Complete survey on how Cornelius should spend ARPA funds
Photo by Jason Benavides
April 4. The Town of Cornelius will receive $9.6 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The purpose of these funds is to help communities respond to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by improving, assisting, and serving our community.
How best to spend it? The town is conducting a survey now, through April 15. Click here for more info and to complete the survey.
Thus far, the most notable request has come from the Smithville Community Coalition, which is seeking some $ 6.8 million to redevelop the historically Black community just east of I-77 on both sides of Catawba Avenue.
Public comments regarding ARP can also be made at any Town Board meeting, including via email to members of the Town Board and the mayor.
All told, the plan will deliver some $1.9 trillion across the country to support responses to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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Smithville should have priority in funds allocated.
I suggest they give the money back to taxpayers and let the private sector deal with community revitalization. A private capitalist will make more successful decisions than a politician who is using someone else’s money to pursue pet projects.
A private capitalist is only interested in lining their own pockets. What about people who will be forced out of their homes after living there for generations without any investment in the community on the part of the town, and other people who work here but can’t afford to live here? Workforce housing is not a pet project, it’s a critical need in our community. I suggest fully funding the Smithville Revitalization Plan.
Private capitalist developers are driving the escalation of home prices. The escalations have made home ownership and affordable rents disappear. We elect our public officials and expect them to find solutions for balanced growth and development within the municipalities. Since when is creating workforce housing a pet project? Whatis the point of having elected officials who cannot tackle difficult issues.
Demand versus availability drives increased home prices. The huge growth in the Charlotte area, mostly from northern states has created a tremendous demand for property. Available new property is more expensive, along with higher costs of building materials. Developers deserve a profit, and their typical % is added onto their costs, whatever that may be based on the current market.
A great ONE TIME opportunity to secure “green spaces” for the town. The current board was elected to support more controlled growth. This is an excellent opportunity to carve out and protect green spaces for posterity.
Why doesn’t the town contact Habitat for Humanity to have their input? They may have more insight into working with Smithville and the needs of that community in a different way. I am also cautious about caucuses just demanding funding.