Leland businesses, residents raise concerns over Gateway District vision
LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — A long-term vision to create a new downtown in one of Leland’s oldest commercial areas is facing pushback from some of the businesses and residents already there.
The town has envisioned transforming the Gateway District along Village Road into a more walkable, modern downtown for more than a decade.
The idea dates back to Leland’s 2013 Gateway Infill Plan, which later helped guide the town’s 2045 Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
But Elizabeth Mena, owner of Cape Fear Home Furnishings and Consignments, worries the vision could eventually leave existing small businesses behind.
“Basically, if they come in here and take this down and go into apartments and do the Mayfair style, we won’t be able to be in business. Because we won’t be able to afford to have something this size,” Mena said.
Illustrations included in the 2013 plan show the potential for multistory, mixed-use development, with retail and office space below and residential units above.
The area was also rezoned under what is known as a “FlexCode.”
Concerns about the area’s future extend beyond business owners.
Pauline Robinson, who has lived in the area since 1987, worries additional development could change the small-town atmosphere she values.
“Definitely increase prices everywhere. Everything from home ownership, food, gas. I prefer it stay a small town,” Robinson said.
Those concerns have now reached Leland Town Hall.
Business owners, including Donna Ruggiero, spoke during public comment at the latest Leland Town Council meeting, arguing that people who already live and operate businesses in the district should have a greater voice in its future.
“I feel that the proposal for 2045 in the Village Road Gateway District is obsolete as it lacks input from the very people and businesses that it will affect,” Ruggiero said.
Ruggiero said relocating her business to another part of Leland would also be costly.
“I can’t afford the rents in the other areas… I’ve looked into that. It would cost me anywhere between six or seven thousand dollars a month. The rent in the Village Road area is much less and much more affordable for small business owners like myself,” she said.
Business owners are now working to form the Gateway District Alliance, which they hope will give businesses, residents and property owners a stronger voice in decisions about the area’s future.
Leland Town Council member Frank Pendleton said the town needs to do a better job supporting existing businesses as Leland grows. He plans to discuss the issue further with other council members and town staff.
