Do you want light rail in Lake Norman area? (Charlotte: crime, houses)

[mrsjdaniels]

Charlotte Observer | 02/26/2008 | City funds next step<br> for CATS north line

seems to me like it makes sense considering the traffic jam that I saw driving to Davidson when I visited...

what abou tyou guys - what are the pros/cons to this?

[QC Misfit]

I want it!

[eccentricbeethoven]

With the population increase in the Lake Norman it make sense for light rail. Charlotte is not getting smaller by any means.

[InSouthPark]

Actually it is "heavy rail". Diesel train, no overhead wires. The extension to the UNCC would be light rail though.

[the 7 oh 4]

I definately want it. That would open even more shopping options for Uptown residents to get to without driving. For now all we have is the I-485 & South Blvd stop at the Carolina Pavillion. Soon we can ride the rail to Lowe's on South Blvd in South End.

Hopefully more in the future!

[diamondplayer]

Yes, then all of the 'city' people can make day trips to the lake.

[carolina_guy]

Pro:

Great for downtown commuters.

Cons:

Bringing thuggery up to our safe haven at the lake

It's a commuter train during the day, but freight at night. This means no late night service for those who want to party downtown with no worries of driving home.

I-77 still needs to be widened regardless. There needs to be an overhauling of how DOT is distributed from the state level so this can be done immediately. Roads first, train second!

[nyxmike]

Originally Posted by carolina_guy

Pro:

Great for downtown commuters.

Cons:

Bringing thuggery up to our safe haven at the lake

It's a commuter train during the day, but freight at night. This means no late night service for those who want to party downtown with no worries of driving home.

I-77 still needs to be widened regardless. There needs to be an overhauling of how DOT is distributed from the state level so this can be done immediately. Roads first, train second!

It will not bring "thuggery". It is a myth. This is the same type of mentality that ruined Atlanta's MARTA system and stopped it from ever reaching its full potential. The suburban counties didn't want the "thugs" and "increased crime" to enter their "little fairytale towns". Now they are stuck in some of the worst traffic in the country with no alternative.

[carolina_guy]

Originally Posted by nyxmike

It will not bring "thuggery". It is a myth. This is the same type of mentality that ruined Atlanta's MARTA system and stopped it from ever reaching its full potential. The suburban counties didn't want the "thugs" and "increased crime" to enter their "little fairytale towns". Now they are stuck in some of the worst traffic in the country with no alternative.

Have you ridden the MARTA? I have and was less than impressed with the demographics.

[nyxmike]

Originally Posted by carolina_guy

Have you ridden the MARTA? I have and was less than impressed with the demographics.

I have ridden MARTA. Have you ridden our train here? It is much different. MARTA would of been different if it was expanded into the suburban counties. You would see a much larger mix of people. Crime still happens, with or without a train to the suburbs. People's houses get robbed in Ballantyne - my point was that it has nothing to do with trains. If I was going to commit a crime, I don't think I would be stupid enough to use mass transit. Like most of them, they use their cars (you can get away faster, wouldn't you agree?)