CHARLOTTE – For over five years, people have come to the site of the old Eastland Mall to buy just about anything at the outdoor market. But the land in East Charlotte is being redeveloped and the market will have to close soon.

[‘It’s a long time coming’: City of Charlotte files plans for old Eastland Mall site]

A spokesperson for the City of Charlotte said the current lease will end on August 31. It might be possible to extend beyond this date if the city is not yet ready to prepare the site for development. The extension would likely be limited to 30 days.

“For the past five plus years, the city has worked with the outdoor market to be able to maximize the use of vacant property while supporting small businesses in our community,” a spokesperson for the community said. city. “Throughout this period, the city signed and renewed one-year leases with the market manager to continue allowing them to use the property while it remained vacant. Now that construction will begin soon on the property, the market will have to move to a new location – a fact about which we have been very transparent with the market operator. We have enjoyed this partnership with the market and are happy that so many residents of East Charlotte were able to come together and support so many small businesses. “

The outdoor market manager told Channel 9 sister station Telemundo that the market may shift to Albemarle. He cited high land costs as a barrier to sustaining the market in Charlotte.

Saleswoman Alejandra Garcia arrives in Eastland every Saturday and Sunday at 5 a.m. to settle in. She has been doing this for over five years as her main source of income. She said the market helps thousands of East Charlotte residents gain access to food, vegetables and fresh produce. She hopes the city will help her find a new location for her.

“The flea market is a culture. It’s family time. That’s why everyone keeps doing it, ”she said. “You can find whatever you need.”

[Old Eastland Mall site will be home to city’s MLS headquarters, practice facility]

In 2020, Charlotte City Council approved a major project for Eastland that will include the headquarters of Charlotte FC’s Elite Academy, an Atrium healthcare facility, restaurants, housing and retail.

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