Welcome to the Charlotte SouthPark Rotary Club

 We ask just one question in our survey. We’ll post replies each week.

July 17, 2023

To: Laura J. Meier, Mecklenburg County Commissioner, District 5

Question: What is the number 1 challenge facing Mecklenburg County today, and what can we do to address it?

Answer: “I think we first need to start with educating the public on what affordable housing is. Many people think we want to put "Section 8" housing close to their neighborhoods. That is not the case. Teachers, EMT professionals, guidance counselors, nurses, fire fighters, police officers (among many other professions) simply cannot live where they work. We are experiencing a crisis here in Mecklenburg County. It's getting worse. 

The North Carolina General Assembly does not allow the county or the city to require developers to allow for a certain number of units as deemed 'affordable'. I think this policy should change. It would help tremendously.

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County do partner with developers who pledge affordable units. Mecklenburg County does have affordable housing projects in the works. However, there is simply not enough. It is going to take the private sector, along with public money, to make any kind of progress towards more affordable housing.”

July 10, 2023

To: Adam Rhew, President of SouthPark Community Partners

Question: What is the number 1 challenge facing the SouthPark neighborhood today, and what can we do to address it?

Answer: “SouthPark’s greatest challenge today is disconnection. This community is full of great places that aren’t (or aren’t perceived to be) cohesive. The most obvious way this challenge manifests is through mobility. Getting around SouthPark could be easier, safer, and more pleasurable than it is today—especially on foot. 

SouthPark Community Partners is working on a long-range Vision Plan to address our mobility challenges, and we will have opportunities for community engagement to be announced this fall. We are asking people to share their ideas for SouthPark so that we can create a plan that inspires and shapes future development to align with our community’s aspirations.”