Plaza Midwood Ants Priced Out of Cinder Block Ownership

Luxury development along Seigle Avenue, where rising property values have impacted surrounding structures. Photo by Staff Photographer / The Tiny Observer

CHARLOTTE — New development along Seigle Avenue has affected many residents in Plaza Midwood, as rising property values tied to a newly constructed luxury complex continue to reshape the area’s housing landscape.

Surrounding structures once considered standard have grown more expensive due to their proximity to the new mixed-use development.

Among those impacted is at least one longtime resident who says he can no longer afford to remain beneath a cinder block he has occupied for the past three years.

“It used to be just a regular cinder block,” said Eddy Ant. “Now the neighborhood is suddenly ‘bohemian,’ and my rent is three crumbs a month.”

The ant is now exploring more affordable housing options beneath a cracked section of sidewalk in nearby Commonwealth, where conditions are less stable but, for now, still attainable. Many other bugs are taking similar action.