Charlotte Gets $25M Grant For Streetcar Project

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Charlotte was granted almost $25 million of federal money for the streetcar project, allowing the city to move forward with the first 1.5 mile starter leg of the proposed 10 mile line.

Supporters of the project said streetcars encourage developments that connect neighborhoods, which is what Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx envisions.

"The streetcar is part of the growth of this city," Foxx said. "I hope this becomes a permanent part of the life of our city."

The starter leg of the project will connect to the Charlotte Transportation Center, Presbyterian Hospital, Time Warner Cable Arena, University of North Carolina at Charlotte uptown campus, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government District and the shops and restaurants along Elizabeth Avenue.

City crews haven't yet figured out exactly what the impact of the construction will be as they extend the rails to the area uptown, but engineers said they will take a more surgical approach that will minimize the impact on traffic.

Owners of some restaurants along Elizabeth Avenue are skeptical, though, expressing concerns that construction along Trade Street will discourage uptown customers from coming their way. They said that's what happened last year, when the city dug up the street to put in the first sections of rail.

At1900 Mexican, manager Jose Garcia said he's hopeful the streetcar will help, not hurt.

"If they bring it in, it will more than likely bring business here," he said. "Traffic will increase, exposure for us will increase. So [it will] definitely be better for us."

It will still be at least three more years until the project is finished, but Foxx is convinced patience will pay off.

"Look, the city's either growing or it's not growing," he said. "This is a 50 to 100 year investment, and I think it'll be worth it."

For more information about the Charlotte Streetcar Project, click here.

City Council must vote to approve the receipt of funds from the Urban Circulator Grant and allocate a $12 million match. If approved, the grant requires that construction begin within 18 months of receipt of the funds.

WSOC