Steele Creek Area Plan - Charlotte-Mecklenburg County

AcknowledgementsThe Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department acknowledges the feedback and participation from thepublic and also would like to thank the following individuals who provided valuable input and countless hoursin developing the Steele Creek Area Plan:Citizens Advisory GroupJames BaysingerScott BovitMadeline CamposElizabeth CribbMartha EdwardsWalter FieldsThomas FortenberryJeff HarperKarla Hammer-KnottsLester HarrellMichael HendersonBarry JamesVirginia KeoghDavid MarrenLinda McCawLaura MillerJohn MooreAndy MunnWalter NeelyMaureen O’ConnorPatrick PierceDerrell PooleOrlanzo RossShelley SchiffBart ShawJeanne SmithAnnmarie SpiegelGina StoreholderChris ThomasTevlin ThompsonFrank VoortmansAnn VoortmansDavid WigginsDon WoodruffPlanning DirectorDebra CampbellThe Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department appreciates the professionalinput and guidance from the following City and County agencies.PlanningCommissionersClaire Green-FallonEric LocherAndy ZoutewellePlanning StaffRuchi AgarwalAlberto GonzalezClaire Lyte-GrahamGay GraysonCynthia HolinyJohn HowardCrissy HuffsticklerMichelle JonesLinda KeichEvan LowryMelony McCulloughAlysia OsborneSonja SandersShad SpencerBryman SuttleJosh WeaverJan WhitesellBrent WilkinsonMarket Consulting FirmTodd Noell ConsultingAirportJack ChristineDianne CarterCATSChris BauerRamond RobinsonCharlotte-Mecklenburg UtilitiesDavid CzeerCharlotte Mecklenburg SchoolsDennis LacariaCDOTAndy GrzymskiBrian HortonEngineering & Property ManagementJim KeenanTom Johnson (Urban Forester)Mike MacIntyreFireRob KinniburghRachel PillarRich GrangerLand Use and EnvironmentalServicesEmily GreenJohn McCullochRusty RozzelleNeighborhood & EconomicDevelopmentA.C. ShullPark and RecreationGwen CookDavid NelsonLenny LampelPublic Library of Charlotteand Mecklenburg CountyBrian BeaversPoliceCaptain Allan RutledgeSolid WasteBrian GarretYork CountyTobe HolmesJacque Sorrentino

PART III: Appendix 57Existing Conditions Report 58Introduction 58Demographic Profile 58Building Permits 60Opportunities and Constraints 60Existing Land Use 61Zoning 66Community Design 72Transportation 72Infrastructure and Public Facilities 76Natural Environment 77Graphics and TablesPopulation Characteristics Table 58Household Characteristics Table 59Educational Level Graphic 59Employment Industry Graphic 59Major Employers Table 59Residential Building Permits Issued2000 - August 2010 Table 60Non-Residential Bldg Permits Issues2000-Aug 2010 (Sq Ft) Table 60Existing Land Use TableExisting Land Use Categories Graphic6162Multi-Tenant Retail Center Table 65Existing Zoning Table 66Development Standard for the LowerLake Wylie Watershed Overlay Table 66Recent Rezoning Petitions Approved,2000-2010 Table 67Land Use Accessibility Table 72Streetscape & Typical Sections Graphic 73Historic Resources 78All Appendix Maps are locatedat the end of the documentMap 6 Development HistoryMap 7 Building Permit ActivityMap 8 Existing Land UseMap 9 Adopted Future Land UseMap 10a Existing ZoningMap 10b Current ZoningMap 11 Rezoning History (2000-2010)Map 12 Adopted FutureTransportation NetworkMap 13 Existing Pedestrian FacilitiesMap 14 Vehicle Level of ServiceMap 15 Existing Transit ServiceMap 16 Public FacilitiesMap 17 Environmental FeaturesMap 18 Land Cover

