On Thursday, March 14th, Charlotte City Council’s Environment Committee, as well as some key partners, embarked on a tree canopy tour to see both pilot and partner programs that are happening now. To reach the “50 by 50” goal of achieving 50% tree canopy in Charlotte by 2050, additional steps will need to be taken.

There’s no denying that change is coming quickly to Charlotte’s West Boulevard neighborhoods. Even before plans were finalized to run the future Silver Line light rail along Wilkinson Boulevard by 2030, property values began to skyrocket. Many residents struggle with rising rents combined with a lack of local economic opportunities within the community. But the neighborhood’s leaders and partners are working to make the community more livable.

Charlotte's North End has the lowest street connectivity index and sidewalk availability for areas surrounding Uptown Charlotte. Gaps in the sidewalk network and lack of crosswalks put people in danger and prevent them from walking and biking.

Sustain Charlotte is working with the North End Community Coalition to calm traffic and make the community more walkable and bikeable. This area spans 8 neighborhoods: Graham Heights, the Park at Oaklawn, Druid Hills, Greenville, Genesis Park, Lockwood, J.T. Williams and Brightwalk at Historic Double Oaks.

At their February 14th meeting, the Charlotte City Council Environment Committee were presented with the results of the recent tree canopy assessment, an overview of current tree programs and initiatives, and considerations toward adopting an appropriate tree canopy goal(s).

The Cross Charlotte Trail has been in the news a lot lately.  Like a LOT. Here are the three things that you need to know about the project and what it means to Charlotte.