Third Strike

Looks like construction on Independence might get delayed until 2013. The city wants to add a mass transit corridor down the middle of Independence (like the original Silver line), possibly using commuter rail. I wonder how this hypothetical line would look like. Would it be the same as the original LRT/BRT, merging off Independence Blvd, on to Independence Pointe Pkwy, then out to CPCC Levine? Or maybe, try to work with Union County, and have the rail go out to Indian Trail or Monroe, straight down US-74. Either way, I hope we'll get to hear something about the fate of the Silver line. http://www.foxcharlo...-138300989.html

7-Eleven is coming back to Charlotte, by converting 55 Sam's Mart stores. The conversion will be done this year! http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/27/2964112/7-eleven-buys-charlotte-area-sams.html

I'm not sure if this is new or not, but Boxer Properties' website has a list of available units for lease. So perhaps they're waiting for more tenants to get on board, before they (possibly) reopen? http://www.boxerprop...prop=191&page=1 Lastly, this got me thinking; should Boxer try to go after the displaced retailers from the Independence Blvd corridor, to set up shop at Eastland? If they could get some of the local businesses, and other big name businesses like TJ Maxx and Roses, I wonder if it'll be enough to get the mall up and running for reopening day. And even though they don't have the rights to the anchor stores, they should try to get the original owners to lease out their space, and maybe bring in some retailers in like Ross and Office Depot. Wishful thinking, though.

What's the plan for the stretch of US-74 that runs through Marshville/Polkton/Wadesboro? There seems to be a plan for every other part of US-74 to either be upgraded to a free/expressway, or to create bypasses, but I can't seem to find anything on this last piece of US-74.

Hm... I think there is a market for the mall, especially in East Charlotte. I think a new mall can fill the shopping niche left behind by Eastland, and cater to the shopping needs in Mint Hill/Matthews/Stallings. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but this will be the first ever open top mall in Charlotte. General Growths were also behind The Streets at Southpoint mall in Durham, a semi-outdoor mall, and that seems like a success. Southpoint was able to net some big name upscale stores, like Apple and Nordstrom, and brought about several retailers and hotels in the surrounding area. Though, I do admit, this all sounds very similar to what happened in Pineville, but nonetheless, this could help spur growth in Southeast Mecklenburg.

Looks like the development of the mall is moving forward again... http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/09/30/2652981/partnership-could-save-mint-hill.html