OverviewCHAPTER 2
StorekeeperCHAPTER 3
The CommuterCHAPTER 4
The BuilderCHAPTER 5
The MomCHAPTER 6
The TeenagerCHAPTER 7
The FarmerCHAPTER 8
The SurferGUIDE |
Bert Smudge
USA - Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 09:14:11 (EST)
To all: We hope you have enjoyed and learned from this bulletin board devoted to Exit 25 and issues its sparks. We plan to leave the bulletin board in place, but it will not be actively updated by us. However, if you have comments you would like to send to us, please send them to me. We're especially interested in any thoughts you might have on how to improve bulletin boards such as this and ideas for stories related to these issues. I am the editor on the Exit 25 project and deal with other similar projects and would love to hear from you.
Steve Gunn <sgunn@charlotte.com>
charlotte, nc USA - Monday, February 16, 1998 at 10:25:51 (EST)
Nigel, Please, Houston is an eyesore. It's a complete disaster and out of control. And no, freedom does not mean you can do anything you want, anytime with your property. Your rights end where mine begin. And furthermore, cities and towns have no obligation to defend or expand land value. It's not the town's job to get a land owner the most for his/her money. If a town chooses, by democratic process, to zone for, or control growth, it is for the benefit of the town citizens. Who, if they don't like that approach, can put new people in place to change it. And finally, if you think this place is great now, you can't imagine how great it was before people like you came here.
Kevin
USA - Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 09:59:19 (EST)
As I wrote to the Cornelius Board of Commisioners about a year ago, when the Jiffy Lube started constuction; I moved here from Los Angeles in 1991 with the feeling of relief. Not only from owning nearly 3/4 of acre of property, but the new-found freedom for my children was unbelievable. No longer was there the feeling of not being able to let the kids play in the front yard alone. I communicated to the Board that they will not know what it is like to live in a cement town untill when in the near future this one will be. I am near exit 28, and what used to be a half an hour drive to Charlotte in the morning is now 50 minutes. Not only has the Dept. of Trans. not kept up with roads, but there has been no building plan or moritorium considered for the area. How many Apartment Buildings does this area need? Californians who saw LA grow in the early years comment on the rapid sprall of what used to be Orange Groves. Farmer Cook is correct. When he is gone, the country will be too. Welcome to the suburbs.
John Skolaut <sprays@mindspring.com>
Cornelius, NC USA - Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 02:14:19 (EST)
Kevin, I was thinking of somewhere like (lovely clean) Houston where they don't have zoning and where they have some of the lowest rents around. (Mexico is not my idea of a capitalist, i.e., free, country.) And freedom DOES mean building where, when and what you want want; it means you are the master of your life and property (so long as you respect the same rights of others). I've tried life under statism with it's crumbling, 'protected' buildings, exhorbitant rents and fascistic bureaucrats; that's why I came here. I don't think I (or anyone else) has the right to impede other people's freedom to do what they think best with THEIR lives and property. The whole purpose of rights is to protect the individual's freedom from predations by those who don't like his choices. It is freedom that makes the growth and prosperity of Huntersville possible; its rapid development is a sign of its virtue.
Nigel
Huntersville, NC USA - Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 01:52:18 (EST)
Nigel, Please go back wherever you came from. Liberty doesn't mean building anything, anywhere, anytime you want. However, Mexico City is there if you'd like a place that's that way. Of course you can't breath the air, drink the water, or be safe on the street, but I guess you'd like it.
Kevin
USA - Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 12:00:05 (EST)
To the 'no growthers' and 'slow growthers': I live at Exit 25 and I love it, but I love liberty more. Limiting the growth of Huntersville (or anywhere else for that matter), means denying others the liberty to build and/or live where they choose because you like things the way they are. This is America, remember? How would you like to be on the receiving end of that kind of arrogance?
Nigel
Huntersville, USA - Sunday, February 08, 1998 at 20:40:51 (EST)
I grew up in Charlotte and moved to South Florida 13 years ago and just moved back to the Charlotte area. When we left for South Florida we were living in Huntersville and said then if we ever came back it would be to the Huntersville area. We are now in the process of buliding a home near Exit 25. I saw the growth in Florida and Charlotte is growing but nothing compared to what is going on in Florida. I really believe that Mecklenburg County would benefit from taking a look at how Florida is copeing with growth and use some of their ideas as well as learning from thier mistakes and believe me there are many. Growth can be accomodated with proper planning. The reason we chose Huntersville to build our home is because of the special feeling of the area. It still has the same feeling 13 years later. The growth of the area has not changed that! I think mass transit would be a good choice for North Mecklenburg as well as road planning.
J. Tarbox
Charlotte, NC USA - Sunday, February 08, 1998 at 10:25:16 (EST)
The exit 25 article caught my attention. My family lives in east Charlotte. We have small children, who will be educated in Mecklenburg county. My dream is to move out of the city and live up near the lake. The idea of my child, growing up in a quieter place sounds like a piece of heaven. I can not even fathom the life my children would have..if they remained here in town. Ok, I am sure there are plenty of you who grew up and are doing quite well. But, let's face it..Charlotte, is a BIG city now. Those of you who live up near exit 25 write horror stories about the big commute. Hey, are you complaining or just trying to discourage the rest of us..from moving up there? Hey, if it is so bad..why are you still there? It looks pretty darn nice to me. I think we all have to reevaluate what we value. I love and enjoy a healthy family life. Give me exit 25...I have a dream...free me from the inner city. But, always have compassion for all walks of life..and empathy for others.
