Β Affordable housing, outstanding schools, and low taxes. Β These are three of the reasons for explosive growth in Union County. Β But lower taxes are raising important questions about how to fund major road improvements. Β In this Defend Charlotte report, we’re taking a look at how the Crown Town Effect could change one family’s century-old farm.
Vivian Chaney’s family has owned their farm since 1901. Β But a road project called the Monroe Bypass could change that farm forever. Β “I’ve got 13 acres and now they want to take my front yard,” says Chaney.
The nearly 20-mile stretch of highway would allow drivers to bypass traffic just north of US 74, from Stallings to Marshville. Β NCDOT says it will ease congestion. Β Marshville Mayor Frank Deese hopes it will increase access. Β “With access comes opportunity, economic opportunity,” says Mayor Deese. Β “Opportunity for investment. Β Opportunity for people.”
It’s one of several projects intended to improve the flow of traffic in Union County. Β Census data shows the county has grown 66 percent in the last 12 years.
“I think transportation is always an issue,” says UNC Charlotte Urban Institute Associate Director Mary Newsom. Β “especially when you have rapid growth like Union County.” Β Newsom says that growth has been a result of good schools, affordable housing, and low taxes. Β “Nobody wants to pay taxes, but everybody needs the services that only a government can provide that pays for with taxes, like streets and roads” Newsom adds.
But those roads need work in Union County. Β A plan to extend Rea Road past Providence Road South to Weddington Road is scheduled to begin in 2017. A three-section plan to widen Old Monroe Road from Matthews to Indian Trail begins in 2018. Β But, like many things in Union County, there is a clash between new and old. Β “I think it’s a waste of time,” says Wingate resident Vivian Chaney. Β “I think they should make it somewhere else.”
NCDOT is waiting on word about the Monroe Bypass. Β And so is Vivian Chaney. Β “I don’t think there’s any need for this road right now,” she adds.
The Crown Town Effect… sending a ripple effect to Wingate and all of Union County. Β
Transportation planners in the Charlotte area say the time line for those NCDOT projects are subject to change.
