Thoughts on Charlotte

A guest editorial by Mark A. Palmer of Charlotte, NC:

Can Charlotte-Mecklenburg Neighborhoods be made livable for all of cities citizens, or have we condemned our office ghettoes, downtown development and entertainment zones forced upon us? Our city leaders want public policies impede progress toward more satisfactory communities.

Many Charlotteans see the lack of sprawl and dense development for Charlotte Mecklenburg. With a tale of our city, we do have concern and optimism about the future of our neighborhoods. For us not to speak out is dishonoring our intelligence, as an American.

Ideal that our city leaders contain use all the land and sprawl of our neighborhoods. Our leaders point of view that green spaces are a waste. With our city getting fuller of downtown development, officials look to where the population resigns. Planners challenge comes neither with downtown but lies most evident with the affluent suburbs on the periphery and revitalizing Charlotte. Imagine losing your entire way of life!

Officials suggest this land, your house, or business is blighted on our community. We need to better our city and county. Officials want to use this as a way to better them selves. This is neither what our Fore Fathers fought for nor what our country stands for.

“World Class City” has been bandied about like a banner to rally the troops in the battle to Reign Supreme, as the city most “Worldly Classed” a City among Cities around the world. The term has been used so many times by Mayor Pat McCrory, that it has made many to begin to wonder if there is not an inferiority complex lurking somewhere. However, here is where the term context comes in:

“A global city and world city, or world-class city, is a city that has a direct and tangible effect on global affairs through socioeconomic, cultural, and/or political means. In recent years, the term has become increasingly familiar, because of the rise of globalization (i.e., global finance, communications, and travel). The term "global city" as opposed to mega-city, was first coined by Saskia Sassen in a seminal 1991 work.”

The drive to become a world-class city comes from the race towards Smart Growth Globalization, Sustainable Living, and the lists of goals go on. In this mad rush for domination of these markets, no one really wants to take the time to stop, breath, and look around, it is important to look at the effects some of these policies will bring. We need to ask the tough questions for our “future generations.”

Is the goal to become an Ecumenopolis? Which are wall-to-wall concert buildings, as New York?

In time, Charlotte would be faced with this type of decision. That you cannot continue to rob Peter to pay Paul and considering the city, county budget cuts of Charlotte-Mecklenburg slice of the budgetary pie; you can see why they would go for someone who is willing to become a “sugar daddy.”

Charlotte voted for a park and that is what should be. We did not vote for a baseball stadium downtown but unlike the arena, citizens seem not to matter. If our votes and voice's were heard things would be a lot different. What can you except from leaders that are more concern of renaming streets and allowing destruction occur to Elmwood and Pinewood Cemetery?

Recently, same ignorant leaders pointed figures at others when it came out about cost overruns with light rail. Even thought, city council were made aware of these possibilities do occur but would not listen.

Now is the time to stand up to our leaders and show Charlotte could be so much more, than another cookie cutter city.

Mark A. Palmer

Posted by: Ogre at 02:09 PM

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