Andrea <aripley@webtv.net>
Charlotte, NC USA - Sunday, February 08, 1998 at 00:43:07 (EST)
I have very much enjoyed the series of articles that you have run in the "Observer" on Exit 25. My family just moved to a new subdivision off of Sam Furr Road a mere 4 months ago and love the location. We are minutes to just about anything that we need. Yes, Northern Mecklenburg is growing at a phenomenol rate, but a city that is growing like Charlotte (regardless of how or why it is happening) is going to suffer from growing pains. People are going to want to live in areas that are convenient and attractive, like North Mecklenburg. I, too, am concerned about the "reactiveness" of local government, and the lack of future planning. The Observer displayed growth figures of which government officials must be aware. There needs to be more attention paid to schools and transportation. The new North Meck Jr. High opens this fall and it will be near capacity when it opens (if I read the figures correctly). That means the old reactive approach will be to pull in mobile classrooms (i.e. trailers) next year when they are over-enrolled. The new addition to Cornelius Elementary will mean that the mobile class rooms will be moved out--for a year or two. I pass North Meck on a regular basis and cannot believe how many trailers I see. With new homes and apartments being put on every available piece of land, these measures are mere band-aids. (As a firm believer in community-building, accessible, neighborhood schools, the answer is not to send part of a community, like Huntersville, to a school in another part of town, either. But that is another subject, isn't it?) The traffic is tremendous and getting worse every day--why is there no plan to at least expand I-77? I personally believe that greater mass transportation options need to be available, not just for convenience sake, but for obvious environmental reasons. And I don't mean buses. The reason more people don't use buses is the simple fact that they aren't any faster--they get stuck in traffic, too. And commuter buses are not available at different times of the day (what if you need to work late? What if your child gets sick during the middle of the day?). I have traveled in many major cities and have had the pleasure of utilizing their subways and rail systems (Atlanta, Phily, NY, St. Louis, DC). They are extremely efficient and provide a dependable method of mass transit to thousands of commuters daily. And a rail system could be an excellent way to revitalize the downtown area. Wouldn't downtown be a more lively spot if a rail system deposited sports fans, conventioners and those seeking entertainment (dining, theatre) right in the heart of the city? No need to look for a parking space, no worrys about a long drive home? I cannot fathom why a city with this kind of growth didn't begin a rail project years ago! As a relative newcomer to Charlotte (transfer by work five years ago), I don't know what it was like years ago, but I like it very much and intend to stay for many years to come. I think the community (meaning residents of Charlotte and its surrounding counties and townships) are more than willing to work together to ease these problems. We just need a little leadership, both on local and state levels.
B Blum <bblum@aol.com>
Huntersville, nc USA - Saturday, February 07, 1998 at 23:17:42 (EST)
Sure progress has it's disadvantages, but there are also some advantages! I grew up in Cornelius and now live in Huntersville and can remember I-77 being built.Growth has been steady ever since. There are a few advantages I'd like to mention..... LIKE.....Going two miles instead of 20 to shop for merchindise for my home...OR.....just up the road for fine dining and not fighting 20min. of traffic to the south.And also it's good to know my teenage kids won't have to -DRIVE- to Charlotte or Moorsville to go on dates..they will be just 10mins. away.Well I'll end with saying progress can be good but if any more cows leave Huntersville it won't be.
JOE GOFORTH <JGo58@aol.com>
HUNTERSVILLE, NC USA - Saturday, February 07, 1998 at 18:36:27 (EST)
how about this I live in dilworth and commute to exit 25. It is great I zip onto 77-north arrive at exit 25 20 mins later on the way home no traffic again. I love it . I sometimestake the bus back and forth there are only a handful of others that commute from huntersville to charlotte, I think alot more of the people complaining about the traffic woes should consider the bus or find a great job there on exit 25 like I did. Now we are looking to move there but it is the employment not the suburbia that draws us. theres alot more to do in huntersville than complain about the traffic
kathy ashley <kashley@webtv.net>
USA - Saturday, February 07, 1998 at 11:52:00 (EST)
I wouldn't get too upset about what Matt Garner says because he is probably single and minus children. Parents that are responsible always try to do the best they can for their kids to keep them safe but the suburbs aren't necessarily that safe when you have to drive everywhere on overcrowded highways with all the crazies out their and drunkdrivers, etc. Many times you're better off living closer to the amentities of life. This is my third letter on here and I've enjoyed reading the letters. I've lived in Tampa for the last past six years and if you want to see total chaos come to the Tampa St Pete area and Florida in general. It's total riff-raff down here, senior citizens and a state out of control. I doubt if NC will ever become like this but who knows if people keep moving in. Too many people anywhere ruin it overall. I lived in Charlotte and Winston Salem in the 70s and 80s and thought it was great but even then there were problems in Charlotte because of the people moving in from the northeast and midwest. It's up to the parents to set a good example in their daily lives and to be there and listen. If you can't stay home and take care of your kids Mothers don't have them. Don't expect the school and state officials to do it for you.
