CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles revealed that the state and not city leaders have authority to pause the Interstate 77 South Express Lanes project.
Objection to the multi-billion project has grown over the last few weeks, with the majority of City Council Wednesday at least second-guessing aspects of the plan. The toll lanes are slated to be built along I-77 between uptown and the South Carolina state line.
Charlotte activists raise concerns over proposed I‑77 South expansion, community meeting cut short due to uproar
“I’ve spoken with North Carolina Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, who appreciates our concerns,” Lyles wrote in a social media post Friday. “I believe that definitive action needs to occur in the short-term to further engage with our community. Secretary Johnson has committed to meeting with neighborhood leaders from communities that would be impacted by this project.”
NCDOT held more than 30 community meetings over the last year, but it wasn’t until a forum held Feb. 5 when activists were the loudest in their fears of the potential displacement on historically African-American communities. It came a day after the design plans were announced that elevated lanes would be sued on at least a section of the highway near uptown. Johnson apparently told Lyles that there is still time to incorporate community feedback and identify solutions. The mayor invited members of the NCDOT to the next Charlotte Transportation, Planning & Development Committee meeting, scheduled for March 5.
“We will continue to make sure that our community’s perspectives, concerns and needs are shared with NCDOT, state leaders and federal leaders,” Lyles said…