transportation
The CharlotteEAST Transportation Committee actively supports shared-use paths, greenways, trails, protected bike, sidewalks, and public transit with the goal of increasing connectivity for the East and West communities through the CityLYNX Gold Line and Carolina Thread Trail.
With community support, the committee is seeking City and County collaboration to develop a multimodal transportation network that includes all forms of mobility and creates connected active transportation that is a valuable and equitable asset for its residents.
Cross Charlotte Trail
A true Cross Charlotte Trail (XCLT) includes the 4 cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. Currently, the XCLT Phase 1 is a phenomenal step for the city, but only runs north and south. Our goal is to expand this trail (part of the larger Carolina Thread Trail project) to run east and west, which will provide our residents with a mode of integrated transportation.
Why is this connectivity so important to our East and West communities? It is about economic mobility.
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It is connectivity to schools of post-secondary and higher education, i.e. CPCC, Carolina College of Health Sciences, UNCC, Johnson & Wales, Wake Forest, and Northeastern all within or near Center City.
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It is connectivity to better-paying jobs in Center City and employment centers along the Blue Line.
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It is about equity. For every $1 spent on trails, a $1.72 in economic value is generated. The East and West communities need an economic boost.
On August 25, 2020, together with our partners from the Westside, Park & Recreation Commission, and Catawba Lands Conservancy/Carolina Thread Trail, we presented a Multi-Modal Transportation Connectivity Resolution to the combined City-County Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IGR) meeting that was well received. On September 15, 2020, the County Commissioners approved the resolution. The City’s review and vote is pending.