SuzyBurns <SuzyBurns>
Tampa, Fla USA - Saturday, February 07, 1998 at 11:45:17 (EST)
What kind of a complete nut-case is this Matt Garner? As far as your "Multicultural Uptoia" hogwash is concerned, we've gone from bad to "diverse." Safety is a legitimate concern for any parent. And I'm sorry but the stats don't lie. It's safer out of the city, period. As far as being around people like ourselves, as much as we're defined by kindness, good manners, and a healthy concern for one another, then yes I do want to be around those kind of people, regardless of their race, economics, or religion. Shame on you for your cliched venting, and (of course) blaming others. The real problem here is the destruction of all our open farm land and the arrival of thousands of transplants, regardless of the status.
Kevin
USA - Saturday, February 07, 1998 at 09:48:11 (EST)
What kind of a complete nut-case is this Matt Garner? As far as your
Kevin
USA - Saturday, February 07, 1998 at 09:46:32 (EST)
My wife and I picked Charlotte sight unseen when we decided in June that we were ready for a change from Minnesota. We moved here without jobs, and as fate would have it, I landed a job in Statesville (a town which I have come to adore). So every morning I am going opposite to rush hour on I-77, and I never cease to be amazed at the traffic and the hassles going the other direction. I realize that this is not an option for most people, but some of you ought to consider continuing to live in North Mecklenburg but looking for employment north, east or west. You will marvel at the simple pleasure of using your cruise control once again.
David Fee <fee-assn@carolina.net>
Charlotte, USA - Friday, February 06, 1998 at 23:21:38 (EST)
I would just like to make it known that i think that anyone who moves to I-77 exit 25 or any other suburban locality for the sake of escaping the problems of the cities is a disgrace to the human race. I'm sure that there are many people reading this who have escaped to the suburbs for that very reason. If you are one of those people, then this is aimed at you. By moving to the suburbs you are isolating yourself and your family from the real world. You are moving into homogenous communities with only people who are just like you. You are forging friendships with these people based on the reasons that they are like you and they value the same things you do. For the most part, you suburbanites value material things above everything else. And to those of you who say that the suburbs allow to be more religious, I doubt that God or whoever else you may worship would think it is very citizen-like for you to move away from diversity because you are afraid of it. And to parents, you should know that while you think you are doing your kids a favor by giving them a huge house and back yard in the suburbs, you are actually denying them access to the real world. You are isolating them and teaching them that only kids lke themselves are suitable as friends. Furthermore, you are adulterating their innocence by teaching them that shopping at malls and spending money are what matters in life. Your children will end up growing up to be just like you. If you really want to help them, you should learn the lesson that diversity and the people whom you love are what is important, and then you must teach them that. You are a disgrace to the human race if you think that avoiding the things you are afraid of is honorable. Maybe one day you will realize the problems that you are causing but choose to blame on others.
Matt Garner <DunbarFrox@aol.com>
Charlotte , NC USA - Friday, February 06, 1998 at 18:17:26 (EST)
Suzy Burns makes a good point. Development might seem good, but in the long run developing too fast is terrible. I'm from a rural Connecticut town of pop. 5000 and I love it. Small town charm, 30 min from Hartford businesses, between NY and Boston. Hey, I don't mind driving for 30 min to go to a mall. Here in Rhode Island it has developed way too much and it's disgusting. Come up and see Providence or Warwick or any of Eastern Massachusetts and see what Charlotte might look like if you're not careful. I can't wait to back to CT. Resist development as much as possible. You won't be able to stop it, but at least you'll slow it down. By the way, what's Target?
John
Providence, RI USA - Friday, February 06, 1998 at 12:54:10 (EST)
The CLT Observer is to liberal for me.
charlie jones
Gastonia, nc USA - Friday, February 06, 1998 at 01:44:17 (EST)
t . r . a . i . n . s trains can help this town help our people get around night and day they always run always ready for work or fun came from trains - where'd they go we still need them - don't you know help us make trains work again walk to work with your best friend see how trains make us feel I don't need my automobile help our city - make it right make trains run again tonight
Robert Reddick <robertr@hornets.com>
Charlotte, NC USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 21:06:51 (EST)
Charlotte is my home and it breaks my heart to see the whole area including southeast Charlotte and up toward Lake Norman totally overbuilt and too many people moving in. I like in Tampa Fla currently because of a job transfer and that too is a horrible overcrowded mess of humanity. I loved Charlotte when I lived there in the late 70s and 80s. I have another letter on here and I received this rude letter about Tampa. I agree that Tampa is no heaven and especially Tampa. I just feel that Charlotte was special place because of the beauty of its city and its populous. You can't compare Tampa with Charlotte but I think it's a crying shame it is being ravaged by builders so they can make a profit and the politicians encouraged people to move there for some reason leaving you all with higher crime, taxation, over crowded school and horrible driving conditions. Why not chop their heads off at the next election for what they've done.
