ACTION ALERT: Your last chance to shape Charlotte’s I-77 vote 9 is this Monday
The I-77 South toll lane vote has abruptly shifted, and we urgently need residents to make their voices heard.
We need YOU to speak next Monday 9/21 for 1-2 minutes right before Council’s re-vote on the project. You can also show up with a sign or email Council before the meeting. Scroll down for easy ways to do any of these 3 options.
I want to speak plainly:
We will lose this fight against the toll lanes if you and your neighbors are not there Monday.
Why is this so urgent? What changed?
At this past Monday’s meeting, Council Members Joi Mayo and Malcolm Graham both said they are now leaning toward supporting the toll lanes in connection with community benefits NCDOT has said it would require the private company selected to build, operate, and profit from the toll lanes to fund.
NCDOT’s promise is not legally binding at this point, and toll companies have a history of making such promises and failing to deliver.
If both Graham and Mayo vote for the project, as we expect, we will lose the vote.
Monday is the last opportunity for you and your neighbors to speak directly to Council before they vote that night.
Business sector lobbyists are also urging their members to speak because their members will make millions if the toll lanes are built. It is critical that they not outnumber residents — those of us whose daily lives will be impacted if the toll lanes are built — at this meeting.
Though things don’t look good at the moment, we can win.
But only if we show up and ask for what our community deserves.
All of us.
Here are 3 ways you can help:
1. Sign up to speak at Monday’s meeting.
When: The discussion starts at 6:30 p.m. this Monday, Sept 21.
Where: Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E 4th St (1st floor Council chamber)
Using the speaker sign-up form, list your topic as “I-77 South toll lanes” for 9/21. (The 9/21 meeting is scheduled as a zoning meeting, although we know this public hearing and vote will be added to the agenda.) https://www.charlottenc.gov/
2. Attend Monday’s meeting and bring a sign.
Bring a sign (16” x 16” or smaller) so they know where you stand. The message is simple: “NO to I-77S toll lanes!”
3. Email City Council members and urge them not to change their May 11 vote.
We’ve come too far to stop speaking up. Let’s remind Council that Charlotte is counting on them to choose real transportation solutions that expand our choices and strengthen our neighborhoods.