CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A plan years in the making for SouthPark is picking up traction.
Charlotte City Council voted on approving the first reading of the SouthPark Municipal Service District. The resolution needs to be approved during a second and final reading on April 11 to be put into effect.
According to Monday's agenda, in 2016, members of SouthPark's business community began discussions to create a municipal service district to "enhance the economic vitality of the area."
The SouthPark Community Partners nonprofit organization would handle the service district. The SouthPark Mall would also be at the center of the district.
According to the current proposal, property owners within the boundaries of the district would pay an additional 4 cents per $100 of assessed value, which is projected to generate an estimated $1,350,000 annually. The funding would be used to hire administrative staff, provide advocacy, fund capital investments and support other economic developments within the district.
Officials say the existing Loop website, which highlights a three-mile bicycle and walking path, will also include information about the service district and also gather community input.
According to the proposal, "the SouthPark MSD boundary follows property lines and includes properties south of Scofield Road and Wickersham Road, west of Sharon Road and Cameron Valley Parkway, north of Sharon View Road, and east of Park South Drive."
COVID-19 relief money plans
City leaders also detailed how the city would spend roughly $9.5 million in COVID-19 relief money.
If approved, the United Way would get the most money, just below $5 million. That money would go toward rental assistance and supportive services for people in the community.
Roof Above would receive more than $1 million for the same needs.
The Salvation Army and other city partners would also receive part of the funds.
Charlotte City Council will still have to hold a final vote on the funds.
Charlotte Future 2040 Policy Map vote
Council also voted on, and approved, the final proposed Charlotte Future 2040 Policy Map during Monday's meeting. The map is a companion piece to the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
The policy map provides a guideline for possible future growth and development throughout Charlotte. Through three different phases of engagement, the policy map has been evaluated by the community as well as City Council members.
“I’d like to thank the Charlotte City Council for voting to adopt the Charlotte Future 2040 Policy Map, which is an important first step in implementing the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan” said Alyson Craig, the city’s interim planning director. “I am appreciative of the hard work by our staff and grateful for all the input we have received from the community throughout this process. We ask the community to remain engaged as we embark on the community area planning process set to begin later this year after the adoption of the Unified Development Ordinance. We aim to identify needed improvements in communities as well as conduct a parcel-specific review of the adopted policy map.”
Officials say the policy map will be updated and revised on a bi-annual basis.
You can review the current policy map by visiting the city's website.