SuzyBurns <Suzy Burns>
TAMPA, FLA USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 17:41:50 (EST)
How to raise revenues for alternative transpostation links. Issue traffic tickets. Given the number of drivers around Charlotte speeding, failing to signal and stop it should be possible to raise enough revenue for a rail link within a day or two.
T.C.
USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 16:56:40 (EST)
I would like to jump in and say that I feel that I-77 no longer functions as it was designed. Increased traffic volume has caused severe backups and a much higher probability of accidents occurring at any time of the day. It makes the drive something to really hate. Especially for those who can't be helped by a downtown transit system. Most people work in other Charlotte area locations, so how would a bus or train to downtown help them? Congestion is getting worse with nothing scheduled to happen to improve it for years to come. Exit 25 seems to have lost its shine.
R. Harper <RHPR60@aol.com>
Cornelius, NC USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 16:18:35 (EST)
I have lived on Lake Norman for 20 years and commute to Charlotte every day. My commute is a nightmare and the quality of life that made a 37 mile commute bearable has disappeared.I agree completely with Rebecca (2/5/98) and Richard (2/4/98), both from Davidson. It seems like Davidson is the only town in this area that is doing anything about controlling growth. The rest of North Meck and South Iredell should follow Davidson's example.
Disgruntled "Meck Neck" resident
Mooresville, NC USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 14:26:55 (EST)
I have lived here nearly all my life, and I am embarrassed to read the articles in the Observer. What about the people who have always thought that there was too much development going on? There are many people who wish that the development had stopped before it started, and that all the newcomers who seek peace and quiet are really destroying it. The people who live in the new housing developments around exit 25 have no idea that the way of life that they are seeking is being destroyed by them. The Observer has not even addressed this other viewpoint. What about all the people who wish that the farm land had stayed a farm?
Rebecca
Davidson, USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 12:13:56 (EST)
Sorry people...I also have a commute of 43 miles one way to work, and I work 7 days a week. I have been on the lake since 1989 and this is the place to be...!!!
Terri
USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 10:22:53 (EST)
If you are single and you work uptown and you dont live uptown then you are nowhere. Uptown is for the young urban professional single. Lake Norman is nice but whom wants to endure that commute twice a day. Count me out!
Kevin <clarklaw@bellsouth.net>
Charlotte, nc USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 03:35:37 (EST)
I have lived here almost all of my life give or take three years. Charlotte has encroached upon my neighborhood called Windrow in Matthews steadily. I have seen the creek and trees in my backyard that I used to play in be gutted and rip-rapped for flood control in anticipation of future development and the outerbelt. I have watched the outerbelt be built a mile away from my house. It now stands dead halt dramatically before a very special and magical grouping of trees. I understand construction is halted due to future violations of the Clean Air Act. Just across the field from the trees and an old homestead is an old grave yard. It is now shaved by the highway. Ive found grave stones dated in the 1700's there. I say this because I see the enevitability for future development. And this is a preservation in many ways, a memory crystallized before its gone. We hope to hold on to the old ways of life desperately. To live in peace in quiet, to live in a place where we feel we belong are very human desires we can not resist. So we move further away from the city we work in and depend upon. Instead of working with what we have got we throw in the cards and just try again. But the more things change the more they stay the same. A quote from the latest chapter on Exit 25 personifies the paradox, ``I don't think any of us moved out here to live in the city. If I had my way we'd have a mall nearby. But that would be it, no more development''(Gebelein, Exit 25). We want only what is best for us. We dont consider all the economic development and human resources necessary to have a mall. And not to mention all the new neighbors. By moving out of town to further sub-urbias we further perpetuate our community developmental difficulties. Those difficulties being: urban sprawl; air and water pollution; dependence upon a limited supply of fossil fuels; isolation from our communities that sustain us. Is there an answer? I am afraid of what will happen to our lives if we have no real community, no real sense of place. My heart is in pain seeing the development in my backyard. It is real for me, as it is for all of us. This has inspired me in my college studies. I am focusing myself on an interdisciplinary field entitled Environmental Policy, and Planning. I am not only educating myself on the problems but seeking solutions. The answer is in healthful living. That means a healthy mind, healthy body, healthy soul, healthy living, healthy community, healthy state, healthy country, healthy planet. Is this too much to ask for? My question is rhetorical? I do feel the solutions to community problem should be in the community. We must have the courage to speak to each other and work with each other if we are to get along and create our community.
Neal Wisenbaker <Jahneal@aol.com>
Matthews , NC USA - Thursday, February 05, 1998 at 00:29:04 (EST)
I lived in Charlotte from l979 thru l986 and it was the most delightful place I have ever lived after coming from the northeast. However I saw this on the horizon this deal between the politicians and the developers who have totally ruined Charlotte and vicinity. It is really very sad now when I go back and see it all ruined and the farmland turned into housing developments and shopping centers. Was thinking about moving back but things are totally out of sink up there. Why did you all let this happen. It was such a beautiful city when I lived there and is now totally ruined.
