Voters in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, and Matthews approved bonds that will facilitate the investment of $400 million across the region for transportation, sidewalks, pedestrian safety, affordable housing, and parks and recreation upgrades.
In Charlotte, three bonds were approved by voters. The transportation bonds received 77%, the housing bonds received 74%, and the neighborhood bonds received 77% approval.
A $146.2 million investment will be made for transportation projects. This includes funding street and intersection projects, upgrades to traffic control systems, measures to improve walkability and pedestrian safety, and repairs and construction of bridges, sidewalks, and bikeways.
$50 million will be invested for affordable housing, including increases to the supply of quality and well-maintained affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households through new construction and preservation of existing housing.
Finally, $29.8 million will be invested in Charlotte neighborhoods These investments include sidewalks, bike lanes, streetscape, curbs and gutters, storm drains, public open space, pedestrian and bicycle paths, landscaping and lighting in the city’s established neighborhoods and emerging high-growth areas.
In Concord, $60 million was approved for parks and recreation projects. In total, nine projects will be undertaken – four brand new parks and five renovations. Projects include upgrades at Caldwell, Hartsell and Wilson Street parks.
Voters in Gastonia approved $75 million in bonds for transportation projects, with 68% voting in support. In addition to $15-$20 million for street paving throughout the city, $10 million will be allocated for projects related to the widening of I-85, including utility relocations.
In Matthews, voters approved two bonds. First, $21 million was approved for transportation projects, including downtown parking and the John Street and I-485 interchange. Second, $14 million was approved for parks and recreation projects, including the Matthews Downtown Loop.
