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Charlotte Talks: What Will Light Rail Mean For UNC Charlotte And University City?

Erin Keever
JW Clay Boulevard light rail station at JW Clay and North Tryon

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Expectations of transformation. What the Lynx Blue Line extension will likely mean for UNC Charlotte and the University City Area.

When the Lynx Blue Line extension opens next week, on March 16, it will connect Center City with UNC Charlotte. It’s a project that’s been years in the making, and what UNC Charlotte Chancellor Phil Dubois calls "the most transformational project in the history of the campus."

Mike Collins sits down with Chancellor Dubois and local business boosters to talk about the significance of connecting light rail to the campus and find out how the surrounding University City areais preparing for its arrival.

Credit Erin Keever
Light rail station on UNC Charlotte's campus

That area, intersected by North Tryon and Harris Blvd, has struggled to create a walkable, pedestrian-friendly urban space around the campus. Planners are hoping the addition of light rail will breathe new life and development into the area. Can they expect the same revitalization and economic development that South End experienced?

We’ll also ask UNC Charlotte’s chancellor about a few other things happening at the university. He responded to Charlotte’s Amazon snub and defended UNCC's status as a research university. They also just announced the hire of a new athletic director. And some outspoken students and alumni want a name change - they’re asking the university to "drop the UNC."

Guests

Phil Dubois, Chancellor of UNC Charlotte

Darlene Heater, Executive Director, University City Partners

Tobe Holmes, Planning and Development Director, University City Partners

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Erin Keever is Senior Producer of WFAE's Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins. She has been with the show since joining the station in 2006. She's a native Charlottean.