Charlotte business news roundup: Wegmans, I-77 tolls and more. What to know
Charlotte’s business landscape saw major developments last week, from a long-awaited grocery store opening date to the surprise collapse of a $3.2 billion toll lane project. Several historic properties also moved closer to redevelopment as legal battles unfolded across multiple industries.
Here are key takeaways:
- Wegmans Food Markets will open its first Charlotte store at 9 a.m. Oct. 14 at 11550 N. Community House Road in Ballantyne, with the 110,000-square-foot store more than double the size of competing Harris Teeter and Publix locations.
- The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization revoked support for the I-77 South toll lane project, costing the region $700 million in transportation funding after seven months of community opposition.
- Charlotte City Council approved a rezoning request Monday to redevelop the historic Manor Theatre in Eastover into 120 to 130 residential units and about 35,000 square feet of retail space.
- Developer Shawn Kennedy filed a rezoning petition for a $7.8 million plan to demolish the 1932 Excelsior Club and build a near-replica nightclub, though the Charlotte Museum of History opposes the demolition and favors a $20 million to $25 million rehabilitation.
- Capital One submitted sketch plans Tuesday for a Capital One Cafe at 1520 S. Tryon St. in South End, combining banking services with a full-service coffee bar and workspace reservations.
- A federal judge finalized a $110 million settlement with Wells Fargo over allegations the bank locked out people of color from homeownership loans, with the Charlotte region eligible for both grants and closing cost assistance.
- Scout Motors is facing lawsuits in five states over its direct-to-consumer sales model. It’s also moving forward with a $207 million Charlotte headquarters expected to create 1,200 jobs.
- Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Co. agreed to pay $36,000 to settle a federal lawsuit alleging it refused to permanently hire Denise Robinson because she has multiple sclerosis, and must revise its disability policies and train warehouse leaders annually on ADA requirements.
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