CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Operators of a beloved nonprofit group in Steele Creek say they’re being pushed out of their current location, after a city rezoning.
Snowflake Village has operated on South Tryon Street near Steele Creek Road for more than a decade. Visiting the lot is a holiday tradition for thousands of families, but this year could be their last time coming to this spot.
“We went from something very small that was kind of put-together particle boards to what we are now, and people watched us evolve,” said Angela Wyant, co-founder of Snowflake Village.
What started as a typical Christmas tree lot has turned into a holiday experience over the last 15 years.
“We’ve watched many kids in the community grow up to become adults and bring their children,” said Wyant. “My own children and my grandkids have grown up here.”
That family feel is what’s kept people coming back, she says, and the fact that part of each purchase is donated to various organizations across the state.
“We’ve bought Christmas trees here many times and it’s always vibrant and full of energy,” said Melanie Lail, a longtime customer.
Lail works with Umar, one of Snowflake Village’s nonprofit partners. She and the Wyant family got the news less than a week ago that the tree lot will have to find a new home.
“We really, really just hope so much that a new home nearby can be found because this would be a sorely missed presence in Steele Creek,” said Lail.
In the next few years, crews will build a convenience store on the 2.7-acre lot. It’s part of a larger building boom in the Steele Creek area, which neighbors gathered to talk about Thursday night.
“We are in the heart of where we grew up,” said Victoria Bragg, Wyant’s daughter. “This is where I grew up. This is where my family is all from and this is a community that we love. To know that we have to move is kind of really hard because we have been here for the whole 15 years.”
The Wyant family will have at least one more holiday season at the location off South Tryon Street. After that, they’re not sure what’s next.
“I don’t want people to lose what we created here,” said Wyant. “I think that’s the biggest thing is just letting it go.”
Snowflake Village founders are actively looking for land to rent or buy in and around the Steele Creek area. They hope to have a better idea of where they’ll end up by the fall.
The post Beloved Christmas tree lot Snowflake Village looking for new location first appeared on Enegxi News – News As It’s Happening.
