Charlotte, NC — No Economic Benefits Yet

January 2017

North Carolina's largest city, still is waiting for economic development along the Gold Line streetcar route Uptown, The Charlotte Observer newspaper reported on January 13. The starter 1.5-mile car line is due to expanded on both its east and west ends to a total of four miles and should openby 2020.

The biggest announced project along the initial phase is a 550 unit apartment builidng which has not yet started construction. Supporters say that this initial stretch of line largely passes through government owned land so has less opportunity for development than the extensions.

Developers are planning significant projects along the western extension. A half dozen projects are in developoment along Central Avenue, where the line is planned to run.

With the transition in administrations in Washington, it is not clear when or where funding can be obtained to extend the Gold Line to its overall planned length.