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Along the Blue Line Extension, New Developments Are Taking Shape [Charlotte Observer]

"The Blue Line light rail extension isn’t just a line on a map anymore: Stations are rising out of the ground, workers are laying down tracks and new train cars are arriving. Now, long-anticipated new developments are materializing alongside the track." The LYNX Blue Line Extension is already spurring tons of investment and new development! But we urgently need a zoning ordinance update that will ensure the people-oriented development that the area plans call for.

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Why a Business Would Bank on the Transformation of North Tryon Street Corridor [CharlotteFive]

"The North Tryon Street corridor is in a state of transition as construction continues on the LYNX Blue Line extension, scheduled to open in 2017. Maybe this long-ignored stretch of road will become the next South End. The owners of [family-owned used book and media store,] The Last Word are betting on it." It's exciting to see small businesses like The Last Word investing in the area where Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line Extension will begin running in 2017!

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Learn About Plans for Gateway Station [Charlotte Observer]

"The N.C. Department of Transportation has won a $25 million federal grant to help build the Gateway Station uptown, which would be a hub for Amtrak, a commuter rail line, local and long-distance buses and a streetcar. The station would be built at West Trade and Graham streets between Third and Fourth wards." Take a few moments to explore Charlotte's next big sustainable transportation goal: building Gateway Station! This will revolutionize our regional transit, but it'll take more than the $25M federal grant announced last year.

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What's a Productive Place? [Strong Towns]

"The most productive places will stay productive for decades to come. Part of that productivity means they need to be economically sustainable too, with start-up costs that aren't astronomically high and maintenance costs that don't snowball into unmanageable debt." What are YOUR favorite "productive places" in the Charlotte area? Where do we have potential to transform currently unproductive places?

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Take the Pledge to Stay Alert!

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is serious about safety and is promoting a new campaign that focuses on making citizens a partner in safety. CATS is asking all citizens to take the pledge to stay alert and avoid distractions.

According to the Charlotte Department of Transportation, distracted driving accounts for 25 percent of all accidents in the Charlotte area—including those involving pedestrians. Stay alert whether driving, walking or biking. Sign the pledge today at pledgetostayalert.com!

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January 27 (tonight) -  Charlotte Rail Trail Project Unveiling

6:30 p.m. @ Bland Street Light Rail Station. Duke Energy & Charlotte Center City Partners invite you to a special project unveiling for the Charlotte Rail Trail! A limited edition Rail Trail t-shirt, produced in collaboration with 704 Shop, will be introduced at the event and will be for sale after the unveiling. A portion of the proceeds from the shirts will help fund future Rail Trail projects. Click here for more information.

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* January 28 -  Thursday Night Sustainable Pint *

5:30 - 8:30 @ Pint Central, 1226 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC. Celebrate the end of the month with a cheers to sustainability! Pint Central is hosting this evening on our behalf. We'll receive a donation of $1 from each Lenny Boy Brewing Co. beer and kombucha sold and $2 from each Tito's Handmade Vodka Moscow Mule sold! Join us out on the patio to mingle and stop by our table to learn more about our work, or simply come to enjoy great food and drink specials! Click here for more information and to RSVP.

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* February 2 - Green Drinks Charlotte + Sustain Charlotte Monthly Mixer *

6:00 - 7:30 @ Wooden Robot Brewery, 1440 S Tryon St #110, Charlotte, NC. Join us for an informal and fun evening of conversation and networking. Our Monthly Mixers provide an opportunity to learn more about us, our partners, and meet others interested in local sustainability! This month, you'll hear from our Gold Partner, #thesavageway, who will share about their sustainability efforts! Click here for more information and to RSVP.

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February 16 - WFU faculty experts and business leader to converge in Charlotte to discuss climate change

7:00 - 7:30 @ WFU Charlotte Center, 200 N. College Street, Suite 150 Charlotte 28202. Wake Forest University School of Divinity will convene a panel discussion in Charlotte, bringing three nationally recognized experts to discuss issues of environmental justice. Click here for more information and to register.

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MANY THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS