Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) wants to hear what is most important to you as it makes future plans with available resources. CATS is preparing its operating budget for the next year and capital budget for the next five years. This is your chance to attend one of the public meetings to learn more about the CATS budget process and share transit service ideas.

Tuesday, September 22
6:30 – 8 p.m.
The Hut Meeting Facility
431 Johnston Drive, Pineville

Thursday, September 24
7 – 8 p.m.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Room 267
600 E. Fourth Street

Tuesday, October 6
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Matthews Library
230 Matthews Station Street, Matthews

Thursday, October 8
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Davidson Library
119 S. Main Street, Davidson

Please note that the same information will be shared at teach meeting. For more information about the meetings or transit service near the meeting locations, contact 704-336-RIDE (7433) or visit www.ridetransit.org.

The City of Charlotte was awarded the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) in July. As a part of the program, the City is developing an energy efficiency and conservation strategy (Energy Strategy). The City must submit its Energy Strategy before receiving the first half of the EECBG funding.

The Energy Strategy will include a range of eligible programs and projects, but the City will need your input. Citizens who want to participate in the development of the City's Energy Strategy may attend the first of two public meetings on Tuesday, September 29.

You can also fill out an online survey or submit your own project idea at the Energy Strategy web site. 

Tuesday, September 29
6:30 p.m.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Meeting Chamber
600 E. Fourth Street 

The Energy Strategy public meeting will begin with a briefing in the Council Meeting Chamber, followed by open discussion and idea sharing at information stations.

Interested citizens, business owners and residents may attend in person or watch the presentation live on The GOV Channel (Cable 16) or online at www.charlottenc.gov.

And Coming Soon… a new Energy Strategy Public Involvement page will be launched next week at www.charlottenc.gov. The page will include links related to the strategy, energy-saving tips, and a tool to submit an energy idea for consideration by the City's Energy Strategy Team.

To learn more about the EECBF grant and the other Federal Stimulus Programs in which the City is participating, visit the Economic Recovery Information web site.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is planning to extend light rail service from Uptown to I-485 at North Tryon Street. CATS invites you to attend one of the following public meetings for an overview of the proposed project and recent changes. Project maps and plans will be on display.

Tuesday, September 29
6 – 8 p.m.
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall
101 W Sugar Creek Road 

Wednesday, September 30
6 – 8 p.m.
Oasis Shriner's Center
604 Doug Mayes Place 

This light rail project is an 11-mile extension of the LYNX Blue Line with 13 proposed stations, including seven park and ride lots. Construction is scheduled to start in 2012, with service beginning in 2016. 

CATS will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons. Translating services will be available upon request. Anyone requiring special services should contact CATS Customer Service at 704-336-RIDE (7433) at least one week prior to the meeting so arrangements can be made.

For more information about the meetings or bus routes nearest the meeting locations, contact 704-336-RIDE (7433) or visit www.ridetransit.org.

The Neighborhood Matching Grants program will award funds up to $3,000 to support neighborhood tree banding projects. Neighborhoods located in the cankerworm infestation problem area may be eligible for this grant. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, October 21.
 
Neighborhood organizations interested in applying for funding should attend one of the following workshops:
 
Monday, September 21
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Albemarle Road Recreation Center
5027 N. Idlewild Road 

Saturday, September 26
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Old City Hall
600 E. Trade Street 

Monday, September 28
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Sugar Creek Library, Suite A
4045 N. Tryon Street

Last year's banding was effective in reducing the cankerworm populations; however, continued banding is strongly encouraged because cankerworms still exist and put Charlotte-area trees at risk. 

Eligible entities include organized neighborhood associations, business associations and neighborhood-based community development corporations operating in neighborhoods with median household income up to $64,219. Those located in the areas of highest infestation may also be eligible.

The application deadline is October 21. For more information or to check your organization's eligibility, call 704-336-2061 or visit neighborhoods.charmeck.org.

The GOV Channel (Cable 16) will debut an hour long program, "Remembering Hugo: Emergency Preparedness Then and Now," Tuesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. The program features interviews with City employees who first responded to the storm and panel discussions with those who were involved in the emergency response and clean up efforts. U.S. Representative Sue Myrick, who was the Charlotte City Mayor in 1989, will also be interviewed.

The program also features how the City of Charlotte's emergency preparedness plan has changed since Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989 and how residents can prepare for natural disasters.

"Remembering Hugo: Emergency Preparedness Then and Now" will air on the GOV Channel through the end of October. You can also view the program online by clicking on the GOV Channel logo at www.charmeck.org.

Hurricane Hugo hit the Charlotte area early Friday, September 22, 1989. At the time, it was the costliest hurricane to strike the U.S. and the 11th-most intense hurricane (at time of landfall). It left residents without electricity and running water and took City employees and private contractors more than five months to clean all storm-related debris from streets.

Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Runway 5K Run/Walk, hosted by the Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Saturday, October 31 beginning at 8 a.m. The Runway 5K will take place at one of the nation's most unique locations and busiest airports. Last year's event drew close to 600 runners and walkers and raised more than $10,000 for LifeSpan's Community Activities Employment Transition Program (CAET). LifeSpan transforms the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities by providing education, employment and enrichment opportunities.

Pre-register now to receive a reduced rate. You can register online at www.charlotteairport.com.

Community University's (CU) fall and winter class schedule is now available. All workshops are free and open to Charlotte residents. To register, visit neighborhoods.charmeck.org and click on the CU icon, e-mail neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us or call 704-336-2061.

Each month there will be a specific theme with four workshops addressing that theme. Residents are encouraged to participate in all classes for the month, but may attend individual workshops if preferred.

September: Homeownership                                   
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Freedom Library
1230 Alleghany Street

Wednesday, September 16 – ABCs of Foreclosure
Learn about foreclosure prevention tips, resources, and assistance programs, and how these tools can help to stabilize neighborhoods.
 
Tuesday, September 22 – "How To" Home Repair
Explore available home repair programs and learn about basic home repairs, such as winterizing windows and replacing locks and doors.
 
Wednesday, September 30 – Neighborhood Networking
Discuss and problem solve current neighborhood issues, especially those impacted by the current housing market.

To register online, click here.

CU is the City of Charlotte's neighborhood training program dedicated to providing high quality training to Charlotte residents to improve the strength and vitality of neighborhood organizations and the overall quality of community life. Courses are intended to engage, inform and equip participants with the training and assistance needed to help them improve and maintain their communities.

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