What’s Happening to the Locally Owned Businesses in South End?
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Price’s Chicken Coop has been a staple in South End since 1962.
“Charlotte’s not one to dwell on their history, they are good at tearing it down,” says Price’s Chicken Coop owner Steve Price.
Price says all of his original neighbors are gone.Β That decades old businesses couldn’t afford to keep up with the increasing rent.
“That’s the biggest reason we are here because we own the property,” says Price.
As the area continues to grow, adding new shops and office spaces, Price says their taxes have doubled in the last decade.
Something property owners passed on to renters, making it easier for national brands to move into the area.
“The corporate businesses backed by corporation, they can afford to pay those cost, small business people have a hard time,” says Price.
Leah Vissers works inside the Common Market on Camden Road, where several businesses are relocating or closing,Β as new office and retail
space is moving in.
“IΒ have not heard a single person say yea that’s good,Β I ‘m glad they’re tearing down, get rid of these artsy people, and all that!
Everybody is bummed out,” says Vissers.
Chis Hemans of Charlotte Center City Partners said “You’re seeing some national interest but that’s really driving that growth.Β We would
like to see in South End and also Uptown.”
Hemans says it’s all about balance.
“You’ll still maintain some of the retailers there, IΒ mean change is going to happen but it’s for the better of South End,” says Hemans.
