Information Items:
Tree Removal for Freedom Drive Business Corridor Phase II
Staff Resource: Leslie Bing, 704-336-7277
An informal contract will be executed on October 1, 2004 to remove the Bradford Pear trees on Freedom Drive. The trees to be removed are located between the curb and sidewalk on both sides of Freedom Drive from Ashley Road to Morehead Street and some in the median near Thrift Road. The trees are being removed because they are deteriorating and to provide for new plantings included in the Business Corridor project.
Mini-Conference on ED Initiatives and Opportunities
Staff Resource: Gwenarda Isley, 704-336-2116
The Economic Development Division is hosting an Economic Development Initiatives and Opportunities Meeting on Thursday, September 30, 2004 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at the Sheraton Airport Hotel (invitation attached. The mini-conference is in response to Council's approval on April 12, 2004 for three Economic Development Outreach meetings during 2004 to inform businesses of the City of Charlotte Economic Development program opportunities.
The purpose of the meeting is to inform persons on the City's programs and resources, as well as how to access these opportunities. The conference topics include the City's ED Strategy, Small Business Financial Assistance, Small Business Enterprise Loan, Small Business Owners Program and the Biz Hub Center.
There will also be representatives from the Self-Help Credit Union, the Charlotte Chamber, Small Business Development & Technology Development Center, CPCC and the Business Expansion Funding Corporation (formerly Charlotte Certified Development Corporation) and the Equity Loan Program Banking Partners to speak with individuals one on one regarding their business growth.
The September 30 meeting is targeted for Districts 2 and 3. A meeting targeting districts 6 and 7 will be held November 4 at a location to be determined.
Belmont Barricades
Staff Resource: Ken Martin, 704-432-3141
Charlotte Department of Transportation/Street Maintenance Division crews completed removal of the Belmont Neighborhood barricades on Kennon, Parsons and Umstead streets on Wednesday, September 15, 2004. The streets are now open for through traffic.
The barricades were originally installed approximately five years ago at the request of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) to address illegal activities in the area. Because of positive changes to the area, neighborhood residents requested the barricades be removed and connectivity restored. The CMPD will monitor the area for any problems. Should problems recur, City staff will revisit the issue and develop options to address the situation.
CMPD/Hospitality Industry Workgroup
Staff Resource: Darrel Stephens, 704-336-2360
The Police Department and the local hospitality industry have agreed to form a workgroup to address issues of mutual concern. These issues include criminal offenses occurring at hotels and motels and crime prevention measures for these properties. The goal of the workgroup will be to develop a problem solving partnership between police and the hospitality industry by identifying problems and developing and implementing appropriate solutions.
The workgroup will be comprised of representatives from CMPD, the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance, the City's Economic Development Department, and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The group will be chaired by Capt. Diego Anselmo of the Steele Creek Division.
