Two For Tuesday | April 9, 2024

This morning’s well attended Mayor’s Transportation forum, hosted by REBIC was the debut event for the Partnership for Regional Cooperation, a new 501c4 civic cooperative, convened by REBIC, organized to advocate for transportation investment and economic development in the Charlotte region.

REBIC membership came out in droves to attend.  Our moderator, Tracy Montross of American Airlines, posed several questions to the mayors of Davidson, Cornelius, Mooresville, Huntersville, and Concord.  Each was asked about their current transportation plans and challenges, and their local initiatives.

It was reiterated by many on the panel that handling the coming growth correctly will hinge upon the intelligent planning of transportation around the region, and that we must cooperate as one to meet the mounting challenges placed on all of us.  As we are all consistently faced with escalating land and materials costs and the escalating need for housing of all types, each acknowledged that it is not the fault of one entity that we are falling short on our vision; agreeing instead that now is the time to cross the table and work to connect.

What were some topical highlights?  Everything from the price of a toll to the benefits of managed lanes, to the importance of combatting those who lead by embracing no-growth policies without seeking vetted, unbiased data.  Even those new in office like Mayor Clark were quick to embrace the need for a mutual understanding of the positive side of development, while Mayor Carney reinforced the fact that most of the road infrastructure brought to our municipalities is paid for and put in place by the developer/builder community.  Mayor Knox pointed out that even though each of the northern municipalities have very different civic needs, each understands the need to join together in supporting large scale solutions to multi-modal transportation initiatives.

Supported by American Airlines, and LaBella and Associates.  The Partnership’s mission is capitalize on solutions created through collaboration and cooperation between public and private interests as well as elevate the voice of those working to make these partnerships a success.

My take:  Today’s event was terrific and we had a packed house.  I’m not aware of any other business organization that has invited multiple mayors from around the region to participate at a venue where they could speak freely about their vision for a regional partnership on transportation.  I’m hopeful we’ll be able to engage in additional efforts moving forward.  It’s in all of our best interests to get engaged and stay involved as this process moves forward.  We have an opportunity to shape the outcome! – Watch for additional events with more voices like these coming to table.
       

On Monday, April 15th the Charlotte City Council will hold a public hearing on UDO text amendment 2024-043 aimed at curbing the use of Conservation Subdivisions for new development.  These are the types of residential subdivisions that allow for a 50% reduction in lot size in exchange for setting aside additional open space, resulting in a generally more affordable price point for prospective buyers; exactly what the market is dictating.  Ironically, this action to limit this type of housing comes at a time when according to the City of Charlotte’s own data, the average home price is UP 50% in just the past five years.  Pair that with the fact that land prices have nearly doubled from last year to this year as well as the interest rates for and Aquisition, Development, & Construction (AD&C) loans coming in at 13-15% interest rates, and you have a real time affordability challenge.  Planning staff has indicated they are willing to consider a future amendment that would allow for higher density developments in certain parts of the city; however, there is no guarantee of the timing of this proposal or clarity of the details.  Come and join us at the public hearing next Monday and help us put the brakes on this text amendment.  It’s backwards and in complete conflict with the market.  WE NEED YOUR VOICE OF REASON!

Relevant Facts:

Date and Time: 
April 15th at 5:00 pm

Location:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center
Council Chambers
600 East 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

My take:  The timeline proposed for this text amendment is probably the speediest action I’ve seen from the Planning Department to date.  What is being proposed are not tweaks but the wholesale elimination of the development option being used by the vast majority.  At a time when housing affordability is a significant problem, this action makes no sense.  We need to convey this sentiment to our elected officials, now.  As an industry, we need to show our commitment to attainability and affordability.  Who’s with me?

Please join me for the public hearing next Monday at 5:00 pm.  If you need any details on parking, directions, etc., please reach out to me directly ([email protected]).