Wednesday evening in the Coliseum Special Events center, representatives from UNCG met with Glenwood residents and citizens concerned about the university’s proposed expansion into the historic and eclectic neighborhood.
Mike Byers of UNCG Business Affairs led a power point presentation entitled, “Vision plan for University/ Glenwood Mixed-Use Village” that outlined the university’s ideas for the future of the neighborhood. He then opened the floor to questions from the public.
They want to annex the rectangular swatch of Glenwood bordered by Aycock, Haywood, Silver,
and Lee Streets to build multiple dorms with accompanying parking facilities, a new police station and shops on Lee Street, a new recreation center near the intersection of Lee and Glenwood, and a park alongside Haywood that would serve as a barrier — errr “transition” between the university’s new campus and what’s left of Glenwood. Initial construction could begin as early as next May.
Byers said that the total budget for such a project was unknown, though it's estimated at $500 million — a figure he says would primarily be covered through student housing fees; though the origin of the front-end payment for costs of displacement of current residents and construction was unclear.
Byers said the university already spoke with the 13 owner-occupiers in the affected area, and only one indicated that they would not sell and vacate, though a significant portion of the residents are renters.
Not all Glenwood residents oppose the plan.Some who live and own property just outside of the affected area look forward to the university’s presence, which could higher property values and increased police presence to the neighborhood. But renters voiced concern that higher property values would price them out of the neighborhood they call home.
And the issue of the new police station and increased law enforcement presence in the area was not viewed favorably by all, usually dependent on age.
When asked directly if the meeting was a charade, and UNCG had every intention of moving into Glenwood despite local concern and outrage, Byers said, “I could see us going somewhere else if we see an overwhelming response from the neighborhood.”
More than 150 people were present at the outset of the meeting though the crowd thinned out over the two-hour duration.
Byers continually emphasized that “this is the beginning,” and with this meeting the university was “asking” Glenwood residents for their input in regards to “the plan.” But with their layout plans and simulated photographs of the new Glenwood, it seems that the university began this process a long time ago. And with eminent domain at their backs, they don’t even need to ask.
