Share
Charlotte-Mecklenburg leaders this morning will unveil plans to create a new master plan for development in and around uptown over the next decade, a process leaders hope to wrap up by the end of next year.
One goal of the previous plan was to create distinct neighborhoods across the center city. It called for, among other things, turning the old Convention Center into a mixed-use project. Now, the site is home to the EpiCentre.
The newest plan - called Center City 2020 - will look at ways to better connect neighborhoods in uptown and just outside the Interstate 277 loop, said Cheryl Myers, senior vice president for planning and development for Charlotte Center City Partners. It also could address issues like economic development and affordable housing.
The plans "are a way the public and private sector come together and decide together on the urban design moves that we're going to make as a city and where and how we're going to take the city to the next level," Myers said.
CCP, the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are spearheading the plan, which ultimately must be adopted by the City Council and county commissioners. Former Mayor Harvey Gantt and Observer Publisher Ann Caulkins are co-chairs of the effort.
MIG Inc., a Berkeley-Calif-based urban planning firm, has been selected as the lead consultant for the 2020 plan. The company also will work with three local companies, Myers said. MIG has developed similar plans for Los Angeles, Boston and Denver, according to the company's Web site.
The public will be invited to weigh in on the plan, with leaders soliciting feedback through a planned Web site and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. A public meeting also is set for 5:30 p.m. Oct 21 at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St.
