April 2. By Dave Vieser. A proposed six-fold increase in the number of homes permitted per acre in the town’s rural preservation area will be voted on by the Town Board Monday April 5.

The higher density has been recommended by the Town’s Planning Board with only one member opposed.

“The Commissioners and the Planning Board met jointly and the consensus was to consider an amendment changing the Low Density Rural area to Low Density Single Family,” said Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron.

Specifically, this area on Mayes Road would change from consideration of development at a maximum of one house per three acres to two houses per acre.

Wayne Herron

‘Conservation subdivision methodology’

Herron noted that all proposals would still need to utilize the conservation subdivision methodology in order to maintain rural character in the Mayes Road area.

Also on the agenda is a change in the Town Center section of Cornelius which would permit the consideration of proposals up to six stories in height.

5 pm meeting time

Monday’s meeting will begin at 5 pm and will be broadcast live via the Town’s Facebook page and website.

Public comments may be made in three manners:

—Via Zoom – Zoom participants should be registered no later than noon the day of the Town Board meeting

—Via email to TownofCornelius@Cornelius.org

—In-person, with several precautions, including mandatory masks (even when speaking) and touchless temperature checks. No audience seating will be available in the Assembly Room. Speakers and guests may wait in the lobby or Community Room, with appropriate physical distancing