Martha J Burns <SuzyBurns>
Tampa, FLA USA - Wednesday, February 04, 1998 at 23:34:50 (EST)
The article concerning exit 25 brought to mind a few questions... 1) Since when is bigger better? Are all these "Yankees" moving to Charlotte because they think it's a BIG city? 2)If growth is all it's claimed to be, what percentage of the "new" jobs go to "new" residents vs native residents? 3)More resident means more tax tax revenues...right? But how much does it cost the existing tax base to support all the new services that we have to provide to all these extra people? If it is a "net wash", in terms of revenue, is it worth the cost in terms of a lower quality of life due to crime, congestion, polution, destruction of farms, forests and historic sites? I've obviously asked more than three questions but my point is that we've sold our soul to the developers and the politicians who serve the developers, all in the name of becoming a "World Class" city. But it seems to me that if "World Class" was all it supposedly cracked up to be we wouldn't be dealing with a "refugee" problem right now.
David
Charlotte, NC USA - Wednesday, February 04, 1998 at 16:11:23 (EST)
I like these articles on Exit 25 because it shows people that the north end of the county is just as busy as the south end. But i do not agree with some of the reports. The article on the commute was terrible. This man must leave his house at six o'clock in the morning. I drive to Charlotte three days out of the week to make it to my 8:30 classes at CPCC and The Charlotte Fire Academy. To get to class on time i must leave by 7 o'clock at the latest. This man says he drives straight to work? I come to a complete stop atleast twice before i even get to Huntersville (Exit 23). Maybe i should get one of those cars that this man drives, it must part the traffic like Moses parted the sea. Other than that article i have loved the rest of them. I have lived here all my life and i have watched this transformation from a two laned skinny road to a major business/residential giant. I just hope it is fixing to end because i dont want to see all the "country" disappear.
Guerry Barbee <mailto:g%20dawg%20000@aol.com>
cornelius, nc USA - Wednesday, February 04, 1998 at 14:17:37 (EST)
I think featuring articles on "EXIT 25" are great, but they are not telling the REAL story. Look at all the comments to your article on "The Commute". Featuring some guy from NJ isn't exactly the sterotype representation I was looking for. How about from many points of view. From the two people that carpool; from working mothers who have very abstract schedule needs; people who take the available "transit options" now (bus and vanpool). The best thing you could do is ADVERTISE THOSE OPTIONS. And for all those people out there complaining either out loud or to yourselves ALL THE WAY HOME, what have YOU done about it besides complain? Have you attended any planning meetings? Have you taken the bus? Have you written to Gov. Hunt or anyone else about your ideas or your discontent? As a former "Yankee" myself, it really makes me sit up and think - I didn't move here for it to be just like NY or LA or Newark or Philly; I moved here to get away from all that. Let's not set our goals on becoming like those places we left due to economic strugle; dirty streets and highways; faceless people passing by without that familar "hey" as you walk by. This is North Carolina, let's work to improve the transit situation by having alternatives and by haulting some of the massive construction raping our land. How many people can you stack on top of one another and still keep the same infrastructure??? Let's here some effort to change things, not just idile complains. If you're not willing to do anything, why would your neighbor be willing to do something?
Actions Speak Louder
USA - Wednesday, February 04, 1998 at 13:07:30 (EST)
I don't know, I live in Connecticut.
Wycliffe
USA - Wednesday, February 04, 1998 at 12:12:46 (EST)
We have only lived here for seven months, but it is very apparent this area has been ignored until now. I was surprised when I saw a map of District One - the needs of the residents in Northern Mecklenberg are vastly different from those in other parts of D1! We need our own representation. For the most part, it's exciting to see the changes going on in the entire Northern Mecklenberg community. I realize there is great resentment from some natives and "oldtimers" that all these newcomers are destroying the feel of the area. However, having lived in many different parts of the country, I have heard the same comments in California, Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, etc. The reality is that the population is growing and people have to have somewhere to live. And, most people, especially those with children, still dream of the house in the suburbs with a little bit of land and schools nearby that their children attend with their friends. The key to making everything work is proper planning - making sure that the infrastructure can support the growth, instead of playing catch-up 5 - 10 years after the need is there. I get the impression the explosion in this area took state and Mecklenberg governments by surprise. Retailers, too. Thank goodness for Northcross - it is a clean, beautiful, well-done shopping community with a nice mix of large retailers and small merchants who recognize you when you walk in. One thing I haven't figured out is why drivers here drive SO fast, even on back roads. People have told me that you have to go at least 10 miles over the speed limit or you'll get run over. That still happens even when you go 15 or 20 miles over the limit. That's one reason for the congestion - accidents related to speeding on 77 tangle traffic on almost a daily basis. I would rather drive the freeways of LA on any day than I-77! In terms of mass transit - I think people would be more inclined to take a train or metro system than a bus.
T. Burgess <71612.2532@compuserve.com>
Davidson, NC USA - Wednesday, February 04, 1998 at 09:50:36 (EST)
Exit 25 is hell on earth. It's typical of the way the entire state is being destroyed for the profit of a few. As a native I'm appalled. It's congested, ugly, and faceless. Just like Charlotte. The radical solutions needed to save what little is left will be fought by the builders and developers. Mass transit will only make it worse.What an awful, sad, pathetic mess this is. North Carolina should have never begged for "economic development." The price is too high. The quality of life has been destroyed by all these newcomers now so anxious to condem the road congestion (they're the problem)and the schools (them again). If I had wanted to live in Atlanta I would have moved there.
