ingvegas

Getting the general public to buy into stopping sprawl should presented as a tax issue and a transportation issue. The county would penalize developers who create sprawl with significantly higher development taxes, and give incentive to developers who take advantage of infill opportunities with mixed use multi-story buildings with significantly higher tax credits, then the tax code will steer development away from sprawl. infill is more expensive upfront on the developer, but it will save tax payers in the long-run because we are not building more roads, utilities, and extending government services by miles. This saves tax-payer money and should be marketed to the tax payer as getting more bang for their tax-dollar. Money is saved by not "building-out" cheap cookie-cutter developments. Transportation gets worse when these developments all lead into shop-in-a-box centers. A better long-term investment is infill. Once that happens then money can be spent by "builiding-in" and improving the current structure with better roads, better schools, more / better parks, etc. https://www.facebook.com/UpstateForever/videos/393695228150043/

Saw these plans from this Charlotte developer, and I see it has a lot of support , it is better than what is there now, and it could be a lot worse...but I still thought of this article: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-02-13/why-america-s-new-apartment-buildings-all-look-the-same First, it's a missed opportunity by not making the entire first level retail and / or full-kitchen restaurants - and not just "four retail spaces." Just go to an Atlanta Braves game at their new stadium and witness the tremendous energy around that ballpark with all the restaurants, bars and shops - and not only on game days. Second, What do you think our downtown will look like in 20 years? Will we be proud of this current building-boom? Do you think our children, or our children's children will look at these buildings in 20-30 years and say, "Wow, when times were good they really flexed some serious architecture, art, and created these tremendous long-lasting buildings that will stand the test of time!" Or do you think they'll say, "Look at all these falling apart, short-sighted, look-alike developments that we have to now flatten and re-build upon. Wasted time, money, talent, and resources. Good job, Grandma and Grandpa." Or, maybe you don't care. That's cool, too. Honestly, I don't know. I hope it is the former, but have doubts that this hope will remain as certain as time passes.

I would agree with the opinions that state 'Parcel A' is pretty fantastic / couldn't hope for better, but 'Parcel B' is definitely not as great. You don't typically see Class A apartments on top of a large parking lot.

The Peace Center is going to start showing movies DT. They've installed HD projection and digital sound in the Gunter Theatre; screening 3-5 films a month; everything from classics to brand new indie films; BEER and WINE ALLOWED IN THEATER; Tickets are going to be $9. They're kicking it off 10/30 with a triple feature: GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE, and the brand-new GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST.

Does anyone know what is going on with the area of the demolished buildings near the corner of Academy and Markley (next to the liquor store and across the street from the Kroc Center)?

Will the plan presented be posted somewhere w/ all the details?