Mecklenburg County residents have a significant date looming on their calendars: a countywide referendum in November to determine the fate of local transportation projects. Commissioner Vilma D. Leake has stepped up to ensure the public is well-informed before heading to the polls. In light of the recently enacted N.C. House Bill 948, or the PAVE Act, Leake has arranged a couple of community meetings slated for later this month.
Interested parties are invited to join the first meeting scheduled at Steele Creek AME Zion Church next Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at 1500 Shopton Road, Charlotte, NC 28217, and RSVP by the day before. Following closely is the second meeting at West Charlotte Recreation Center on July 31, and, standing as a venue for the considerable discussion it will host from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 2401 Kendall Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216, an RSVP by July 28 is also requested.
At these meetings, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will helm the presentations detailing current services and expansion plans. Additionally, the proposed 1-cent sales tax referendum will be a point of focus, unpacking how it could bolster transportation initiatives such as roads, rail, and buses.
Concurrent to these efforts, the Board of County Commissioners is convening for a special session on July 30 to deliberate the referendum's language. According to a notice given, they will follow this up with a public hearing scheduled during their Aug. 6 regular meeting. It is during this meeting that residents can voice their opinions directly concerning the referendum, as reported by Mecklenburg County News.
Should the Board give the green light, the 1-cent sales tax aims to generate a dedicated revenue stream earmarked for transportation projects within Mecklenburg County.