Richard
Davidson, USA - Wednesday, February 04, 1998 at 08:30:30 (EST)
I am enjoying the articles on exit 25, which I live just off of in Birkdale. No question about it, I-77 must be widened and soon! The growth in our area will not be able to continue and have morning and evening traffic flow at all with current road system. We also need better lighting on Sam Furr Rd. It is pitch dark and dangereous going west on hwy. 73 just off I-77.
Bob Smith <bsmith1547@aol.com>
Huntersville, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 23:19:00 (EST)
The number one priority in Mecklenburg County should be to widen I-77 from the I-85 interchange to the county line. Think how bad the log jam is going to be down the road when this construction project is underway-the sooner the better. Whatever happened to the proposed and approved stop light at Northcross Drive and Sam Furr. Are we waiting for a traffic fatality to occur? This is a very unsafe intersection with a history of major accidents. The life and times around Exit 25 were a whole lot nicer before Exit 25.
Stewart Haggins <stewart@aol.com>
huntersville, nc USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 18:43:57 (EST)
As planning continues on the solution to the traffic problems facing commuters from Lake Norman, the solutions should address the fact that any type of mass transit solution (buses, light rail, commuting lanes, etc.) must be available both in the early morning and late at night. Unless you make the services available when people need to use them, people will be unable to ride the bus or a rail service and will add to the problem like I do...by driving to work instead of car pooling or mass transit. If the solution is adding lanes to I-77 and providing Bus lanes or a light rail system...please make it available when the majority of the people need it. I for one would use a light rail system into downtown if I could be guaranteed I could use it when I need to go home...whether that is 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., or 10:00 p.m. The problem with the current solutions...bus service from Exit 25...is that it isn't available when the majority of the people I seem to be sharing the road with need it. Lets make sure the County plans ahead and takes these ideas into consideration before a plan is implemented that fails to address our current problems.
Carl Larson <ctlarson@bellsouth.net>
Mooresville, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 18:09:06 (EST)
I have enjoyed the series about exit 25. I have lived in Huntersville since 1994 and have witnessed the building boom around exit 25. Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson are THE boom area of Mecklenburg county for the next 5 years. But when it comes to school and road funding, there is a definite bias against the North Mecklenburg area. The areas south of Charlotte always seem to get the highway upgrades and school improvements, while the areas north of Charlotte are in desperate need of new schools and road improvements for the surging population. The I-485 outerbelt is not scheduled to reach I-77 north until after 2005 and the widening of I-77 north of Charlotte is not even on the DOT agenda. I urge all North Mecklenburg residents to send a letter directly to Gov. Hunt to free up some DOT funds to get I-77 widened ASAP (especially before he starts handing out more money to his own rural county).
Andre LaZur <LaZurA@Worldnet.att.net>
Huntersville, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 17:33:07 (EST)
No where in this article was the mention of "Huntesville." Does the writer of this article not realize that "exit 25" is located in the town limits of HUNTERSVILLE? Exit 25 has nothing to do with Charlotte. Please, start giving Huntersville the recognition we deserve!
Cindy Dorman <ldorman@ix.netcom.com>
Huntersville, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 17:30:15 (EST)
I recently moved to New York City from Charlotte (to attend graduate school), and as someone who did not own an automobile in Charlotte, I feel that I am living in a goldmine of transit options. However, upon completion of graduate school, I do plan on returning to Charlotte. While I will be spoiled from the efficient subway and bus system here, I do believe that there is hope for the Queen City. Yes, comparing New York to Charlotte is akin to apples and oranges, but the simple fact is is that building and widening more roads is simply NOT a long-term, viable solution to traffic congestion and pollution. We need to not only think about next year, but also in the next thirty to forty years. Just because many of us will not be around is no excuse to remain ignorant to the fact that mass transit (and the complementary land-use designs that go with it) is the best way to meet the transportation needs for a growing population. Of course, successful mass transit plans need to factor in many things and utilize the cooperation of many sides - the public, regional governments, and the automobile industry to name a few. The point is, the time is NOW to start a REAL, inclusive dialogue over what to do and how to finance it. Overall, I wish that everyone would realize that it is inevitable that the Charlotte region NEEDS mass transit! For future generations, for the environment, for us.
Christian Burgess <wburgess@hejira.hunter.cuny.edu>
New York, NY USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 14:23:45 (EST)
I like the series, but I can't find a map with the series to show me where all this is happening. I have a vague idea, but a clear look at the area would have helped a lot. I just feel like I can't get a handle on what you are talking about in all of this.
Jeff Richards
Charlotte, USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 11:46:32 (EST)
I used to take the bus from Pineville into Charlotte - but stopped taking it for several reasons. One we had problems with dirvers and one extremely unsafe driver that caused me to fall off my seat in the bus. The bus was never on time. We had MANY breakdowns. Then the route was changed (not that we could tell) and shortened so that the bus no longer stopped in Pineville. They also increased the price for this service. I no longer take the bus but come into Charlotte by car.
