Our October Grow Smart CLT event started with some disappointing news. The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which Charlotte’s Planning Director, Taiwo Jaiyeoba, had promised would be revamped by June of 2020, won’t actually be finished by then. But there’s a good excuse.

On Friday, September 21st, Sustain Charlotte partnered with LS3P to participate in PARK(ing) day, an annual, global event where participants temporarily transform parking spaces into pop-up parks. The mission of PARK(ing) Day is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of our urban human habitat. The project began in 2005 when Rebar, a San Francisco art and design studio, converted a single metered parking space into a temporary public park in downtown San Francisco. Since 2005, PARK(ing) Day has evolved into a global movement, with organizations and individuals creating new forms of temporary public space in urban contexts around the world.

This is the third article in our 8-part series of weekly blog posts called "The Good, the Bad, the Possibilities". For this series, we are asking local experts three questions to give you a quick overview of recent local trends and solutions with respect to a range of important issues that affect our community's sustainability. This week’s topic is parks and green space, and our featured expert is Lee Jones, Director of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.

Summer in North Carolina is in full swing: long sunny days, temperatures in the ‘80s, and humidity even higher… oh, and for those of us at Sustain Charlotte, the chance to go back to summer camp! On Thursday, July 19th, we hosted a Sustainable Transportation Fair in partnership with the Progressive Baptist Church’s summer camp, YouthQuake!. We invited governmental departments and nonprofits from all over the city to Arbor Glen Outreach Center, to teach the campers about how transportation choices affect their health, safety, and community.

More than 375 Charlotte area residents enjoyed exploring the FreeMoreWest business district, surrounding neighborhoods, and greenway as they participated in the third annual #WalkCLT powered by OrthoCarolina!

This fun, family-friendly event invited residents and visitors to walk, rather than drive to destinations in their area by taking a map-guided twilight stroll. Following check-in at Recover Brands, participants were invited to explore special activities and deals at nearby destinations including Enderly Coffee, Town Brewing, Rhino Market & Deli, Charlotte Fencing Academy, American Burger Company, Pinky's Westside Grill, Crossfit QC, Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center, Can Do! Signs, KeenDog Training, and an after party at Blue Blaze Brewing! 

#WalkCLT neighborhood explorers enjoyed a healthy walk and lots of fun stops!

Do you want to go biking around Charlotte with your family? Don’t know where to start?

We have assembled all the need to know information in one handy source — the Charlotte Family Bike Guide! Big thanks to the Oregon Metro for generously donating their template to Charlotte for our use. By working with the City of Charlotte Bicycle Advisory Committee, we have customized this document for the needs of our City. From general information on child helmet safety to greenway maps and bike shop information, The Charlotte Family Biking Guide is your all-in-one spot for information!

Check it out here!

Over 100 people came out to Resident Culture Brewing for our second Grow Smart CLT event, proving that green space is a priority for Charlotteans. Our panel discussion centered around how green space is impacted by, and plays an important role in a growing city like Charlotte. Panelists were:

• Michael Dunning (Shook Kelley)
• Lee Jones (Mecklenburg Co. Park and Rec)
• Reed Perkins (Queens University)
• Adam Raskoskie (Partners for Parks)
• Rick Winiker (Greenways for Mecklenburg)

Photo credit: Greenways for Mecklenburg

Thanks to the more than 2,000 of YOU who signed our petition, sent emails, and attended last night's meeting, the Mecklenburg County Commission has voted in favor of fully funding all of the remaining Park and Recreation projects that voters approved in 2008!

The Commissioners thanked the dozens of residents who showed up to demonstrate their support for parks and greenways. Resident engagement clearly made a huge impact on the outcome!

Sustain Charlotte and six residents spoke in support of parks and greenways!

Dear Mecklenburg County Residents,

I’m writing to ask for five minutes of your time today.

Because the extent to which Mecklenburg County’s greenways will grow next over the next five years will be determined in a matter of days, and you can make a difference -- if you act now.

This Tuesday the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners will vote on the county’s budget for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1 (three weeks from today). They will be also be voting on the five-year capital budget for fiscal years 2019 – 2023.

I urge you to contact your County Commissioners today to affirm your support for completing the remaining greenway projects in the 2008 Greenway Master Plan within the next five years by including the funds needed in these budgets.

Click here to view the letter we sent them.

Would you like to live in a city that diverts ALL of its waste from the landfill and has a neutral carbon footprint? Would you like your children or grandchildren to inherit a city where 100% of creeks are fishable and swimmable and the tree canopy is growing? This is the vision for Charlotte in 2050 that city staff and elected officials are working towards and refining. We're excited to see bold community indicators and tangible metrics in the draft plan!

Charlotte City Council's Environment Committee is moving closer to adopting a FY16 Strategic Focus Area Plan for the environment. In response to councilmembers' requests for tangible indicators of progress, Assistant City Manager Hyong Yi presented a revised version of the plan. A draft of the plan is available in the April 6 meeting agenda.

The plan includes different indicators and metrics for the city and for the community. City indicators can be achieved internal to the City's operations. Community indicators will require involvement and support from residents and businesses throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. 

Let's take a look at the draft City Indicators and Metrics: