Charlotte City Council Votes Yes to Keep I-77 Toll Lanes

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte City Council voted 7-4 Monday to support the continuation of the I-77 toll lanes project.

A decision that many say would have a long-term impact on our region.  “Very disappointed that they couldn’t see that the real problem is that people can’t afford it,” says Christine Estep of Iron Station, NC.

You could see the disappointment on the faces of dozens of people who came to show that they are against  the project.

Brian Stack of Cornelius said, ” Thank you to the few that did vote for us, the rest of them I think they are spineless.”

Four council members – Claire Fallon, Al Austin, LaWana Mayfield and Kenny Smith – voted against the toll lanes.

“Personally I feel it was completely irresponsible of not only Governor McCrory, but any and all officials who signed off on this contract,” says LaWana Mayfield.

Ed Driggs, John Autry, Patsy Kinsey, Julie Eiselt, James Mitchell, Greg Phipps, and Vi Lyles voted to keep the lane project going.

Mayor Jennifer Roberts making this statement on the difficulty of the task.

Mayor Roberts says, “It’s not appropriate or does the city of Charlotte have resources to take tech analysis to tell the State how they should manage their contract.”

Charlotte City Council holds 46 percent of the votes on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization and could ultimately decide the fate of the I-77 toll project.  They will vote on January 20th on the final decision with other leaders across the region.

Some worry if the project continues, they’ll pay more in the long run.

State Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson speaking out.

“I think once we have this project built we’ll see the advantages for the whole region and I hope that will contribute to the regional unity,” says Tennyson.