TRANSIT’S
INCENTIVE TO PRIVATE INVESTMENT:
The Integrated Transit and Land Use Strategy for Charlotte’s
LRT and the Rise of the Historic SouthEnd District
Presenters: Richard Petersheim of LandDesign and Troy Russ of Glatting Jackson
Charlotte, NC is on the national forefront of integrated land use and transportation planning. An effective land use policy with a clear vision of a more compact urban fabric along its five planned transportation corridors has recently been adopted. Charlotte and the surrounding towns have undertaken an aggressive approach to transportation choices. A successful pilot project for a two-mile vintage trolley system connecting the emerging historic South End District to the center city was the catalyst which sparked transit speculative investment from both the private and public sector. This initial success brought plans for more effective transportation modes, such as LRT, Commuter Rail, BRT, and Streetcar to the forefront of the region's agenda.
LandDesign and Glatting Jackson have been instrumental in the definition
of land use / transportation policy and public infrastructure implementation
for this initial South Transit Corridor, as well as translating these
policies into the built fabric. They have bridged the gap between
the public and private sectors as integrated design team members on pioneering
transit oriented projects and station area planning. This Forum will
explore the ten year planning evolution of the South Corridor, from the
early stages of station area planning and land use policy adoption to
the development community's response to the planning and implementation
of both a vintage trolley system and LRT and the hurdles faced... project
delays, escalating construction costs, disruptions of commerce caused
by transit construction, out dated / inadequate capacity infrastructure,
changing market perception from one of an industrial area to a place
to work and live and do commerce.
The Forum will also provide an overview of market evolution and real
estate performance of the historic SouthEnd district, along with the
types of businesses and residents that have invested in the district.
How have City departments effectively aligned themselves to best capitalize
on this significant investment, and what lessons does Charlotte hold
for Nashville?