Residents of Concord contend with ambitious proposal for 1,900 residential units, sparking heated debates about growth restrictions
In the vibrant city of Concord, North Carolina, the future of a significant development project, Concord Farms, hangs in the balance. The city council's recent decision to deny the sewer allocation request for the project has effectively paused its progress [1].
The proposed development, spearheaded by homebuilder D.R. Horton, envisions a mixed-use community along George W. Liles Parkway and Weddington Road. The preliminary plan includes 730 single-family homes, 326 townhomes, 840 multifamily units, a 200-room hotel, and 306,000 square feet of commercial, office, and retail space [2].
However, the project's progress has been met with resistance from some residents. A change.org petition against the Concord Farms plans has already gathered over 1,500 signatures, expressing concerns about the project's impact on the character, green space, and sense of community in Concord [3].
Residents have raised concerns about increased traffic and the impact on nearby schools. Weddington Hills Elementary, minutes from the Concord Farms site, is currently at 110% capacity, according to city Councilwoman Lori Clay [4].
The city of Concord has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with an almost 7% increase in population between 2020 and last year, now boasting over 112,300 residents [5]. This growth has also attracted major investments, such as pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly's $2 billion investment and Hendrick Motorsports' planned $65 million to $70 million manufacturing building [6][7].
Despite the growth, the city is also in the middle of revitalizing its downtown corridor [8]. Meanwhile, some long-standing residents like Barbara Strang, who has lived in Concord for over 30 years, have moved elsewhere in Cabarrus County due to the city's exponential growth [9].
Connie Arstark, another Concord resident, has been vocal about her concerns. Arstark and Strang have expressed a desire for the project to be reconsidered, suggesting a more feasible plan should be developed [10]. D.R. Horton requested permission to tap into the sewer line for the Concord Farms project, which was denied by the Concord City Council in June 2025 [1].
The next steps in the development process involve Horton presenting a new or revised sewer allocation request to the city council in September. The council's decision on this request will determine whether the project can proceed or remain paused [1].
In a positive development, Cadillac F1 plans to set up a new Formula 1 team facility in Concord, investing between $75 million to $85 million and creating up to 350 jobs [11]. This new venture, along with the future decision on the Concord Farms project, promises to shape the city's landscape further in the coming months.
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