Charlotte: Streetcar Plan Slows

NC: City's Streetcar Plan Slows

Steve Harrison
Source: The Charlotte Observer
Created: April 11, 2013


After more than a year of being deadlocked over a capital budget, the Charlotte City Council cleared the way Wednesday for a roughly $820 million capital plan that, for now, doesn't include a streetcar extension.

Under the plan tentatively approved, the city's property tax rate would increase in July. But voters wouldn't be asked to approve bonds for projects such as roads, sidewalks, police stations and affordable housing until November 2014.

There are still several budget meetings ahead, and it's possible council members could change their minds. But Wednesday's meeting suggested that the city is close to endorsing much of the Capital Improvement Program first endorsed by former City Manager Curt Walton in March 2012.

City Manager Ron Carlee said he needed more time to study the merits of a 2.5-mile streetcar extension, which has been the main reason for the impasse. And Mayor Anthony Foxx — the streetcar's biggest champion — said he wouldn't let the streetcar stand in the way of other improvements. .....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/10918833/nc-citys-streetcar-plan-slows