Idlewild South Neighborhood Association

Add or subtract $20,000 to or from your home’s value

May 17, 2003

The two most important decisions by City Council this year affecting our area are (1) the draft Albemarle Road/I-485 Interchange Study and (2) the Southeast Transit Corridor vote.
(1) (Done): City Council wisely listened to their professional planning staff's recommendations on the draft Albemarle Road/I-485 Interchange Study which will help keep the remaining life from being sucked out of the Eastland Mall area. Are we finally beginning to be a well-planned city? (Charlotte hires a professional planning staff to plan a well-planned city, Council does not always follow their advice, but they did this time.) City Council allowed no more than 100,000 square feet of commercial at Albemarle and I-485 at this time. As the Mayor said, "We can always add it later."
(2) (Pending): It is crucial for Charlotte East to get light rail rather than buses. We have developers?’ letters stating they would be willing to invest in redevelopment along Independence Boulevard if we receive light rail, but not if we are slated to receive buses. This one decision alone could add or subtract $20,000 to or from our homes?’ property values. It is as simple as that. We must let City Council, County Commission, the Metropolitan Transit Commission, our State, and our Federal representatives know how we feel. Call or e-mail me at (704-576-3206/ vicki.valkanas@earthlink.net) or call the City/County information number at (704)336-7600 for those representatives' contact information.
By Vicki Valkanas
Zoning Committee Stay vigilant!
(704) 576-3206
vicki.valkanas@earthlink.net