CLTranspo

The original blue line and extension both cover areas of industrial and/or undeveloped land ripe for reuse and redevelopment. The south Charlotte wedge, however, does not. This area is almost completely developed with low density housing that I think will be much more difficult/expensive to replace or redevelop.

I just worry that any rail transit actually going into the wedge of south Charlotte wouldn’t be successful, because densities are so low and any parcels along transit lines would likely have to overcome vast opposition to increase densities to where they would actually complement the transit (As some other users have pointed out). Southpark and to some extent Ballantyne are the obvious hot spots of activity and higher density that could probably support a station or two. At the same time, we have to make progress somewhere - especially if we don’t want to become the next Atlanta as we say.

Bonus LU2 on other side of Tryon

Today. Nice to see First ward park crowded with families and prom pics in the nice weather

The plan is to add planters as part of the median improvements to phase 1 that are listed under phase 2! (EST completion 2021). They had a good presentation on this project at the NCAMPO conference in town this past week.

Makes me wish Charlotte had parking maximums. Especially after we build a few more light rail lines and/or commuter rail and non-auto access from across the region is more competitive.

Loving the improved street wall

Today

Another up close picture

Definitely adds some density

If you look really closely you can see that *some* plants have survived

Today

The first light rail in the Carolinas!

New apartments and parking decks view from Amtrak pulling into station

Parking garage and housing going up behind the Harris Teeter parking lot

That’s not how metro area commuting patterns work. The ridership that’s there is not going to go down because of new development on the other side of town, or a more balanced mix of development in south end. More residential options on the north end may slow ridership growth to the south, but they won’t take away from current ridership significantly.

Sure! Would be happy to share my perspective on the streetcar

This article irked me too. I think the agenda needs to stick to buzzfeed-esque listicle articles. They don’t have expertise in politics, policy, or planning and instead grossly generalize projects like this, which does a disservice to Charlotte for future transit expansion.

Starbucks are like the public restrooms of manhattan (free access, on every other block)

^ assuming they meant the space under Tupelo Honey that used to be Cathode Azure

Different angles of the bohemian today

Good summary of all the projects going on in the university area in the observer. Really excited for UC to pick up some momentum and density.

Maybe that’s where I got that idea. It would make sense! Pretty much the same corridors being considered for toll lanes would also be effective rapid transit corridors if we had the funds and right of way.

I wonder if it could be feasible to just run it down the median of 485 with pedestrian bridges at stations. Stations near Carolina Place/CMC Pineville, Ballantyne/Community House, Piper Glen, all the Providence Rd development, maybe even Ayrsley and the Outlets to the west of 77. Could possibly provide more benefit than converting that space to toll lanes. And could potentially connect the blue line to the silver line to provide an additional way to transfer! ...wow I’m dreaming lol

The new property management for Vanguard Center (off Tyvola next to 77) is looking into adding shuttle service to connect to the nearby light rail stations. Not the biggest news but this would be a great option for commuters who may have been stymied by the walkability on Tyvola/Minuet Ln.