A key step in getting the biggest bang for our $1.1 billion light-rail bucks will take place next Monday, April 13, at the Charlotte City Council meeting – and you can have a part.
You are invited to address the city council in person about proposed updates to the University City Area Plan.
“This is everyone’s chance to have real input on the plan as we move toward finalization and approval,” said District 4 Councilman Greg Phipps, who represents University City.
Comments offered next Monday or submitted via email and letters will help City Council decide whether to approve the revised plan. The council will likely vote on adoption by June.
What the plan is
The University City Area Plan is the city’s main guide for shaping how the coming LYNX light-rail line can transform the North Tryon Street corridor around University City’s three future transit stops – much the same way that that the original LYNX Blue Line from uptown to Pineville has attracted walkable urban development near stations in South End and beyond.
Charlotte City Council adopted the current University City Area Plan in 2007. That plan, created with funding from University City Partners, helped the city win federal funding for the Blue Line Extension. The plan has three main parts: an overview of the business district now; a vision for the future; and the actions, both public and private, needed to make that happen.
Key elements of that plan remain intact in the new draft – encouraging urban-style development within walking distance of the light-rail stations, linking that new development to nearby employment centers and envisioning a future city center in University City.
Why the update is necessary
This update is needed to account for changes in the LYNX Blue Line Extension alignment and station locations. Primary changes to the adopted policies will occur within one half mile from the alignment. Other areas may be revised to be more consistent with recently adopted policies such as community design and transportation and updated to reflect current conditions.
A year of work and review
Work on the update began in fall 2013. Planners held community workshops to gather ideas and get feedback on possible revisions. Planners finished the draft document in November ( download here). Since then, planners have presented the draft at a public meeting in December and reviewed the draft with two advisory groups – the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Committee and City Council’s Transportation and Planning Committee – have reviewed the updates. The Planning Committee offered its endorsement in March. The Planning Committee will issue its final recommendation later this month. Then the final decision on the plan goes to the City Council.
Ways you can take part now
- Sign up now if you wish to speak on Monday: Registered speakers can talk for up to three minutes each. If you have more to share, put it into writing. Click here to sign up, or call 704-336-2248.
- Come to the City Council meeting: The City Council meeting will begin at 7 pm in the main meeting hall of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. 4th Street. Parking is available in the deck directly across Davidson Street from the building. Even if you do not speak, you can influence the council. Members do take note of how many people fill the chamber.
- Learn more about the update: Click here for the full draft plan, presentations, public comments and other details regarding the update.
Submit comments in writing
Use the email links below to send your comments to some or all of our City Council members.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael D. Barnes – Council Member At-Large
Claire Green Fallon – Council Member At-Large
David Howard – Council Member At-Large
Vi Lyles – Council Member At-Large
Patsy B. Kinsey – Council Member, District 1
Al Austin – Council Member, District 2
LaWana Mayfield – Council Member, District 3
Gregory A. Phipps – Council Member, District 4
John N. Autry – Council Member, District 5
Kenny Smith – Council Member, District 6
Edmund H. Driggs – Council Member, District 7
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