Planning Phase (Completed September 2005)
During the planning phase, questionnaires and public meetings were used to obtain input from property owners. Several improvement alternatives were developed and evaluated to determine the best solution. A recommended alternative was selected and used as a guide for the design.
Design Phase (July 2007 to March 2009)
In November 2006, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) approached City Council for approval of the design contract for Wilora Lake, but the contract was not approved. Council raised questions regarding Storm Water working on private ponds for water quantity and water quality benefits. Storm Water shared information regarding the City's pond policy and the benefits gained from pond projects similar to Wilora Lake, and Council approved the pond policy on May 29th.
City Council approved funding for the design phase of this project on June 25, 2007. CMSWS has hired an engineering consultant (Brown and Caldwell, Inc.) to prepare the Wilora Lake Rehabilitation design. Personnel from City of Charlotte, the engineering consultant, NOVA (land surveyors), CWS (wetland specialist), and Schnabel Engineering (geotechnical engineers) will be working in the area collecting information necessary to complete the design.
The design was presented to the public at a public meeting held May 27th, 2008. A mailer was sent out notifying residence prior to the meeting. The meeting started at 6:30 PM and was held at the Hickory Grove Branch Library. Links to the meeting minutes and design presented at the meeting are below.
Permitting Phase (January 2008 through April 2009)
During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits are obtained from Federal and State governments. Other permits such as permission to work within CMU and NCDOT rights-of-way will be obtained during this phase. The permitting phase of a project may overlap other phases.
Property Easement/Acquisition (November 2008 through March 2009)
The City's real estate staff works with citizens and businesses to acquire Storm Drainage Easements (SDEs). The City requests that SDEs be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance. Wilora Lake LLC donated a SDE encompassing all of the Wilora Lake area in 2004.
In addition to SDEs, temporary construction easements may be needed to access work areas. The bid phase will begin after all easements and permits are acquired. The easement acquisition phase of a project typically lasts 8 to 12 months.
Bid Phase (Time frame TBD)
During the bid phase, the final plans will be circulated to qualified contractors for a competitive bidding process. By state law, the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the construction contract. The bid phase of a project typically lasts 4 to 5 months.
Construction Phase (Time frame TBD)
Throughout construction, efforts will be made to minimize disruption to nearby property owners. Construction of proposed improvements will be supervised by City inspectors. Notifications of key construction dates and will be mailed to residents prior to construction. Because projects vary in size, the typical construction phase of a project can last from 3 months to over 2 years.
Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2008
Exhibit C12
Project Team
Greg Cole, P.E.
City Project Manager
704-336-4647
Jennifer Smith, P.E.
City Program Manager
704-336-7924
Newsletters
October 2008 Mailer
June 2008 Mailer
