By Susan Shinn

For The Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS — After a discussion stretching nearly two hours, the Kannapolis City Council voted 6-1 Monday evening to rezone 4 acres of property between Dale Earnhardt Boulevard and Forrestbrook Drive, with the potential for a new grocery store in the neighborhood.

However, many residents of this quiet area opposed the move.

Charles S. “Steve” Smith owns the property but was not present. Jim Gamble of Bohler Engineering in Charlotte, which applied for the rezoning, said repeatedly that a grocery store was the highest and best use of the property. He said people on both sides of the issue were passionate about how the matter should be pursued.

He was right.

Zac Gordon, the city’s planning director, said the request was consistent with the approval of zoning criteria of the city’s Unified Development Ordinance.

“We’ve gone to great lengths to work with this neighborhood group,” Gamble said, citing screening and buffering plans that would be put in place — some before construction would even begin.

Gamble said that Lidl, a German grocery store, was looking at numerous sites to expand into seven Eastern states, one of which is North Carolina. The company has 10,000 stores in 26 countries. Most are smaller, European-style markets. The proposed supermarket would be 34,000 square feet.

“We want to be great neighbors,” Gamble said. “We’ve done everything we can to address the concerns of these neighbors.”

Homeowners in the neighborhood voiced their concerns.

Gary Sharpe said he was concerned about the watershed and the drainage system that would be put in place.

“We have been watching things grow up around us,” Deb Ruane said. “You’re asking us to welcome a business neighbor that we don’t know, and they don’t know us. How can you mitigate against a 50-foot tall structure? What tree will grow that fast?”

Tim Ruane gave a history of the property dating from 1995. He said that a 10,000-square-foot boutique grocery store — which was discussed at one point — does not compare to a 36,000-square foot supermarket. He asked council to deny the request.

Jeff Johnson’s property abuts the 4 acres.

“The owner has stabbed us in the back the whole time,” he said. “Forrestbrook is a well-established neighborhood.”

He added, “We are here as a community to oppose this, and I hope you keep this under consideration.”

Vickie Carpenter, another homeowner whose property abuts the proposed site, sent an email to council members saying while her home would be impacted, she would be satisfied if a written guarantee for fencing, fence height, trees to be planted and trees to remain was provided.

Councilman Roger Haas said the store could bring 75 to 100 jobs to the city.

“I like the fact that the neighborhood is sticking together,” he said, “but to me, it’s appropriate for what we’re trying to do in Kannapolis. We need an impetus to kick off development in that area.”

Councilwoman Dianne Berry dissented.

Freelance writer Susan Shinn lives in Salisbury.