Much of the plan area is within a Wedge and includes low to moderate density residential developments likeYorkmont, The Crossings, The Sanctuary and The Palisades. The McDowell Nature Center and Preserveis also located within the Wedge and is the oldest nature preserve in Mecklenburg County. Ninety percentof the preserve is undeveloped, forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie. The plan area alsoincludes additional public facilities such as schools, parks, libraries and greenways.Key Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities and constraints that were identified throughpublic input and an examination of the existing conditions helped to focus the planning process. Key opportunitiesidentified include proximity to the Catawba River and interstate access, both of which contributeto the uniqueness of this area. Other opportunities include preservation of neighborhoods and naturalenvironmental features; convenience of Activity Centers for shopping, entertainment and employment; and,availability of parks and greenways, and recognition of the historical significance of “York Road (NC 49)” instreet signage along S. Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49). Some of the major constraints that were identified includethe impact of increased development on the natural environment and lack of public facilities and local streetconnectivity.Summary Of Goals And Policies The Steele Creek Area Plan provides goals and detailed policiesto ensure that the future envisioned for this area is achieved. Below are the plan goals and a brief summaryof the policies.Land UseGOAL: Establish a land use pattern that offers amix of land uses and the opportunity to live, workand recreate in close proximity.Key Policies HighlightsWedge• Development in the Wedge should remainpredominantly lower density residential,typically up to 4 dwelling units per acre.• Neighborhood supporting land uses andmoderate density housing are encouragedat strategic locations, primarily alongthoroughfares as shown on Map 3,Recommended Future Land Use.• The community-size retail center approvedas part of the Palisades mixed use towncenter is appropriate to expand to servethe needs of the growing population in thisarea.Activity Centers• Future development/redevelopment in theRiverGate and Whitehall/Ayrsley MixedUse Activity Centers should facilitate thetransition to a more pedestrian-orientedenvironment.• Westinghouse Industrial Centertransverses through the center of theSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Departmentplan area and is the largest industrialcore in the Carolinas. While this area isdeveloped with over 20 million squarefeet of industrial development, additionalindustrial development and employmentserving retail land uses are appropriatein strategic locations within this ActivityCenter.Community DesignGOAL: Encourage development that promotes accessibilityfor pedestrians and cyclists while integratinggreen amenities and protecting environmentallysensitive features.Key Policies Highlights• Building and site design in Steele Creekshould be reflective of its surroundingbuilt and natural environment and respectexisting neighborhoods.• Development should orient towards aninternal street network and provide alandscaped buffer along S. Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49) to improve the aestheticquality of the roadway.• Improved pedestrian connections andaccommodations for cyclists and motoristsshould be provided throughout theSteele Creek area to encourage a safepedestrian and vehicular network for allusers.TransportationiiiExecutive Summary

GOAL: Provide a safe, accessible and efficientstreet network for all users.Key Policies Highlights• Improve area connectivity by providingstreets, cross access, internal sitecirculation and multiple entrances.• Upgrade farm-to-market roads andextend/widen key thoroughfares.• Improve intersections for both vehicularand pedestrian safety and mobility.• Enhance the pedestrian and bicyclenetwork and encourage bikewayconnections to greenways asdevelopment occurs.Infrastructure & Public FacilitiesGOAL: Provide public facilities to maintain andimprove service levels to area residentsKey Policies Highlights• Encourage new development andredevelopment to incorporate openspace (either natural and/or improved)so that it is a prominent component andan amenity.• Link greenways with other greenways,parks, preserves, neighborhoods,schools, retail centers, Activity Centersand employment areas.• Provide pedestrian and bicycle access torecreational amenities as developmentoccurs.Natural EnvironmentGOAL: Encourage environmentally sensitive landdevelopment practices that enhance the area’sland, air and water quality.incorporating them into development,and using sensitive site design andconstruction techniques.• Target environmentally sensitive areasfor preservation when acquiring land forpublic purposes.• Develop a network of green spaces thatinclude greenways, nature preserves,parks and open spaces.• Encourage floodplain preservation andsupport floodplain reclamation along themajor creeks in the area.Key Implementation StrategiesThe Implementation Guide identifies strategies toimplement the policies in the Concept Plan and isnot adopted by elected officials. The ImplementationGuide includes a number of improvement projectsand is intended to be a guide for staff. Some ofthe key implementation strategies are:• Utilize land use and community designrecommendations to guide and evaluatedevelopment proposals.• Seek street connections as developmentoccurs to improve connectivity within thearea.• Enhance a number of intersections inthe plan area to improve traffic flow, areaaccessibility and safety.• Explore funding sources for localgovernment participation in developmentof the street network that will beconstructed through the land developmentprocess.• Request easements and/or dedicationsduring the land development process toexpand the Walker Branch Greenway.Key Policy Highlights• Preserve tree canopy, native plantsand other environmental features byivExecutive SummaryFebruary 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Part IConcept Plan1

Part I Concept PlanPlan ContextPurposeThis document establishes a vision for the plan area and provides policy directionto guide future growth and development consistent with the Centers, Corridors andWedges Growth Framework. Once adopted, this plan will:• update existing plans for the area, including the Southwest District Plan(1991), Lower Steele Creek (1992), I-485 Interchange Analysis (1999) andWestside Strategic Plan (2000);• refine boundaries for the four Activity Centers and Wedge in the plan area;• address key land use, transportation, urban design and development issuesidentified during the planning process;• provide guidance for future land use and infrastructure decisions; and• function as the officialstreetscape plan.Plan BoundariesThe Steele Creek planarea covers approximately27,000 acres and has anestimated population of approximately35,000 basedon the County MetrolinaRegional Travel DemandModel estimates. The planarea is bounded generallyby Shopton Road onthe north, South Carolinastate line on the south, theCatawba River on the west,and I-485 on the east (SeeMap 1, Area Plan Boundary.)PlanAreaI-77South CarolinaI-85Center CityMixed Use Activity CenterIndustrial CenterRoute 4Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department, April 2010Independence BlvdI-485Growth CorridorWedgeOther Jurisdiction2 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

The area encompasses a diverse mixture of residential, retail, office and industrial land uses and a largeportion of the area, particularly closer to I-485, I-77 and South Tryon, includes more intense development.The more intense development is located within Rivergate and Whitehall/Ayrsley Mixed Use Activity Centers;and the Westinghouse Industrial Center. Several large industrial parks are also located in the plan area,providing employment opportunities with companies like International Paper, Siemens, Shutterfly and TimeWarner Cable.Seventy percent of the plan area is within a Wedge and includes low to moderate density residential developmentslike The Crossings, Yorkshire, The Sanctuary and The Palisades. The McDowell Nature Center andPreserve is also located within the Wedge and is the oldest nature preserve in Mecklenburg County. Ninetypercent of the preserve is undeveloped, forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie. The planarea also includes additional public facilities such as schools, parks, a library and greenways.Organization of thisDocumentThis document is organized into three parts:Part I: The Concept Plan includes the Purpose, VisionStatement, Plan Goals and Policies. Only PartI will become adopted City policy. Part II, ImplementationGuide, contains action steps identified to carryout plan policies, and will be used primarily to guidestaff work. Part III, Appendix, provides supportinginformation such as the existing conditions report,market trends and forecasts, and other data used todevelop the plan.Part 1:Concept PlanPart 2:ImplementationGuidePart 3:AppendixArea Plan DocumentPurposeVision StatementGoalsPoliciesConcept Plan is adopted by City Council and will act asa policy guide for future decision making.Action Steps identifiedto Carry Out PlanPoliciesProvides direction to staff in implementing plan policiesExisting ConditionsReportTrends & ForecastsOther SupportingInformationProvides additional, supporting informationPlanning ProcessDevelopment of a plan for the Steele Creek area was identified as a priority to respond to significant increasesin population and development activity. The draft Steele Creek Area Plan was prepared over a period of21 months and included the following key public involvement opportunities:• public kick off meetings held on June 23 and 25, 2009 with approximately 250 people inattendance;• 62-member Citizen Advisory Group met 16 times over the course of approximately two years toassist staff in developing plan policies;• final public meetings held on March 31, 2011 with approximately 100 people in attendance.4 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

In addition to these public input opportunities, the Planning Committee of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg PlanningCommission hears citizen comments, reviews the area plan and makes a recommendation to the CharlotteCity Council. The City Council also hears citizen comments and makes the final decision concerningadoption of the plan.Steps in the Area Plan ProcessDataCollectionandAnalysisPublic KickoffMeetingsJune 23 andJune 25, 2009InformationRefinementDraft DocumentMarch 2011Advisory GroupMeetingsAugust 2009-November 2010Community MeetingMarch 31, 20112008-2010CommunityWorkshopMarch 25, 2010November/December2010Review and AdoptionApril 2011 - February2012Policy FrameworkThe following key documents provided guidance and direction for this plan:Centers, Corridors and Wedges Growth Framework establishesa vision for future growth and development. It does this byidentifying three geographic types used to categorize land inCharlotte and its sphere of influence, and outlining the desiredcharacteristics of each of these geographies:• Activity Centers are generally appropriate for new growth,with the type and intensity of development correspondingto the Center type.Adopted by Charlotte City CouncilAugust 23, 2010• Some parts of Growth Corridors are often priority locationsfor new growth, especially in identified Transit StationAreas.• Wedges are envisioned to remain predominately lowdensity residential with limited higher density housing andneighborhood serving commercial uses.Much of Charlotte’s future moderate to higher intensity developmentis expected to occur within the five Growth Corridorsand in designated Activity Centers. This will help maximize existing infrastructure and services. This growthframework is important as the Steele Creek plan area encompasses four Mixed Use Activity Centers and aWedge. The framework provides direction for intensification and mixing of uses within the Mixed Use ActivityCenters while creating opportunities for lower intensity residential and supporting services in the Wedgearea, consistent with plans for future infrastructure improvements.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 5Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

