April 25. With Red Line discussions well under way, Cornelius appears ready to rejoin the regional Lake Norman Transportation Commission headed up by former Mooresville Mayor Bill Thunberg.
“We plan to rejoin pending Town Board vote which I expect will pass,” said Mayor Woody Washam. “I am confident we will be stronger together as we continue to work with each other to solve all levels of transportation challenges and needs.”
The LNTC helped the towns work together on regional transportation issues, providing a unified voice when dealing with the NCDOT or federal transportation authorities.
But the regional alliance faltered eight years ago when Huntersville and Cornelius pulled out, dissatisfied with the cost—about $80,000 a year split four ways among Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Mooresville, vs. the benefit.
Looming in the background then was epic dissatisfaction region-wide with toll lanes on I-77.
Washam said when a new interlocal agreement with LNTC is reviewed—it’s in process now—a cost will be determined and a Town Board vote scheduled.
Strength in numbers
A regional approach to regional transportation issues is more effective than one town at a time, especially as Red Line discussions and community meetings with Charlotte Area Transit System officials are set for later later this month.
“Our transportation needs in North Mecklenburg and South Iredell are at a crucial point for the future of all of our municipal needs,” said Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox.
It makes sense, though
“While Cornelius hasn’t made a final decision regarding support, we do want to investigate the possibilities of a Red Line and determine the pros and cons of allowing it to traverse through Cornelius. A regional transportation approach is very important, and we want to work with the rest of the county to provide additional transportation alternatives,” said Cornelius Commissioner Todd Sansbury.
In Huntersville
Mayor Christy Clark said Huntersville is still evaluating rejoining LNTC. “Even so, we are committed to working closely with our neighboring towns on transportation issues,” she said.
Remember when Cooper promised to cancel the toll lanes and won the election because of that? I’m paying hundreds a month in tolls and haven’t seen any of the road projects that toll money was supposed to pay for. (Widening 73, Catawba)
Posted by Thomas | April 4, 2024, 11:54 amEstimated cost??? Forget the meetings we already set thru many meetings years ago about this.
Posted by Randy | April 4, 2024, 5:22 pmThey are updating the project because it’s been 20 years since the last design and cost estimate. A lot of people have moved into the area and aren’t familiar with the project.
Posted by Krystal | April 16, 2024, 12:24 pmHow about we have the out-of-country highway (Express Lane folks) guys finance the thing, then let the riders pay for it directly? That is more fair than a sales tax on people who will never ride!
Posted by Bucky Dornster | April 26, 2024, 11:36 amOK. In studying the news releases over the past few weeks, there are still unanswered questions. I only see people thinking this would be way cool.
1. Why do they say it will connect Mooresville? It stops at Mount Mourne. That’s an eight mile difference. Perhaps because they need the 1 cent sales taxes from Mooresville to finance it, but not serve the people?
2. Does it only go to Mount Mourne because the Norfolk track need repairs up to that point, and not beyond? Are we financing their repairs?
3. Still no actual studies showing people along the line will actually use it, let along need it. Why do we all need to pay for this?
Posted by Bucky Dornster | April 25, 2024, 3:37 pmThis is sham transportation but a taxpayer funded goldmine for developers. Go ride Tryon St from Harris Blvd South to where you can rejoin I 85. If this is the type of town you want than spend the billions and remember what this is. Diesel TRAIN not light rail like Charlotte has. JUST SAY NO
Posted by Jim Puckett | April 26, 2024, 4:49 pmSo sorry for phone keyboard typing autocorrect and just bad typing. Tryon St. Not Yryon etc hope you got the idea despite the wording
Posted by Jim Puckett | April 26, 2024, 4:53 pm