BY STACIE LETT CAIN
Members of the Mooresville Town Board of Commissioners expressed their appreciation this week for two commissioners who were defeated in the November election.
“Affordable housing is something that is more attainable here in Mooresville for many families because of you,” Commissioner Eddie Dingler said to outgoing Commissioner Tommy DeWeese during Monday’s meeting. “People are better off now because of your work and dedication.”
DeWeese also championed improvements for Willow Valley Park. The board voted on Monday to award a $3 million contract to Miles McCallen Construction for updated amenities and grounds for the McLelland Avenue neighborhood park. The work is scheduled to be completed by June 12, 2026.
During the approval process, Commissioner Will Aven recommended one change.
“I second the motion to approve but wish to add that we rename the park Eastern Heights Willow Valley Park to show our continued support for this area and to recognize Commissioner DeWeese’s tireless support of this area and this park.”
When asked what he thought about renaming the park, DeWeese simply said that he was hoping for that motion to pass.
“This is a very unique park,” DeWeese said. “And it is in an area that often times feels it doesn’t get a lot of love from the city.”
Commissioner Lisa Qualls, who also bid farewell to the board, said her more than 10 years on the board had been unexpected but fun. Explaining she never set planned to serve on the board, she thanked the other commissioners for their support and for the experience she gained.
Dingler also offered praise Qualls for her service.
“I hope that some day when people drive on a beautiful new Highway 150, people realize that you had your fingers in every bit of it,” he said. “You are to be thanked for so many of the road projects that we are lucky to have here in the Town of Mooresville.”
Commissioner Gary West also shared his thoughts on Qualls’ departure.
“We are going to miss you always asking the hard complicated questions that we forgot to ask,” he said. “It has been an honor to serve with you.”
Two developments approved
During DeWeese and Qualls’ last meeting, the board approved requests for rezoning and annexation related to two planned residentials.
The first, the Courtyards at Holthouser Farms, is a 73.22-acre development located at 1761 Mecklenburg Highway and 190 Eastport Lane in Mooresville. The 55-plus, age-restricted community will have 157 units built by EPCON Communities. The project includes 86 single-family homes and 72 townhomes.
During public meeting, residents expressed concerns about traffic issues. Another concern was the connection of the development to Eastport Lane, which was taken out of consideration at staff recommendation.
The developer explained that maintaining open and green spaces were a priority, as well as protecting as much nature as possible. Eight acres will be dedicated for the East/West Connector. The board approved the rezoning from Iredell County Residential Low Intensity (RLI) to Conditional Residential General (CRG), as well as the annexation.
The second development approved by the board, Brillian Grove, is located at 187, 163 and 179 McCrary Road on approximately 35.6 acres. The development will include 77 single-family detached homes. It was rezoned from Iredell County Residential Agricultural (RA) to Town of Mooresville Conditional Traditional Neighborhood (C-TN).
The developer, Mattamy Homes, is a familiar one in Mooresville. Residents spoke in support of and opposition to the project.
Improvements to the area will include widening McCrary Road to 11 feet as well as the addition of curb and gutter along the entire frontage of the development. Nineteen citizens were in attendance at the neighborhood meeting. Their primary concerns were related to stormwater run-off and traffic.
The planning staff supported the development, and the Planning Board recommended approval by an 8 to 1 vote. As a condition of approval, however, the developer had to agree that the residents would have no lake access from the development to Lake Norman for recreational purposes.
The seven-minute fire response time was a discussion and concern for some, including Robert Arena, a former first responder.
“I was a firefighter and policeman in New York City,” he explained. “Seven minutes is a long time to wait if you are waiting for emergency medical or police personnel. When is enough enough? There are apartments across the road and houses on Perth Road that aren’t even rented yet. I know we need development, but we also need common sense.”
Commissioners voted to approve the rezoning request and annex the property for development despite concerns.
James Coley, director of Planning and Community Development, brought up an additional concern.
“On this property there is a dilapidated shed-type building, there is a pile of leaves and yard debris and there was one goat seen on the property.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Qualls asked in clarification.
“A goat,” Coley repeated. “But I’m sure the goat will go back to whoever owns it.”
“James, I will give that to you. I have been doing this a lot of years and I have never had a goat,” Mayor Chris Carney said. “This is a first.”
Classic Christmas
The Classic Christmas in Mooresville will be held on December 12 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Downtown Mooresville. The Mooresville Police Department will host its Winter Weather Clothing Drive through December 14 at the Mooresville Police Department and the West Branch Library. Donations of new socks, hats, gloves and coats as well as other winter clothing items can be dropped off at either location.