Here's Why (and How to Respond)
If you haven't already heard, developer Mel Graham—nephew of evangelist Billy Graham and the creator behind The Club at Longview—recently placed approximately 81 acres of prime real estate under contract near the intersection of Rea Road and Providence Road, just half a mile west of Weddington Town Hall. Yes, it’s that expansive cow pasture near the roundabout.
As an East Charlotte resident, I know this development might seem distant. However, projects like this one directly impact us. Graham’s luxury community is expected to bring roughly 150–250 new homes and an additional 400–650 residents. These new residents will commute daily through corridors already struggling with congestion—especially Providence Road, I-485, and our own Independence Boulevard (U.S. 74).
Key Facts About the Development:
- Location: NW corner of Rea Rd. & Providence Rd., Weddington
- Size: Approximately 81 acres
- Planned Homes: 150–250 upscale single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments
- Timeline: Rezoning hearings begin Fall 2025, groundbreaking expected mid-2026, with completion by 2029
- Cost: Core 61.7-acre parcel listed at $12.65 million (~$205K per acre)
Connecting the Dots: How Traffic and Transit Impact East Charlotte
East Charlotte and Matthews residents have long awaited the Silver Line—a crucial light rail solution promised to ease traffic along Independence Boulevard. Unfortunately, Mecklenburg County’s latest proposal—a one-cent transit sales tax—does not guarantee funding for the Silver Line. Instead, it primarily supports bus rapid transit (BRT).
Here's the reality: buses alone can't solve our traffic crisis. Buses share the same congested roads we're already trapped on, adding more vehicles without reducing congestion.
Why East Charlotte Pays More and Benefits Less
This proposed transit tax disproportionately affects communities like East Charlotte, where residents tend to shop and dine locally. Every local purchase will cost an extra penny per dollar under the new tax. Wealthier areas such as SouthPark, Ballantyne, South End, and Uptown, however, frequently shop online, thus bypassing local retail taxes. East Charlotte will end up funding improvements that primarily benefit these wealthier neighborhoods.
Rail Fuels Economic Development—Buses Don’t
Consider what happened along South Boulevard and North Tryon Street after the Blue Line rail arrived. Rail sparked billions in economic growth, attracting new businesses, jobs, and substantial redevelopment. Buses have never created that kind of transformative change.
East Charlotte deserves real economic investment and growth opportunities that rail transit brings. We don't need more buses; we need a tangible, lasting solution.
Why Our Partnership with Matthews is Crucial
Matthews leadership has openly opposed any transit tax without guaranteed rail funding. East Charlotte must stand with Matthews. Together, our communities control a significant portion of the vote and can decisively influence the outcome of this transit tax proposal.
How City Council Elections Influence This Issue
2025 is an election year, and in East Charlotte’s District 5, there's a critical Democratic primary this September. No Republican candidate has filed, meaning the primary winner will represent us.
District 5 Candidates:
- Marjorie Molina (incumbent)
- Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias (community advocate)
We must ask both candidates clearly: "Will you fully support guaranteed Silver Line rail funding for East Charlotte?" Support the candidate who commits to rail.
Important Dates to Remember:
- September 2025 Primary: Crucial primary election determining our City Council representation.
- November 2025 Transit Tax Vote: There is no guaranteed rail funding with this tax—the county and city council have explicitly confirmed this. East Charlotte and Matthews must unite and vote NO. We demand rail, not buses.
Quick Q&A on the Silver Line Issue:
Why is the Silver Line important?
It’s vital for easing traffic congestion and driving economic development along Independence Boulevard.
What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?
BRT refers to bus-only lanes, but buses still use existing roads and don’t reduce overall traffic congestion.
Who pays the transit tax?
Everyone who shops or dines locally, meaning East Charlotte residents disproportionately pay this tax.
Do wealthier neighborhoods pay less?
Yes, because they often shop online and avoid local taxes.
How has rail impacted other Charlotte areas?
Rail along South Blvd and North Tryon transformed those neighborhoods, spurring economic development and job growth.
Why align with Matthews?
Matthews has already opposed the transit tax without rail guarantees; together, we hold substantial voting power.
Why is the primary election crucial?
With no Republican candidate, whoever wins the Democratic primary will represent our district.
Who are the candidates?
Marjorie Molina (current council member) and Juan Diego "JD" Mazuera Arias (community advocate).
When is the primary election?
September 2025—mark your calendar!
How should we vote on the transit tax?
Vote NO in November unless the tax guarantees Silver Line rail funding.
Your vote and your voice matter immensely. I will continue monitoring this closely and advocating for East Charlotte’s best interests. Reach out if you have questions or need more information. Together, let's secure the future East Charlotte deserves.
Nobody sells Charlotte like we do—and nobody fights harder for East Charlotte.