Information Items:
The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently completed the installation of a solar powered, wireless in-pavement lighted crosswalk. The crosswalk is located on Selwyn Avenue in front of Queens University.
A series of flashing lights embedded in the pavement warn approaching motorists of the presence of a pedestrian in the crosswalk. This installation represents CDOT's first use of an in-pavement lighted crosswalk utilizing both solar power and wireless communications between the controller and the flashing lights in the street. This technology resulted in considerably less installation expense and time, because the use of solar power eliminated the need for providing utilities at the site, and the wireless functionality limited the amount of cuts that were needed in the asphalt.
This installation, combined with a similar system at the intersection of 6th and Pine Streets, will be monitored and tested over the next 18 months for maintenance issues, pedestrian use, and motorist yielding behavior. The goal of these evaluations will be to determine if these devices are a cost effective tool for providing enhanced mid-block crossing opportunities for pedestrians and whether they should be available for more widespread use throughout the City.
The McGill Rose Garden leases City-owned property at 940 N. Davidson Street, next to the Charlotte Transit Maintenance Operations facility. Henry McGill, founder of the McGill Rose Garden, Inc., passed away at the age of 103 on Saturday, March 10, 2007. The garden that bears his name is only one of four gardens in the State to be recognized as having the "All American Rose Selection" (AARS) distinction.
In 1996, Mr. McGill had the insight to incorporate the rose garden. Since that time, it has been managed by a volunteer Board of Directors under whose leadership the garden is expected to continue to operate for years to come as envisioned by Mr. McGill.
The City Council approved a ten-year lease of the City-owned property to the McGill Rose Garden, Inc., in 1996. The City has supported the Garden for years, with this fiscal year's funding and in-kind support estimated at $35,000. The Garden relies primarily on volunteers for maintenance and operation, with the goal to become totally self-supporting at some point in the future.
The original lease allows for two additional 5-year terms. The Board notified the City recently that it wishes to exercise the first 5-year extension. Under the original lease provisions, the City Manager has the authority to approve extensions. The City Manager has approved an extension for another five years.
Below is a summary of the Garden's major accomplishments:
- The Garden cultivated over 900 roses and earned the AARS designation.
- The Garden enjoys partnerships with many civic groups including: WingHaven, CPCC, the Nevins Center, The Charlotte Raptor Center, The Arts and Science Council, CMS, and Sharon Towers.
- The Garden currently has partner programs with Mecklenburg County Therapeutic Recreation (Project Shining Star), Presbyterian Hospital Hospice, Witherspoon Nurseries, Christ the King Pre-School, Trinity Episcopal School, and Garinger High School.
- The Charlotte Business Journal voted the garden as one of the top 25 Tourist Attractions in Charlotte.
The Garden's hours of operation are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. From May through September, the Garden is open on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Mother's Day celebration is an annual Garden tradition.