General Development Policies are adopted policieson various topics relevant to developmentand redevelopment in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In particular, theyaddress residential location anddesign, retail-oriented mixed/multiusecenters and transit supportivedevelopment. Additionally, theGeneral Development Policiesprovide guidance to minimize thenegative environmental impactsof land development and to moreclosely link land use and developmentdecisions to the availabilityof infrastructure to support it. Thisarea plan builds upon the GeneralDevelopment Policies’ guidancein these areas: Residential Locationand Design, Retail-OrientedMixed-Multi-Use Centers, NaturalEnvironment and Infrastructure. They also wereused to improve the integration of transportationand land use by strategically locating land uses toincrease opportunities for transportation choices.Adopted Land Use Plans include six geographicdistricts which make up the City of Charlotte’s planningjurisdiction: the Northeast, East, South, Southwest,Northwest and Central districts. Each of theseareas have a district plan that addresses a widerange of physical development issues and providesparcel-specific land use recommendations for allproperties within that district plan. This plan will updatethe Southwest District Plan.2035 Long Range TransportationPlan defines the policies, programsand projects to be implementedover the next twenty years, providingtransportation choices in Mecklenburgand western Union County.Several Long Range TransportationProjects have been identifiedwithin the Steele Creek area andwere considered when developingthis plan.General Development PoliciesGeneral Development GDP PoliciesGeneral Development PoliciesGeneral Development PoliciesGeneral Development PoliciesTransitStationAreaPrinciplesResidentialLocation &DesignRetail-OrientedMixed / Multi-UseCentersmaking all the right connections#§¨¦ 85#Transportation Action Plan definesshort and long-term policies foraccommodating motor vehicles,transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrianstogether with an implementation “blueprint”for improvements. The Transportation Action Plan’scomprehensive “toolbox” of transportationprograms will help implementthe recommendations madein this plan.PlanAmendmentProcessEnvironmentCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department November 20072030 Transit Corridor System Planis a long-range multi-modal transportationplan that identifies fivetransportation corridors, a seriesof Center City improvements, andenhanced bus service and facilityimprovements throughout theregion.Urban Street Design Guidelinesoffer a comprehensive approachto designing new and modifiedstreets within the City. They arealso a key component of the Transportation ActionPlan, and were used in developing this plan to assistwith street classifications and cross-sections thatwill guide the design and redesign of streets. TheUrban Street Design Guidelines also address integratingland use and transportation to create synergybetween the streets and the land uses adjacentto them.Greenway Master Plan Update identifies an expandedgreenway network and greenway trailsystem throughout Mecklenburg County. As landis acquired and set aside over time, the greenwaysystem should also improve water#quality by reclaiming natural floodplains,protect wildlife habitats and85##§¨¦ # ##(open space, and provide recreationaland educational opportunitiesfor residents. The Greenway# LONG RANGETRANSPORTATION Master Plan provided guidance onPLANthe existing and proposed locationsfor park and recreational fa-prepared by theMUMPO TechnicalCoordinating Committee# cilities such as the McDowell NatureCenter and Preserve, Capps#Charlotte#CorneliusDavidsonHuntersville Community Park, T. M. WingetIndian Trail(MatthewsMecklenburgCounty#Park and the Walker Branch, PolkMint HillMonroeNCDOTPineville Ditch, Steele Creek and Big SugarStallingsUnion CountyWaxhawWeddington Creek Greenways.§¨¦ 485#§¨¦ 277 (#§¨¦ 4852035(#( (InfrastructureFuture UpdateFuture UpdateFuture UpdateFuture UpdateFuture UpdateWesley ChapelWingate6 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

The vision for the Steele Creek area is to create a unique and sustainablecommunity that is a great place to live, work, and recreate, while preservingthe community’s character by incorporating natural and historic features intonew development. The community will seek to achieve this vision throughthe following actions:• Protecting the Catawba River and its access, McDowell NatureCenter and Preserve, natural features and historic places;• Encouraging a balanced mixture of land uses with enhanced publicfacilities that include quality schools;• Developing a safe, accessible and efficient transportation systemfor pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and motorists;• Encouraging community design that recognizes the naturalenvironment; and• Creating an interconnected network of parks, greenways and openspace amenities.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 7Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

