Monday, April 22, 2019
A WFAE Public Conversation about the explosive growth of the Lake Norman area. We hear from leaders from Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius who are in the trenches trying to get a handle on ever-present construction, congestion, never-ending development and planning for a future in which these three towns struggle to maintain their individual identities while strengthening the region.
The northern part of Mecklenburg County many people call “the Lake Norman Area” consists of three towns- Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson. It has experienced exponential growth in recent decades.
The Lake Norman region has gone from 10,000 residents to more than 100,000 since 1990. And with that growth comes challenges.
Traffic congestion has increased, both on area roads and on I-77, which cuts through all three towns. Toll lanes will open soon on the interstate. Construction is ever-present.
Residents want better schools, services, and amenities.
And while the region grows, the towns are trying to maintain an individuality of their own.
Host Mike Collins and a panel of experts from Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson talk about growth, development, transportation and planning for the future of the Lake Norman Region in a special Public Conversation from CPCC's Merancas Campus in Huntersville.
This program was recorded in front of a live audience on April 18, 2019.
Listen to audience Q&A after the live broadcast:
GUESTS:
David Boraks, WFAE reporter and longtime expert on Lake Norman Area
Bill Coxe, transportation planning director for Huntersville
Bill Russell, president of Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce
Scott Cole, NCDOT
Andrew Grant, town manager the Town of Cornelius
Jack Simoneau, Huntersville Planning Director
Rusty Knox, mayor of Davidson
[Discussion Highlights: Town, Transportation Officials Discuss N. Mecklenburg Growing Pains]