City considers grant to help Wal-Mart

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A proposal to demolish a nearly vacant shopping center and clear the way for a Wal-Mart store prompted questions Monday on the use of tax dollars to help the world’s largest retailer.

The 155,000 square-foot store would be built on the site of the Amity Gardens shopping center, a strip mall with only one business still operating, on E. Independence Boulevard, near Albemarle Road.

Charlotte’s city council Monday received an overview of the project, which has been in the works for more than three years.

Councilman Michael Barnes expressed concern over a proposed $500,000 economic development grant from the city to the project’s developer, Charlotte-based Faison Enterprises.

"I have a good deal of heartburn helping the world’s largest retailer build a store," Barnes said.

Backers of the redevelopment plan argue the projected $114,000 annual property tax payment from Wal-Mart would more than offset the city's cost of helping clear the site for the store.

The city grant would help pay for a new connector road between the property near Pierson Drive and an adjacent development that is likely slated for demolition, the largely vacant Coliseum Center shopping center.

One remaining tenant at Amity Gardens, Harbor Freight Tools, has an active lease and has been reluctant to leave, according to officials familiar with the redevelopment project.

Removing environmental damage from a former dry cleaning business could also be costly for the developer, officials have said.

Barnes said he doubted the lack of a city grant would stall the project, which is estimated to cost about $25 million.

City leaders are expected to vote on the grant in the next few weeks.