NorthEast Coalition of Neighborhoods

NEC Minutes for January 20, 2008

Minutes - Meeting for the NorthEast Coalition - January 20, 2008

The NorthEast Coalition meeting was called to order by the President, Claire Green Fallon, on Sunday, January 18, 2008, at the University City Library, at 3:05 p.m.

Mr. Bernie Samonds, President of DSRCO gave the invocation.  Mrs. Fallon explained the purpose of the NEC for those new in attendance.  All were asked to sign the attendance sheet.

Mr. Keith Parker, CEO for the Charlotte Area Transportation System was introduced as the speaker for the day.  His topic included bus services, the northeast corridor for light rail and commuter rail lines.  A copy of the topics outline is available by e-mail from the CATS office.  Mr. Parker introduced Jennifer Green, manager of the Blue Line and Judy Dellan-O'keefe, information director for the northeast corridor, and John Frank, manager of contracts for CATS and a resident of Colvard Park.  Mr. Parker brings varied employees to presentations to foster understanding of these events to his employees.  This helps when considering maximum land use, financial feasibility, responsibly planning the northeast corridor from downtown to 485, about 121 miles in all.

Federal funding for the project is 50%.  There are many steps to complete and we are at the preliminary engineering phase which will make us eligible for the 50%  A question of whether the Federal Government will guarantee cost over runs was answered "No" but that might be a possibility on a case by case basis.

Question of how intersections will be treated was to get all problems solved before use of the rails.

How does actual ridership affect the northeast corridor?  Positively.  How about machine ticket vendors?  The company, ACS is headquartered in the USA.  Breakdown of concern:  Newspaper articles are blowing problems out of proportion and are misleading.  The trains in service now are working great.  The voice system of announcements is working and working well.  It is difficult to fix the vending machines, but progress is being made.  Anyone caught riding without a valid ticket is fined $50.

How long will it be to get to the 65% planning stage when work actually begins?  Time lines will only complicate matters.  It will be 2 ½ to 3 years before the Feds are asked for money.  The expense of building will drive whether we get the money.  There is no cap, it is cost effectiveness that drives the request.  If it fails, it will be back to the drawing board.

Station development is based upon proper planning.  Stations will be an important part of where people live.

Will there be bus service improvement in University City?  Adding hours and increasing parking spaces in the park and ride lots is being considered on an ongoing basis based on ridership.  Historically, cross town routes do not work, here it is a wait and see for ridership.

City engineering and outsources are working on coordinating projections for the Northeast corridor.  Light tail is best for frequent stops up to 14 miles.  Commuter rail is for fewer stops and longer distances.

As for a bus on Harris Blvd., stops are not allowed on Harris Blvd.  It is a limited access road owned by the state.

Who pays the expenses of CATS?  Fares are paid by the ridership and cover 25% of the cost.  The ½ cent sales tax pays the rest.  New buses will include a variety of types.  Hybrids are 3 times as much to operate and clean diesel works the best.

Any and all persons are welcome to attend the City Council meetings and the dinner prior to the meetings where many presentations are held.  The public, however, does not eat dinner, they are spectators only.  Since many council meetings run very late into the night, this is the only opportunity for the elected officials to have a meal.  The next meeting is at City Hall in room 267 at 5:00 p.m. The Council will be asked for $30,000,000 from the sales tax fund to pay for the first studies.

As to questions on how bus routes are determined, cost effectiveness rules.

Mr. Parker concluded his remarks and question and answer period at 4:25 p.m. with the thanks of all present.

BUSINESS MEETING:  Called to order at 4:30 p.m. by the President. 

Treasurer's report:  Mike Aufrecht:  Balance on hand $305.29.  A copy of his report is attached hereto.  He reported that $60 was paid at the meeting today.

The following topics were introduced and/or explained or discussed:  Salvage yard request for beautification.  Cambridge builders, 2008-044 rezoning request to build 95 townhouses by a problem retention pond.  Only 12 acres are available and he wishes to change to MX2.  Present zoning requires 36 acres for 95 townhouses.  The David Cox warehouse will be 2 buildings instead of 1 for aesthetic purposes.  Natural woods are needed and requested by NCDOT on this state road.  Illegal signs on Mallard Creek to Statesville signs have been fined $1,400.  The law says no signs anywhere.  Call 311 to complain if you see illegal signs.

A discussion of 600 proposed homes to be built on the auto salvage yard.  A new developer MLP Real Estate has made a positive impression with an upscale proposal to develop 400 acres at Northlake Mall.  John and Mike will attend meetings.

It was noted that 485 at 77 has cracked concrete on the bridge which is not in use at this time.  Discussion on Back Creek Church road at the railroad crossing Regional Roads will be presented on Wednesday, January 23 at CPCC at 10:00 a.m.  Several people will attend the barbeque given by Fred Smith who is running for governor.

The Chamber of Commerce in Charlotte purpose is only business.  The article in the Sunday paper did not contact the NEC about the contents.  Discussion on tree save and business density and the Chamber.

Next month Mr. Thom Tillis will speak about the equity formula on roads in the State of North Carolina.

No meeting will be held in March, the meeting day being Palm Sunday.  In April the police will be represented and in May there will be a round table of Commissioners.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Jo Anne Dickens, substituting for Clair Lane