Jane McIlreavy <Mack@BellSouth.net>
Pinevill, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 11:29:14 (EST)
An important condiseration concerning traffic congestion is the cause...a strong and vibrant economy which attracts new business, new employees, increased population and increased tax dollars. Doesn't it seem appropriate to put these tax dollars to an appropriate use?? Such as widening I-77 to 8 lanes?
N. Floyd <KWFNDF@aol.com>
Charlotte, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 11:23:44 (EST)
Why can't the state DOT stop some of the obvious waste of taxpayers money. How about taking some of the millions of dollars being wasted on five lane highways through tobacco fields around Wilson, N.C., home of Gov. Hunt. If the state would plan roads in advance like they have in Wilson traffic would be smooth as glass.Clearly this is just another act of favortism to the Hunt administration at taxpayers expense.Now he wants to run for VP of the US, what a joke. Doug McDaniel
Doug McDaniel <dougmc@charlotte.infi.net>
Cornelius, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 11:11:09 (EST)
I used to drive downtown from exit 18, and in the last several months before I left, traffic steadily worsened, turning a twenty minute commute into about forty. In addition, there are a few bad apples that make it worse, especially those clowns that attempt to zip down the shoulder. It seems that the county doesnt really give a tinker's cuss what happens to traffic. If half the cars were filled with gays, Joel Carter would try to get them off the road, but there appears to be zero interest in solving real problems. Light rail would help, especially with all the Yankees involved, in that they would likely be more accepting of a no-car situation. Its bad, folks, and getting worse. I solved my problem by moving, and that first morning that I was not forced by economics to drive downtown was sweet indeed.
Mark Taylor <mtaylor@mwbb.com>
Richmond, Va USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 10:27:15 (EST)
This article really misses the point. Traffic from the Lake Norman area is a nightmare fom 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm on. Everywhere you look at exit 25 there are more apartments, condos and houses going up. When is somebody in the state or local government going to do something; buses are not the solution, that will only add more slow moving vehicles like trucks to the congestion. I agree with the comments on the poor drivers. Could somebody PLEASE convince these people that you do not have to slow down and look at a wreck or car on the shoulder of the road. This type of poor driving is the main reason for every back up we have..
Annoyed Commuter
Davidson, nc USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 10:23:58 (EST)
Everyday, I drive from Lake Norman Exit 28 to Charlotte. Each day the traffic gets more hazardous with the constant stopping and starting. And, if there is an accident I can forget about getting to work in my normal 35-45 minute commute. I moved to Lake Norman leaving all the crime, gridlock, and rat race in Charlotte but, I guess the traffic problem is spreading. I personally think the mass transit system would improve the area by reducing accidents, shorter commute time, reduce road rage and my stress.
Anne Bias <afc1@phsc.com>
Cornelius, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 09:02:22 (EST)
Light Rail should be the way to go. Currently there is a CTS bus that runs the route from Huntersville to Charlotte and back. This is a great thing and I ride it daily. However, without Light Rail or making I-77 wider (space is there) or even adding a HOV lane, everyone who says the North End is doomed is correct. Look at Highway 51. Come on Department Of Transportation. Come on Governor Hunt. Let's be proactive and not reactive. Hey - the School Board beleives in Transportation - why can't you.
Ken McCarter <Eagle9711@aol.com>
Huntersville, nc USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 09:00:16 (EST)
These are real "homey" articals. Now how about giving some answers to the problems you are raising? Besides talking about one man's daily commute how about investigating when I77 is planned to be widened?
Richard Zitnik <rzitnik@us.ibm.com>
Huntersville, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 08:57:56 (EST)
I believe it is time to spend money on a mass transit system from North Mecklenburg County to Uptown Charlotte. I will never drive 77South again in the morning..If it weren't for back roads I would move!!
martin burke <mburke@d1mortgage.com>
huntersville, nc USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 08:21:45 (EST)
Charlotte is a case study for what not to do in the area of urban planning. Roads are inadequate. Traffic signals are out of sync. Development is unplanned. Generally, weak local governments lead to this type of tragedy. Add to this the maniacal drivers Charlotte is becomming famous for and you have a Paradise Lost. In sum, though Charlotte is not a large US city, it always has the feeling of being crowded.
Kevin Moderow <modek@mailhost.net>
Charlotte, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 08:06:04 (EST)
Having moved to the Charlotte area from Philadelphia almost two years ago, I would have to say the most distressing thing to me has been the apparent lack of driving skills displayed by a large number of drivers. I do not understand why this is, but I have seen more "idiotic" driving decisions made here in the last two years, than I have during the previous eleven years that I have been driving. I am not claiming to have never made any "idiotic" driving decisions myself, but I do generally try to drive reasonably. If I catch myself doing something "idiotic," I give myself a mental kick in the rear and fix the problem. I think a more developed public transit system would certainly help in this area, but perhaps a couple new tickets should be issued, as well. How about a ticket for driving almost ten miles per hour BELOW the speed limit; or a hard kick in the rear end for making a turn from the wrong lane and cutting someone off. Perhaps the best approach would be forced public transit for repeatedly committing such acts.....
