Exclusive: What Council Republicans Really Think of Charlotte’s Big 2040 Plan

Publicly, Charlotte’s two Republican city council members have kept it collegial with Democrats while working to get the 2040 Comprehensive Plan revised. But when surrounded by like minds at a Mecklenburg Young Republicans meeting last week, they let loose.

Ed Driggs called the plan “basically an attempt at a socialist takeover of the city of Charlotte.”  Driggs then said he and Tariq Bokhari have been able to stall the plan’s progress because “smart people can outmaneuver dumb people.”

Charlotte Ledger

Coalition backs 2040 plan: A coalition of neighborhood and civic groups came out in support of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan on Thursday. Signatories included officials from Discovery Place, DreamKey Partners, Crisis Assistance Ministry, United Way of Central Carolinas, Urban League of Central Carolinas and the Plaza-Midwood Neighborhood Association. (Neighbors for More Neighbors CLT)

WFAE

This new coalition, Neighbors for More Neighbors CLT, is pushing back. While city leaders are suggesting compromises are possible, the group likes the plan as is. Julie Porter is a coalition member and president of DreamKey Partners, an affordable housing developer."We certainly think that the plan should pass as it is currently written, and certainly in the spirit of how it is currently written. We would not want to see major compromises on some of the critical elements," said Porter.

Community Joins Together to Advance Equitable Growth in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C., APRIL 29, 2021 – Today, the Neighbors for More Neighbors CLT coalition announced broad-based support for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the purpose of adoption by Charlotte City Council in June. Neighbors for More Neighbors CLT currently represents individuals and community organizations supporting a bold vision for more equitable and sustainable communities across Charlotte.