On November 4, 2015, ULI Charlotte members gathered to learn more about the Cross Charlotte Trail.  Presentations and discussion by Dan Gallagher, City of Charlotte, Vivian Coleman, City of Charlotte, Lyle Darnall, Edens and John Nichols, The Nichols Company.  Below are some quick take-aways from the presentation:

The Cross Charlotte Trail is a 10 year project that will eventually stretch from Pineville to the edge of Cabarrus county,.  Along the trail, there are currently over 100,000 jobs.  Within the next four years, the trail stretching from Center City to Pineville is anticipated to be complete.

Concept: to extend and connect a cohesive transportation trail offering an alternative to existing methods of transportation Charlotte has to offer as a commuter city.

Metrics:  $35 million in investment from the city – $5M investment in 2014, with an additional $30M in 2016.  Currently, the trail receives 500,000 users, 9 million calories are burned on the trail.

Feedback from present and future development along the trail:

• Proximity to the trail commands higher rent for office, retail, and habitational – with the expectation that people will pay more for that amenity.
• Retail connectivity to the trail can increase traffic in stores – will be positively correlated with greater dollars spent on normal goods.
• CDOT is open to private partnerships to incur some of the cost for the supplemental development of the trail.
• Seeing development orient towards the trail.

There is a lot of energy around the Trail, and even discussion about underestimating the demand for access to the trail.

Cross Charlotte Trail Powerpoint

Cross Charlotte Trail Video

Notes and snapshot photos provided by Matt Grange, Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions, Charlotte, NC and Jennifer Deal, STEWART, Charlotte, NC