Charlotte’s Commuter Rail Plans Face Criticism for Overlooking Low-Income Neighborhoods

Charlotte’s Commuter Rail Plans Raise Concerns for Local Communities

In the bustling city of Charlotte, a group of ambitious students is hard at work in the basement of the Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church. This isn’t your average classroom; these students are learning essential skills like welding, driving forklifts, and repairing HVAC systems. It’s all part of the programs offered at the OMITT Trade School, where about 25 students are preparing themselves for better job prospects.

But just a mile and half away, the city’s plans for a new commuter rail line—dubbed the Red Line—are raising eyebrows. This line is set to connect uptown Charlotte to Davidson, a move that many see as a step forward for the city’s transportation system. Yet, a glaring omission has folks talking: the proposed stations do not serve the low-income neighborhoods north of uptown.

Where Are the Stops?

The nearest proposed station is over 6 miles away from the OMITT Trade School, near the intersection of Nevin and Gibbon roads. For Zeke Burns, the school’s founder and CEO, the lack of nearby stops is a significant concern. “Don’t skip us. Our folks need it the most,” he stated, underscoring the necessity of accessible public transport for local residents.

Brian Nadolny, a project manager with Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS), acknowledges the community’s concerns. At public meetings, he has heard calls for additional stops, particularly in areas where many rely on public transportation. While officials are considering adding a station at Camp North End, many believe that more needs to be done to ensure equitable access to transportation.

Challenges Ahead

The Red Line project, which originally began in 2008, faced numerous roadblocks due to funding issues and complications over track ownership. It wasn’t until September 2023 that the city acquired a significant portion of the rail corridor from Norfolk Southern, refreshing interest in the years-old project. CATS officials have proposed eight stops along the route, but critics argue that these locations largely bypass the low-income neighborhoods that could benefit the most from the service.

According to census data, nearby communities like Druid Hills and Hidden Valley have median household incomes far below the average in Mecklenburg County. For example, the median income in Druid Hills is around $28,000 a year. This poses a question: if commuter trains are meant to connect people to work and essential services, why are they skipping over the areas that need reliable transit the most?

Voices from the Community

Local advocates are actively voicing their concerns. Tom Wilson, a member of the Hidden Valley Neighborhood Association, lamented, “You’re going to spend all this money to build a rail, but then it doesn’t stop in the areas that could benefit most from it.” This sentiment echoes throughout the community where residents often find themselves waiting at bus stops, hoping for better transportation options.

Rose Jones-Edwards, the executive director of the OMITT Trade School, believes that a closer station could significantly reduce barriers for her students. Many rely on public transport, and even a station a mile away could improve their access to job training. “Who is the audience that’s being served by that?” she questioned, highlighting the disconnect between infrastructure development and community needs.

Looking Ahead

City officials remain aware of the demand for better transportation options. Although discussions are ongoing about potentially relocating or adding stops, the specifics are still being evaluated. “We want to have a transit system that makes sense, and we’re open to reviewing any new station location that residents propose,” Nadolny explained.

However, the backdrop of historical racial and economic inequities complicates the conversation. Research shows that Black and low-income residents often feel excluded from the benefits of city developments, raising critical questions about whether history might be repeating itself.

As Charlotte moves forward with its ambitious plans for the Red Line, community conversations, advocacy, and a keen eye on equitable development will be critical. After all, the goal is not just to move people from point A to point B; it’s about connecting residents to opportunities and improving lives.