Rendering of Cashmere proposal
Aug. 5. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Town Board has approved the Cashmere development on Jetton Road Extension. The 4-1 vote at last night’s meeting clears the way for a six-story condominium and mixed-use building at the northwest corner of Jetton Road Extension and Bethel Church Road.
The Zaika Group of Cornelius, made up of Adam and Iryna Jones, purchased the site in 2017 for $145,000 and sought approval for the project.
“Our vision for this project aligns with the Town of Cornelius’ planning objectives by creating a pedestrian-friendly, architecturally refined, and economically vibrant development that enhances the surrounding area,” said Adam Jones.
The property is currently vacant except for a seldom-used parking lot.
“I’m very excited about this project,” said Commissioner Susan Johnson, who voted in favor. “I work nearby and travel that road often. Anything would be better than what it is currently.”
Residents follow Cashmere vote
The rezoned site is near another mixed-use development, the Cornelius Mixed-Use Building, which received rezoning approval in 2022 after its proposed height was reduced from six to four stories. No construction has begun on that project.
The town’s Planning Board had recommended against the six-story height, saying it conflicted with the land-use plan adopted in 2023. The board recommended capping the height at three stories.
The lone “no” vote came from Commissioner Michael Osborne, who led development of the new land-use plan.
“This town needs a strategy for growth that follows our land-use plan,” he said. “In recommending denial, the Planning Board got it right.”
This marks the second time this year the town board has gone against a Planning Board recommendation. In June, the board rejected a zoning change that would have permitted a business park on Bailey Road—despite the Planning Board’s support.
Of course they did. Time for another new board that doesn’t care about the people that voted for them. I hope the commissioners get stuck in traffic forever.
Posted by Cj | August 5, 2025, 10:40 amANOTHER YES vote for high density high traffic housing following a NO vote for business development.
Posted by LS | August 5, 2025, 10:53 amWhat alternative for this land could you think of? I am not saying we should not follow our land use plans that are made…but if a good plan is brought to the board that fixes a problem, why are we so anti? Why can’t we find compromise?
Posted by Akiba Green | August 5, 2025, 10:54 amWhy have a land-use plan if you dont follow it for the second time?!?Ridiculous.
Posted by Dale G. | August 5, 2025, 10:47 amAgreed. Why is the town soliciting feedback on a new master plan if our council isn’t following the current plan? If the agreed upon plan is 4 stories and the town forced another developer in 2022 to go from 6 stories to 4 stories, why are we allowing this developer to build 6 stories?
Posted by JT | August 5, 2025, 12:00 pmIt’s time to vote out these commissioners that voted yes against the recommendations of the Planning Board. This is ridiculous that we have a plan and a planning board and the council ignores it.
Posted by Kevin Kelly | August 5, 2025, 10:56 amIf the Cornelius Mixed-Use Building was rezoned from a four story to a six story structure, then why was this this plan approved?
Probably because that was the last Town Board that rezoned it and were dismissed for their blatant disregard of the consequences of free for all developement.
Posted by JES | August 5, 2025, 11:13 amThe genie is now out of the bottle. Why not eight stories next time? Weak leadership.
Posted by Scott Jeffords | August 5, 2025, 12:11 pmFrom Catawba Rd, Bethel Church Road is a narrow road with those stupid bump outs that prevent a right turn lane at the intersection with Jetton extended; and traffic from Jetton can hardly maneuver a left turn onto Bethel. Do the members of the board actually drive Catawba Ave, or any of the roads here in Cornelius?
Posted by Nancy Brand | August 5, 2025, 1:01 pmlol not shocked this entire race city area is a damn joke. Just keep cramming apartments and condos all over Mooresville Cornelius and huntersville. Make sure you get that tax money!!! Bunch good ole boys and gals collecting kick backs from the developers. Rules for thee not me.
Posted by ScummyCouncil | August 5, 2025, 1:42 pmThe Board responded to a compelling business argument and majority community support for the approval of this project. Hopefully, Cashmere will be the catalyst to develop an attractive and vibrant Cornelius Village Center down the Jetton Road corridor with businesses, shops and restaurants where there are currently only abandoned paved lots. This was the right decision. Thank you Cornelius Town Commissioners.
Posted by David Judge | August 5, 2025, 6:16 pmI thought the Master Plan we have been reviewing was for a village center. It’s a shame the master plan destroys part of what is a portion of affordable
Housing. We could have placed the village center at this location.
Posted by MBE | August 5, 2025, 7:39 pm