A resolution of support endorsing initial steps toward a more comprehensive transportation plan was adopted by the Cornelius Town Board during last night’s Commissioner’s Meeting. Last week we reported an initial agreement had been reached by the Managers of Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Pineville.
The draft outlines a request to the General Assembly that it pass legislation authorizing a referendum to the voters within Mecklenburg County to increase the sales tax to support future transportation infrastructure. The bill would also establish an authority to manage the public transportation system.
Here are some of the key points:
The next step includes the consideration and potential passage of additional resolutions of support from other parties engaged in the agreement. Once those are complete, that package of endorsements will be delivered to the leaders of the General Assembly with the request that legislative action will be initiated. The legislature is still technically in session until it determines its work is complete for the year, but activity on this initiative is more likely to occur after the first of the year.
My take: Kudos to Cornelius for quickly taking this first step toward the execution of an actual regional transportation plan and the creation of an entity to manage it. As I said last week, this is a big deal! Even though this initial proposal is specific to Mecklenburg County, the draft includes a provision that allows additional counties within the region to be added. If the proposal continues to gain momentum, and is not derailed by petty local interest groups that lack vision, the legislature will have an opportunity to further refine the language. Let’s hope during that process we keep sight of the big picture and the outcome we are seeking to achieve. You can contact me any time to discuss and become involved.
Last year City of Charlotte Planning Staff held 20 Community Area Planning meetings in each sector of the city. Staff reports indicate those meetings were not well attended. These events are designed to inform the community about the planning process and to gain input regarding future growth and development.
Well, the good news is you have another opportunity to get engaged. Here’s the list of upcoming events by region along with important links:
West – Tuesday, September 3rd, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Virtual
West – Thursday, September 5th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – In Person
Ophelia Garmon – Brown Community Center
2647 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
North – Tuesday, September 24th, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Virtual
North – Thursday, September 26th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – In Person
604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262
East – Tuesday, October 15th, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Virtual
East – Thursday, October 17th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – In Person
3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215
South – Tuesday, November 12th, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Virtual
South – Tuesday, November 14th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – In Person
Queens University Sports Complex & Conference Center
2229 Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
My take: I don’t like hearing there’s no community participation in these important issues. Because of that lack of engagement, which by the way includes members of the real estate community, the feedback provided thus far will carry disproportionate value. Planning Staff’s process is that they will relay to Members of Council what they heard in these meetings and decisions will be made based on those findings. If we don’t make our voices heard on this, those who frequently yell the loudest — like those displaying the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) banner and those promoting subjective terms like retaining community character — will carry the day. I’d rather live in a growing and vibrant community with ever increasing opportunities for entertainment and commerce. How about you? Talk to me if you have an opinion or want to get involved!
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