Information Items:
Rocky River Area Plan
Staff Resource: Garet Johnson, 704-336-8364
Planning staff held a public meeting on Thursday evening, March 11, to kick-off the planning process for the Rocky River Road Area Plan. An overwhelming number of citizens attended the meeting (approximately 300 people), and hundreds more were turned away because there was not enough space to accommodate them, and because Park and Recreation closed the gate to the park where the meeting was held.
The meeting was at Reedy Creek Park and space and materials were available to accommodate up to 150 people. Staff expected a turnout of 75-100 people based on previous experience with these meetings.
At the public meeting, staff was able to make two separate presentations to a total of about 300 people. Citizens were also told that all the information would be posted on Planning's website and that another meeting would be scheduled to provide an opportunity for everyone to be heard. Staff also took down names and addresses of citizens who did not have Internet access and wanted copies of the meeting materials.
Most citizens came to the meeting in response to some recent changes in the plan notification process. In particular, citizens were reacting to the message that the planning process could recommend a change in land use for their property. This information is currently being included in meeting notices for all area plans in response to citizen concerns about the planning process and possible corrective rezonings. Staff is trying to alert citizens at the beginning of planning processes that land use changes could be recommended as part of the plan so that they can get involved early, rather than be surprised if, or when, a corrective rezoning is recommended to implement the plan.
Staff is currently taking the following steps as a follow-up to the public meeting:
- A letter is being sent out to all citizens invited to the meeting to apologize and to let them know that another meeting is being scheduled and that they will receive a meeting notification within the next few weeks.
- The powerpoint presentation, maps and handouts from the meeting have been posted on Planning's website at www.charlotteplanning.org
- Meeting materials are being sent to all citizens who requested copies.
- Staff is responding to numerous phone calls and e-mails to provide citizens with information about the meeting and inform them that another meeting will be scheduled.
Albemarle Road Traffic
Staff Resource: Bill Dillard, 704-336-3912
The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) has been preparing for the phase of Independence Freeway construction that is currently underway for more than18 months. A traffic management system, including 22 cameras and improved signal coordination, has been installed on both Central Avenue and Monroe Road to assist in alleviating back-ups.
Extensive new traffic signal timing patterns have been implemented for Central Avenue and Monroe Road to provide motorists alternatives to Albemarle Road. Since Albemarle Road was closed, staff monitors conditions in the CDOT Traffic Control Center and additional personnel are in the field during peak travel periods. Motorists using Central Avenue or Monroe Road have increased 5-15 minute commutes rather than the 30-45 minutes earlier prediction.
Motorists continuing to choose Albemarle Road and Sharon Amity Road have major problems getting onto or across Independence Boulevard. This route continues to be extremely congested during the morning peak period.
The construction has gone much better than expected, and it is possible that the westbound lanes of Albemarle Road may reopen to traffic this weekend, more than a week ahead of schedule.
CDOT staff continues to coordinate with North Carolina Department of Transportation staff to inform motorists of construction-related changes affecting travel patterns.
Request for Impact of 3% Budget Reduction for Financial Partners
Staff Resource: Ruffin Hall, 704-336-3403
At the March 10 Half-day Budget Retreat, the City Manager indicated the Budget Office would request information on the impact of a 3% budget reduction for Financial Partners. The request is necessary to evaluate options for balancing the FY2005 budget. A sample of the letter mailed today to Financial Partners is attached.
9th Annual Neighborhood Symposium
Staff Resource: Toni Tupponce, 704-336-2929
The City will host the 9th Annual Neighborhood Symposium on Saturday, March 27, 2004 (8:30 am – 2:30 pm) at the Charlotte Marriott City Center Hotel, 100 West Trade Street. The symposium will provide opportunities for participants to share strategies and ideas with other neighborhood leaders and develop specific strategies of their own.
The theme of this year's symposium is Acquiring the Tools to Better Manage Your Neighborhood. Reverend Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman, Greenville Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, will deliver the keynote address.
Workshops will be offered on maximizing your neighborhood association's influence, marketing your neighborhood as a great place to live and structuring your neighborhood for dynamic leadership. The symposium will also include a youth component focusing on alternatives to peer pressure and violence.
Attached is a copy of the symposium invitation and program information that was sent to approximately 1,200 neighborhood leaders throughout the Charlotte community.
Keep Charlotte Beautiful Annual Litter Index Study
Staff Resource: Walter Abenethy, 704-336-4213
The 2004 Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) Annual Litter Index Study was conducted during the first week of March 2004. The study is conducted at the same time each year and rates areas in the community on a scoring system of 1 – 4 (1 – representing no litter and 4 – representing extreme litter). The overall citywide Litter Index score for the 2004 study is 1.4; last year was 1.87.
The KCB Committee selects scoring areas based on a fair representation of land uses within the area. The study information is used to direct resources to areas that require greater emphasis. Over time, the study can help predict litter trends, track the effects of KCB education and litter prevention programs, and help target code enforcement and waste collection resources.
The primary scoring areas for the Litter Index Study are based on City Council districts. The scores for each District are highlighted below:
2004 Litter Index Study Results:
District 1…. 1.4
District 2…. 1.4
District 3…. 1.2
District 4…. 1.8
District 5…. 1.8
District 6…. 1.1
District 7…. 1.4
