September 27, 2004
Public Forum Will Explore Balance Of Development And Environment
Charlotte, NC - When large-scale development projects are planned in Mecklenburg County, whether a shopping mall or a sub-division, do our current regulations achieve a balance of land development and environment protection?
That is a question to be explored at an "Environmental Public Forum," hosted by Mecklenburg County. Citizens are invited learn more about the issues and make comments or recommendations.
- Thursday, October 21, 2004
- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center
- 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte
(FREE parking is available in the Davidson Street parking garage)
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners called for the public forum as the County begins to evaluate the environmental impacts of major development projects. The Board requested that the County's Environmental Policy Coordinating Council (EPCC) and the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) organize the Forum as a vehicle to hear from the public on this important issue.
The population of Mecklenburg County is projected to increase by approximately 500,000 by 2030. Charlotte-Mecklenburg will continue to be the hub of this growing multi?county region that attracts a daily influx of workers and visitors. While supporting growth, the Board of County Commissioners also is mindful of concerns from citizens regarding the effects of growth on their neighborhoods and the environment. Large?scale projects such as shopping malls or residential subdivisions are of concern since these projects can rapidly and dramatically impact the function and character of a particular area.
For more information, citizens can call 704-336-5597 or check the Web site
http://luesa.charmeck.org, where comments can be submitted via email.
The EPCC and LUESA will provide a report to the Board on the Forum and provide recommendations, if any.
A wide variety of stakeholders, or partners, have been included in the planning of the Environmental Forum. These partners all have an interest in how Mecklenburg County advances.
- Carolinas Clean Air Coalition Nancy Bryant, 704-375-7019
- Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition Mark Cramer, 704-940-3171
- Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation Althea Callaway, 704-373-1916
- Charlotte Chamber David Franchina, 704-331-7532
- Sierra Club, Central Piedmont Chapter Christa Wagner, 704-374-1125
- Charlotte Homebuilders Association Dale Nelson, 704 377-2006
- Environmental Policy Coordinating Council Steve Weber, Chairman, 704-372-9000
- Centralina Council of Governments Rebecca Yarbrough, 704 348-2704