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This is inaccurate and not supported by any credible source. And, I visit frequently and can tell you that Nashville is literally booming (so much so that many residents are complaining about the pace of growth). As much as Charlotte changed in the last decade, Nashville (to me) feels like it has changed more. I will add (anecdotally) that I know ~20 people who have relocated there from San Diego in the past 24 months.

https://www.biggestuscities.com/nc/1940 https://www.biggestuscities.com/nc/1960 https://www.biggestuscities.com/nc/1980 https://www.biggestuscities.com/nc/2000

https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2019-mls-attendance/

You are not misinterpreting my reply. I care less who says something than the value of what is said. Frankly, few of us know as much as the city planners, developers, politicians and architects that we criticize every day here. That's the beauty of this forum. It's democratic and egalitarian.

I am certainly not offended but I think you are ignoring a lot of obvious advantages to locating in the Southeast. Corporate tax rates are much lower in the South. Cost of living is lower. Worker's Comp (my business) is exponentially lower compared to, say, California (literally a fifth of the cost in most instances). Cheaper land and building costs. Lower rents. As mentioned, far less union. All right to work states. Moderate climate. Less regulation. And, the Southeast has some great schools (Duke, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Georgia Tech, UNC, Wake Forest to name a few). If, like me, they happen to view the SE as a great place to live, that's gravy. I think the question shouldn't be why would they locate in the SE...I would ask why wouldn't they? Compared to the Northeast, the Midwest and the West, I think the SE is a reasonable choice for most businesses. I lived in Philly and San Diego for roughly 18 years each. I choose to live here as the best overall place based on cost and quality of life. I think a lot of people feel similarly.

My argument has never really been about retail in the tunnels (I've only briefly mentioned that in a single post of many on tunnels and bridges). I'm more focused on the tunnels themselves as a means to move people to street level retail.

Personally, I wish Atherton Mills went to the top with the brick. It looks fantastic in person.

Those are very compelling arguments. I'm still inclined to believe you could do both but I'll admit you have me reconsidering my position.

I never take downvotes personally if they are accompanied by a well-reasoned position (as yours was). Regarding your position, I'm not against anything you want, I just believe that having other pedestrian options isn't as damaging as some claim. I've worked Uptown for ~15 years and spend 10 hours a day here. I come on the weekends. I eat here. I exercise here. I want it better also. If today we imploded the Overstreet Mall and all pedestrian tunnels, the city would not be even a little more vibrant. Fix the streets and add the retail. That's what will add vibrancy.

^^ Both right and both well articulated.

And there appear to be significant concerns on the economy now also. Could be the boom is finally ending. On the other hand, employment remains VERY strong and higher interest rates are killing home sales (making apartments a good bet). I know absolutely nothing but I still think NWR starts construction in the next 12 months. There is some momentum on this side of Uptown (streetcar, Gateway station, police department, etc) and it could be they are simply looking to wrap projects on Stonewall and Providence before they start another. They haven't been know in recent years for talking and not acting. That said, others appear to be more connected (though I heard similar doubts about Lennar...).

I actually agree with almost all of this. I'm for improving the pedestrian experience, calming traffic, eliminating lanes, adding bike lanes, closing streets to cars altogether. I simply have no objections to giving people the option of accessing buildings above street level also. I don't think they are mutually exclusive. I don't understand why pedestrians and retail 20 feet above the street is damaging to street level design. Fix the streets, add the retail, let people decide how they will access them.

I remain prochoice on pedestrian bridges and tunnels. I'm all for smart urban design but think people should have the option of staying off the street (for safety, comfort and convenience) if developers are willing to give them the choice. Those that want to be on the street will be there. Making the streets safer and more attractive to pedestrians is the way to address this (as opposed to abolishing tunnels). Just my opinion though. I only have a GED...

Point out a single post where I ever supported a particular candidate or party. I voted for McCready (first D ever) simply to limit Trump's power but never said anything positive about him. I have no chosen candidate(s). You are blinded by partisanship, hatred, negativity and unhappiness. I'll spare myself and the rest of the board any further interactions with you. I hope you get help.

So it's all about you vs. "them"? It's all about schadenfreude. No response to Trump's specific behavior and no concern for your fellow Americans. Got it.

https://slate.com/culture/2018/11/john-oliver-last-week-tonight-trump-authoritarianism.html Worth watching in my opinion...

I'm not talking about either party or people generally. I'm talking about people specifically who support Trump. People who claim to love the military but have no apparent problem when he criticizes and falsely accuses the Navy Seal who was in charge of the mission that killed bin Laden. Who have no issue when he diminished McCain's time as a POW. Who ignored when he went after Gold Star families (who lost their children in combat defending our country). Who accepted a guy's Purple Heart (admittedly given to him) despite avoiding service himself with bone spurs. This is just one issue. How do people support this obviously evil and incompetent man? I'm talking specifically to you Dale. Do you support this guy?

Watch the Trump interview on Fox News yesterday. If you don't conclude that he's a moron and completely unfit for office, I'll be surprised (unless you think raking national forests is plausible). Trump is not Hitler and his followers are not Nazis. However, the blind obeisance to a terrible man is disturbing.

Personally, I love their stores. I hope this gets built.

I haven't seen many/any hard feelings or boosterism posts (maybe I missed them). Most people seem to be happy Nashville was chosen. The fact that Amazon chose Nashville (without much hope for transit in the foreseeable future) seems to contradict your post (even though I readily acknowledge that Nashville is much hipper than Charlotte and more comparable to Austin in that regard). I think low cost of living/quality of life is meaningful (which is why I live here instead of hip and beautiful San Diego), as are low tax rates. I support transit taxes and the "big bang" but, again, they went to Nashville (where the populace repeatedly votes transit down). Also, Texas has been killing CA with corporate relocations. Outside of Austin, is Texas really that hip? They do have low taxes and less regulation (which is the opposite of what you propose). Let's also remember that (presumably) the only reason NY was selected is because of the massive tax breaks Amazon received. So for a typical company with less leverage, NY is much less attractive. I think perhaps you are projecting your opinion of the Southeast and Charlotte on Amazon but I don't see a lot of evidence that it's accurate. Not looking to argue though. I like Charlotte and think it's fine that you don't.

Anecdotally, this appears to be true (I know a lot of people moving there, including several from San Diego). Also true, a lot of long-time residents are opposed to the growth (during business trips, I heard this repeatedly). "We don't want to be Charlotte or Atlanta" was said to me several times. Guess what? They are heading in that direction but without the transit. I like Nashville. Pretty city, love the hills and the river. My impression is that Charlotte residents are more accepting of the rapid growth. I totally get what Amazon sees there though. Aside from transit, it checked all the boxes. Vanderbilt is a huge asset.

First, great picture of Uptown (the cemetery looks great from above). I love/hate the Levine quote, as if he's actually doing something to make First Ward better. Here's hoping he continues to sell off parcels to other developers. Seems to be the only way we will see progress. I'm very excited about this project. PS City staff, please reopen the f-ing lanes by the long stalled parking garage!

Betting on a big multi-use project just over the SC border. Something on par with the Cowboys and Vikings. Will be surprised if it's in NC.

Comparing Lennar to Levine is unfair. And, I've read on this board that they are waiting on permits.

I'll take a hard pass on the second building, the rest I like.