West Charlotte residents asked about the intersection of affordable housing and growth/development regulations at a July 19 meeting held at the Dr. John T. Crawford Renaissance Center in the westside neighborhood of Renaissance West.

Ed McKinney (right), Interim Planning Director, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department, fields questions on the intersection between affordable housing and land use policy and regulations.

Members of the West Side Community Land Trust learned about Charlotte Place Types, land use and urban design policies that will guide the creation of a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO will contain zoning and other development-related regulations covering areas such as stormwater, trees, and streets/sidewalks.

The discussion focused on gentrification and affordable housing, including what tools the City can use to support affordable housing and protect the character of Charlotte’s westside neighborhoods.  The issue is likely to be one of a handful of priorities the UDO can focus on in the short-term.