Moving businesses to save them

Independence Boulevard will soon be widened even more, but some businesses have already suffered, so what will become of the rest of them?

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Independence Boulevard will soon be widened even more, but some businesses have already suffered, so what will become of the rest of them?

The city is trying to help business owners figure it out - and you might be surprised at some of their suggestions.

“It’s a difficult situation,” said James Moore, who lives near Independence.

Almost 80 businesses are about to be shoved aside.

“Some businesses are just too fragile to survive the move,” admitted Tom Warshauer, Charlotte’s economic development manager.

Independence Boulevard is getting widened for a second time, and 123 businesses have already taken a hit from the first time.

“Just hope something nice is gonna come in get rid of all these businesses that are closed, been closed,” said Moore.

The city's planners are trying to help.

Warshauer said, “We do know the impact will probably be severe, has been severe, on a number of businesses and we do want to look at a number of options they can choose.”

Their number one suggestion: rebuilding the businesses a few blocks away from Independence but not in strip mall fashion - more like South Parks’ Phillips Place.

“A town center -- where people can walk around.”

Greg Moran said, “Everything can look good on paper…”

He's just not sure how it will actually look in the neighborhoods near Independence.