The proposed projects aim to satisfy the explosive growth of the city and the increasing demands on the infrastructure.
Charlotte, NC – Charlotte is one step closer to the future in his transport future.
Wednesday evening, Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) approved the proposed 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)-a comprehensive 30-year blueprint for transit and road projects throughout the region.
At the center of the plan: Four important projects for solid guideway, including significant light rails and fast transit extensions. The proposed projects aim to satisfy the explosive growth of the city and the increasing demands on the infrastructure, with the focus on improving connectivity, reducing the congestion and the creation of sustainable pendulum options.
Relatives: Public feedback was looking for Charlotte 2055 Transport Plan
While the plan tears out what is needed, payment of the greatest challenge remains.
The leaders of the city and the district set a referendum in November, in which the voters of the Mecklenburg district are asked to, increase sales tax with one percent exclusively for the financing of transport improvements. If this tax is passed, this tax would unlock billions in the areas of federal and state adjustments, which may bring transformative changes to Charlotte's transit landscape.
What is in the plan of 2055?
While it contains dozens of projects on the plan, the most ambitious pieces are from the following:
- Easy rail extension on new corridors that may connect more parts of the city and suburbs.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines that aim to offer a faster and more reliable service.
- Advancement adjustments to improve traffic flow and security.
- Multimodal investments, including bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
If the voters approved in autumn, the district's total sales tax rate would increase to 8.25%. According to estimates by the city of Charlotte, this would cost the average budget of 240 US dollars a year. This has been concerned with some residents about the affordability of the plan – especially in inflation and increasing living costs, which have already been pressing a lot of households.
Relatives: Mecklenburg County Commissioners approved, 1% sales tax for the financing of the transport in November
Supporters argue that the costs are justified. It is expected to achieve sales of $ 20 billion in 30 years.
However, critics are wondering whether the voters are willing to take over higher taxes, especially without more guarantees for the use of funds.
What happens next?
The coordination of the CRTPO determines which projects make the reduction for plan 2055 and will form the basis for the November investment initiative.
If the voters are approved by the voters in autumn, the one percent turnover tax would become a significant shift of the way in which Charlotte invests in its transport future.
“Yes to Meck” campaign starts campaigns
Before the meeting on Wednesday, the campaign “Yes to Meck” was launched, which is led by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and other community managers. The goal is to encourage voters to sign the tax and to clarify them about the effects.
With the early vote from Thursday, however, critics say that it has to happen quickly.
Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox was a great supporter and encourages his voters to educate himself.
“I'm going to vote for it,” said Knox. “But I will not work for it. I want you to educate yourself. I want you to ask questions. I want you to call me.”
Juan Contreras Juarez uses both the bus system and the gold line in its commuting. He says that when he is approved, this plan will save him every day, but he worries what will happen if it doesn't fit.
“Many people say: 'What if we wait a little longer for another plan? What if we try to find another source of money for it?' There is no break for growth in Charlotte, ”he said. “We cannot tell the people who want to move to Charlotte to say: 'Hey, wait a bit.'”
Contact Richard Devayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook. X and Instagram.
Contact Julie Kay at Juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.