Updated 07/19/2012 09:27 PM
Transformation for former Eastland Mall gaining support from community
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CHARLOTTE—East Charlotte neighbors and regional film industry officials are putting their support behind a plan to transform the former Eastland Mall into television and film production studios.
Several companies have expressed interest to city of Charlotte leaders about the relocation. The plan could cross an important hurdle next week when it comes up for a vote by the city council. Beth Petty of the Charlotte Regional Partnership said a production studio at Eastland would make the area even more attractive for future projects and help create new jobs.
"People not only working on the set or part of the crew, but obviously all the types of vendors and businesses that are also used, from restaurants to hotels to rental cars to dry cleaners,” said Petty.
According to a spokesperson with the North Carolina Film Commission, so far this year the television and film industry has created $300 million in direct spending and 15,000 jobs.