We also received a number of questions from some folks who did not attend the meeting, so Eshe Glover was kind enough to email us these answers as well: ----- Trip time: The trip time from Davidson will be approximately 35 minutes. ----- Schedule: The current phase, Preliminary Engineering, should be completed in spring 2009. At that time, the Metropolitan Transit Commission, Charlotte City Council, and the Boards and Commissions representing Mooresville and the North Mecklenburg towns will decide if and when to advance the project to construction. ----- Parking: The current plans have identified approximately 100 parking spaces at the Derita station, 450 spaces at the Harris station, and 350 spaces at the Eastfield station. These numbers are all approximations and are subject to change. We will also preserve land at the stations for future expansion of the parking areas as the market demands. ----- Eshe Glover, CATS LYNX Rapid Transit Services

said deritadsrco 2008.04.24 at 12:32:43 PDT

"As Eshe Glover, CATS Representative) reported in a recent DSRCO Newsletter, Derita Baptist Church chose not to become a part of the potential Derita station, parking, and development --- which would have utilized land that the Church owns along Nevin Rd. stretching from West Sugar Creek Rd. back to the Norfolk-Southern railroad track "Neighborhood Leaders Bernie Samonds and Sylvia Cannon had walked the track with CATS planners a couple of years back. They had suggested a corner parcel of land along Gibbon Rd beginning at Nevin Rd and heading north, which Planners have now designated as their alternative site. "It provides easy access from Nevin or Gibbon Rds.; has ample land available for parking up to 60 park and ride vehicles; and already has some multi-family development nearby and property on the opposite side on Gibbon Rd. for residential or commercial expansion. It also adjoins the A.M.E. Zion Church Renaissance Center (a huge banquet & retreat facility), and the retirement home community that the Church is building there. ." As in Huntersville & the northern towns, Neighborhood shuttle buses could bring a number of riders from nearby subdivisions --- as gas and downtown parking spaces prices continue to rise. "Eshe was quick to point out that NO FINAL DECISIONS have been made. The actual planning process could take up to three years, as Planners study the rest of the line north. This early presentation was made to encourage public comment and to see if Neighborhood Leaders agreed with CATS thinking on this potential location. "Derita remains one of the potential stations. Cost, accessibility, and ridership projections will play a significantly role in where rail stations might be built. --- Bernie Samonds, Derita-Statesville Rd. Community Org

said deritadsrco 2008.04.24 at 12:29:41 PDT