On June 5, 2015, a panel moderated by Peter A. Pappas of Pappas Properties, discussed the future of SouthPark. The panelists included Ed McKinney, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning, Kenny Smith, Charlotte City Council, John “Johno” W. Harris III, Lincoln Harris, Tim Hose, Synco Properties, and Chris Thomas, Childress Klein Properties.

The primary topics of discussion were centered around developing a cohesive vision for urban integration and how to capitalize on the capacity for growth in SouthPark:

• Leverage the potential for growth through density planning
• Hope to develop a grid system for traffic mitigation – similar to downtowns in major metros
• Acknowledge that SouthPark is like an epicenter – there are 250K people live within a 5 mile radius. It is being compared to Buckhead (in Atlanta)
• Collaborate between all parties involves planners and developers alike
• Maintain level of high quality design and build
• Incorporate mass transit as a possibility for the future
• Consider innovative financing as a valuable tool for growth
• Determine outcomes are the biggest hurdle – framework for growth put in place years in advance
• Create “interconnectivity” – live, work, and play within walking distance
• Create place and streetscape is on top of mind for all developers
• Proliferate lessons learned at SouthPark to other growing areas of the city

See more photos from the event here.

Notes provided by Matt Grange, Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions, Charlotte, NC

Event also featured in the Charlotte Observer on June 7, 2015 – http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/development/article23244093.html