James A. McFadden <jmcfadde@mindspring.com>
Charlotte, NC USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 07:28:52 (EST)
What is needed coming in from this area and from the South Carolina boarder on Interstate 77 is light rail or a bus service. The majority of commuters simply come from these points to work in central downtown Charlotte. To relieve the majority of traffic a commuter could park at these end points and take the train or bus into Charlotte. A frequent schedule would alleviate much of the congestion on the freeway.
Average Commuter
USA - Tuesday, February 03, 1998 at 05:58:31 (EST)
Is there ever going to be a turn signal for the left turn from Sam Furr onto US21? What does Charlotte have against turn signals anyway?
Mike Fagan <mbfagan@charlotte.infi.net>
Huntersville, nc USA - Monday, February 02, 1998 at 20:23:54 (EST)
Am I the only one who feels that what has happened at Exit 25 is a tragedy? Having resigned myself to the loss of this farmland -- a real tragedy for this community -- I still can not abide what has taken its place. One of the articles in this series needs to feature a picture of Exit 25. It looks abominable. Couldn't there have been some consideration given to the aesthetics of this seemingly uncoordinated development? I am normallly against new laws, regulations and government interference in private enterprise, but Exit 25 makes me want to lobby for tighter control over this type of development.
D.Edwards <edwards@bellsouth.net>
Charlotte, NC USA - Monday, February 02, 1998 at 20:04:32 (EST)
Where do the schools fit into this planned growth? It seems Exit 25 is going to need schools to accomodate the growth here. Has anyone addressed the school issue? As a parent and homeowner at Exit 25, this is very important.
V. Moore <vrmoore@mindspring.com>
USA - Monday, February 02, 1998 at 13:35:16 (EST)
The Sam Furr Rd. interchange (Exit 25) Huntersville is rapidly becoming the epicenter of activity in the North Mecklenburg / Lake Norman region. As exit 25 continues to grow, it will contiue to clearly define itself as Charlotte's and the region's gateway to Lake Norman. While offering a variety of retail and dining venues, nearby residential development continues to grow and mutually benefit.
John W. Rhodes, REALTOR <ncrlest@aol.com>
Lake Norman, NC USA - Monday, February 02, 1998 at 00:01:37 (EST)
I too think the school board needs to take a hard look at the growth in this area. But even more so, the county commissioners and DOT needs to see the massive problem we have on a DAILY basis with I-77. The roads on this end of Mecklenburg simply cannot handle the traffic we have now. Someone has got to take this issue up and get it resolved or it will soon take 90 minutes to drive what should 15 minutes. It is a nightmare to try to drive into Charlotte between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The article was great. I'm proud to say I live at "EXIT25" and wouldn't have it any other way.
Nancy Hammond <Catnapen@aol.com>
Charlotte, nc USA - Sunday, February 01, 1998 at 23:04:02 (EST)
Very good article. I hope that you pass on to the School Board the comments made here along with your figures for growth. Since I live in the area, the school board needs to pay attention to the future growth and plan (really plan and not just jump to decissions) for growth. We need people in office that make their decissions based on the people's comments, studys, and projected growth. Not just because one development or one set of town commissioners come and talk. Let's build a town or an exit of the interstate that we can be proud of.
ken mccarter <eagle9711@aol.com>
Huntersville, nc USA - Sunday, February 01, 1998 at 18:00:15 (EST)
Great article. But there is so far no mention of the original Northcross center, Northcross Commons which sits on Sam Furr Rd. directly on the off ramp of Exit 25. The center is anchored by Food Lion and features a Dairy Queen and the areas only golf store and used book store. Northcross Commons opened in 1993 and the merchants have watched in great wonder as the area has been built up around them. Exit 25 already is one of the Charlotte areas best and newest places to live and work.
Stuart Madow <booknook@webtv.net>
Huntersville, NC USA - Sunday, February 01, 1998 at 11:09:16 (EST)
Very Nice Article, I was wondering if with the proposed school reassigments for next year if you are going to touch on the issue on how these reassignments have divided the Huntersville community by having each subdivison trying to not be assigned to the New North Elemantary School and each time the Charlotte- Mecklinburg School planning Dept. adjust it, It just gets more citizens upset. it seems everything is here for the community ( including Mecklinburg County) except for a good quality eduction for the children of Mecklinburg County with the reassignments of the children every year. Thank You
Matthew Oliveri <MatthewOliveri@worldnet.att.com>
Huntersville, Nc USA - Sunday, February 01, 1998 at 10:44:38 (EST)
this is great. lets get a real dialogue going about things like schools, etc.
Exit Joe
USA - Sunday, February 01, 1998 at 10:39:45 (EST)
Nice job on the article in today's paper...appreciate this interactive web site. Dave
Dave Molinaro <dam@ix.netcom.com>
USA - Sunday, February 01, 1998 at 10:22:37 (EST)
charlotte.com has created this Web site to allow readers to learn about Exit 25 and its implications for Charlotte's urban future. Please feel free to post your comments about the series, or about development, Charlotte living, schools or other issues.
David Enna <enna@charlotte.com>
Charlotte, NC USA - Thursday, January 29, 1998 at 10:53:49 (EST)