it in the community, the only problem is that this real estate wasn’t the right piece of property,” said commissioner Robert Carney.

In other action, the board:

• 

  Hough champs Michael Santoro (left) and Tyton Koskoff

  Honored Tyler Beardsley for his 15 years of service with the town, primarily as public works director. Beardsley is leaving the town this month to assume a new role with the Town of Huntersville.

• Presented a special proclamation to the Hough High School football team, which won its first 8A state championship by defeating Millbrook High School 21-0 in December.
• Formally commended the Hough High School wrestling team, which captured the NCHSAA 8A team, as well as numerous individual, state championships. The team defeated Millbrook 45-20 in February.