Agenda Notes:
Agenda Item #26D: Billy Graham Parkway/Wilkinson Boulevard Interchange Improvement Project (North East Quadrant)
Staff Resource: Sonji Mosley, 704-336-3214
The Billy Graham Parkway/Wilkinson Boulevard Interchange Project is a 1998 Transportation Bond Project. This project is administered as part of the City's State Transportation program. The proposed work involves the realignment of Mulberry Church Road and the extension of West Port Road from its current cul-de-sac location to a new intersection with Mulberry Church Road. A roundabout feature will connect the proposed West Port Road alignment with Mulberry Church Road (see attached map). The goal of this project is to:
(1) provide smooth traffic flow and balanced connectivity between Wilkinson Boulevard/Billy Graham Parkway and Wilkinson Boulevard/I-85 Service Road
(2) provide safety improvements to reduce high potential traffic accidents, and
(3) increase land development potential for the area.
The project will not only consist of the realignment of Mulberry Church Road, but will also include standard curbing, sidewalk, planting strips, water main installation, storm water culvert improvement, sewer upgrades and landscaping.
Agenda Item #29A: In Rem Demolition: 1330 Pecan Avenue
Staff Resource: Walter Abernethy, 704-336-4213
On February 28, City Council will be asked to approve a demolition order for the structure at 1330 Pecan Avenue. Neighborhood Development's Code Enforcement Division inspected the structure in August 2004 as a result of the tenant's request regarding unsafe conditions. Code Enforcement had also received complaints from nearby residents and businesses in the Plaza-Midwood area regarding deteriorating property conditions. The house is currently vacant.
Violations included electrical wiring, fixtures and switches, which are unsafe and inoperable. The house is not capable of being adequately heated and weatherproofed. The flooring and sub-flooring is rotted, missing, and considered unsafe. The roof is leaking and the overall condition of the structure is unsanitary.
The owner of the property, Mary H. Lewis, received an order to demolish the structure in October 2004. She appealed this order to the Housing Appeals Board, which unanimously upheld the City's findings calling for the demolition of the structure. Ms. Lewis has filed a "Writ of Certiorari" asking the Court for a review of the Housing Appeals Board's decision. If Council approves the demolition order, Ms. Lewis will likely file a "temporary restraining order" to delay the City's actions. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the case and supports moving forward to get Council approval for demolition.
The Pecan Avenue property, as well as others owned by Ms. Lewis, has been under code enforcement previously. She has a clear understanding of the enforcement process, time tables, and penalties for not bringing properties into compliance.
Information Items:
Charlotte Area Transit System's Groundbreaking and Grand Opening - Saturday, February 26
Staff Resource: Ron Tober, 704-336-7245
CATS will conduct a groundbreaking for the South Corridor Light Rail Line and a grand opening of the new South Tryon Bus Facility on Saturday, February 26, at 10:00 am. The event will take place at the new bus facility located at 3145 South Tryon Street. Council members are invited to participate in the shovel ceremony for the Light Rail Line. Following the event, tours of the new bus facility will occur throughout the day until 3:00 pm. The community is invited to the event.
Briar Creek Sewer System Improvement Public Meeting - March 3
Staff Resource: Doug Bean, 704-391-5070A community meeting will be held for the Briar Creek Sewer System Improvement project. This project is needed to enhance older infrastructure, to reduce the risk of sewer overflows, and to help meet future wastewater demands in the Briar Creek Basin.
The community meeting will be on Thursday, March 3 at 7 pm at the Mouzon United Methodist Church, 3100 Selwyn Avenue. The project team will present easement acquisition information during the public meeting. Construction on the first phase is expected to begin in 2006.
Sewer pipe will be installed from Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (at Park/Tyvola Road), along Briar Creek, to Harris Blvd. The public meeting will focus on the first phase from the plant to Randolph Road.
To access these project websites through www.cmutilities.org click on the "construction projects" button. A project newsletter is mailed out frequently to update citizens in the project area.
CMPD Retirement Banquet - March 4
Staff Resource: Marylyn Williams, 704-336-2361
The Police Department and the Police Benevolent Fund will hold their Retirement Banquet on Friday, March 4, at the Bank of America Stadium. The banquet honors all CMPD employees, both sworn and non-sworn, who have retired in the last twelve months. There will be a reception at 6:30 pm followed by a seated dinner at 7:15 pm. Mayor and City Council members are welcome to attend. Reservations should be made to Marylyn Williams by Monday, February 28.
