NorthEast Coalition of Neighborhoods

NEC MInutes for May 18, 2008

Minutes - for the NorthEast Coalition - May 18, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Claire Green-Fallon at 3:10; followed by the invocation given by City Councilman Michael Barnes.

The minutes from the last meeting were held in abeyance.

Following the introduction of the NEC board, the president then recognized the member of the round table.  Those members were, Michael Barnes, Anthony Foxx, Karen Bentley, Nancy Carter, John Lassiter and Susan Burgess.  Brien Blakely of Fox 11 news was the moderator.

Mr. Blakely started by talking about the growth of Charlotte.  His first question was: "What is the main priority of the development of Charlotte"?

Mr. Lassiter: Charlotte is going to get larger.  Much pressure is on the infra structure.

Ms. Burgess: We are indeed grateful that although our city is growing, we do have a handle on that growth.  Make sure everyone should be able to enjoy the growth of the city.

Mr. Foxx: Crime and transportation is the largest issue. The growth in Charlotte has come about very rapidly.  Between 2001 and 2005 no new police officers were hired.  Public safety is the council's #1 priority.  The biggest challenge is to pull down walls so that each department will be able to work together.

Mr. Barnes: Quality has gotten better as far as development is concern.  More road connectivity is an improvement.  Air quality may/may not be an issue, providing affordable housing for all residents and Light rail could bring about more crime.

Ms. Carter: Credited Michael Barnes for working to get the North East & East better houses and affordable ones.  We are doing this together.

Ms. Bentley: People side of government, schools and libraries.  Want to continue to partner with the State and City.

Mr. Lassiter: Fire and police consume much of the tax payer money.  Mecklenburg County has 10% of the crime.

Ms. Burgess:  Street gangs initiative.  We need to turn up the heat. 

• Smart start 0-4 age group
• CIS - Mentors
• 3 strike law - is this something Charlotte needs? Charlotte has it, however, where do we put them?
• 64 agencies are funded by the county
• 1/2 goes to CMS budget
• Impact fees - what are they?
• What will it pay for?
• - infra structure, will close the funding gap
• - need more than 9 million which is in the budget
• - what is the impact of impact fees of a development?

The president thanked the group for participating.

No further business, motion to adjourn the meeting of May 18, 2008 at 5:00P.M.  Seconded.  All approved.  Motion carried.  ALL AYES.