CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A community engagement center opened Monday morning to address concerns about proposed I-77 toll lanes that could affect historically Black communities and businesses.
Maps revealed at the opening on Monday, March 30, showed McCrorey Heights, Wesley Heights and Biddleville communities could be spared when construction starts for the elevated I-77 lanes. Parts of the Wilmore community might not be spared.
“You deserve the answers for your questions and for your opportunities,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.
Engagement center details
North Carolina Department of Transportation leaders were on hand to talk to the community and answer questions.
The center is located on 1023 West Morehead Street off I-77. It will be open six days a week for one-on-one meetings and for people to look at maps and how the project will impact neighborhoods.
The hours Monday – Friday will be from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Leaders did say they will plan evening sessions to allow those who work to participate in these discussions.
Community activist Robert Dawkins, a known critic of the plan, said some of his concerns were alleviated but believes officials cannont build trust if they remain inside the four walls of the engagement center.
“What’s going to be the biggest piece in building trust is a way for neighbors to feel comfortable and their input heard,” Dawkins said. “Having the center is going to be great but the biggest piece is are you going to get out in the neighborhood, come and walk the land and touch the grass, see the culture, feel that so that’s when it’s time for these people, these people being the designer, to sit down they will have that qualitative input.”
Dawkins said his assignment now is to inform neighbors of where and how to get to the engagement center and to come up with questions for homeowners to ask about displacement.
The center will remain open for the entirety of the process. Visitors can make virtual or in-person appointments or drop by.
For more information about the community engagement center click here.
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