The Urban Land Institute (ULI) panel presented a series of findings and recommendations for economic growth to about 90 people in attendance at CP-North on Friday, January 29.

The presentation was done via power point, led by ULI Lake Norman chair Glenda Hood, who presented an overview, and supported by each member of the panel going deeper into detail on roads, commuter rail, housing, land use and financing techniques.  Following the ULI PowerPoint, a reaction panel commented, comprised of town Mayors, chair of the Mecklenburg County Commission and the Mayor of Charlotte.

Hood opened with the suggestion that the Lake Norman region must begin to better communicate, collaborate with a focus on connectivity, implying that our future success is largely up to us.  She said our story has not been effectively communicated to those who control the money the Lake needs for infrastructure. 

 Panelist Zane Segal said the Lake region needs and would benefit from a new positioning, such as The North Main Line, which could refer to rail and other elements of our geography.  He suggested we stop referring to our towns by exit numbers, and use the road names such as Sam Furr Road, rather than Exit 25. 

 Panelist Allen Folks recommended we think of our target geography as an area from I-77 east to a non-existent north/south thoroughfare to run from I-85 north to Mooresville east of NC 115 as part of a long term vision, and begin adopting land use and road improvements accordingly. 

Panelist Jack Wierzenski said the future will belong to public transportation, as there is an absolute limit to widening highways and interstates.  He encouraged the group to reenergize efforts to sell benefits to Charlotte of the Lake Region as a feeder to downtown for arts, cultural, recreational, sports and nightlife.  Speaking with one voice is fundamental to getting things done, he said.

Panelist Jim Ratkovich suggested a more concerted move to take advantage of recent changes by Federal Transportation Secretary LaHood, who will consider economic development and jobs benefits in awarding Federal transit money.  He recommended identifying local allies who could benefit from locating employees along the commuter rail line, such as Bellsouth has done in Atlanta.

Panelists Bill Lashbrook complemented the participants as ‘deluging’ the panel with great data and being well focused, prior to this panel.  He stressed the importance of continuing to work with NC DOT in taking bites out of the massive total cost of upgrading I-77.  He suggested action to identifying local funding sources before approaching State and Federal agencies.  Such initiative would be viewed favorably by those with the money.  He further offered several different funding approaches, including a four-community TIF or special assessment districts for local matching money.