Matthews Mayor John Higdon is arranging a ‘transit summit’ to discuss changes to plans; Commissioner Leigh Altman calls it a ‘political stunt’ (Transit Time/Charlotte Ledger)
With legislation that would enable a sales tax referendum moving forward, Matthews Mayor John Higdon is trying to tap the brakes and organize a meeting of elected officials for late October to discuss revamping Charlotte’s multi-billion dollar transportation plan.
The proposed legislation now has the support of Mecklenburg County and every municipality in the county except Matthews — which has been told by Charlotte officials it won’t get the Silver Line light rail. The city has promised bus rapid transit instead.
Some are still unhappy about sending 40% to roads, but many are making peace with the split. The group Sustain Charlotte, for instance, has said the new plan “isn’t perfect.” But it’s supporting it out of the belief that a good plan is better than no plan.