Key Opportunities and Constraints SummaryAn understanding of existing conditions, including feedback received from the public during the planningprocess, reveals opportunities to build upon and constraints to overcome. Key opportunities and constraintswere discussed at the first public meeting and formed the basis for the vision statement and ultimately, planpolicies.Key opportunities identified include the area’s proximity to the Catawba River, multiple interstate access,preservation of neighborhoods, convenience of Activity Centers and availability of parks, greenways andother natural environmental features. Other opportunities include preservation of neighborhoods and naturalenvironmental features; convenience of Activity Centers for shopping, entertainment and employment; and,availability of parks and greenways, and recognition of the historical significance of “York Road (NC 49)” instreet signage along S. Tryon St/York Rd (NC49). Some of the major constraints that were identified includethe impact of increased development on the natural environment and lack of public facilities and local streetconnectivity.8 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

To achieve the future envisioned for the plan area, the following goals have beenidentified. Consideration was given to the opportunities, constraints and vision forthe area when developing these goals. The goals build upon adopted plans andpolicies.Land Use Goal: Establish a land use pattern that offers a varietyof land uses and the opportunity to live, work and recreate inclose proximity.Community Design Goal: Encourage sustainable developmentthat promotes accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists while integratinggreen amenities and environmentally sensitive features.Transportation Goal: Provide a safe, accessible and efficientstreet network for all users.Infrastructure and Public Facilities Goal: Provide public facilitiesto maintain and improve service levels to area residents.Natural Environment Goal: Encourage environmentally sensitiveland development practices that enhance the area’s land, airand water quality.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 9Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

Overall Plan ConceptTaking the vision statement and goals into consideration, Map 2, Concept, illustrates the recommendeddevelopment pattern for the plan area. The basic premise is to guide growth and development in a way thatprotects the area’s unique natural environment by preserving open space and focusing retail, industrial andoffice development in the Activity Centers. The plan strategically places mixed use and moderate densityresidential developments along major thoroughfares in the Wedge, while keeping the majority of the Wedgearea as lower density residential with neighborhood supporting land uses.Concept Plan Land Use PatternsAREACHARACTERExamples ofLAND USEExamples ofBUILDING TYPESIndustrial CenterPrimarily Single UseOffice and Industrialwith SupportingRetail• Manufacturing• Warehouse• Flex• Retail• OfficeWedge ResidentialPrimarily Low toModerate DensityResidential• Single FamilyHomes• Townhomes• Duplexes, Quadriplexes,Triplexes• Condos• ApartmentsMixed Use Activity CenterMixed/Multi UseRetail, Office andResidential• Retail• Apartment Homes• Townhomes• Condos• StorefrontCommercial/Retail• OfficeSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 11Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

Plan PoliciesOverviewThe following sections set forth plan policies forland use, community design, transportation, infrastructureand public facilities and the natural environmentto realize the vision and goals for the planarea. Goals for each section are briefly stated andfollowed by the recommended plan policies. Planpolicies will guide future land use, zoning and othergrowth and development decisions.Land UseGOAL:Establish a land use pattern thatoffers a mix of land uses andthe opportunity to live, work andrecreate in close proximity.This section establishes future land use policies forthe area and recommends appropriate land uses torealize the plan vision. In developing these policies,transportation and community design issues werealso considered and incorporated as appropriate.However, separate sections for transportation andcommunity design policies follow and build upon thepolicies discussed in the land use section.The land use policies seek to enhance the relationshipbetween land use and transportation in theplan area. The land use policies are organized intotwo major geographic areas – Wedge and ActivityCenter as illustrated on Map 3, RecommendedFuture Land Use. The Steele Creek area is largelylocated within a Wedge, but also a significant IndustrialActivity Center, two Mixed Use Activity Centers(RiverGate and Whitehall), and a portion of theShopton Road Industrial Center. The Centers, Corridorsand Wedges Growth Framework provides thestarting point for developing plan recommendations.This area plan will also help to refine the boundariesof the Activity Centers and Wedge areas within theplan boundary.Each land use policy has a corresponding implementationstrategy detailed in the ImplementationGuide of this document.Land Use PoliciesThese land use polices will update land use recommendationsfrom previously adopted plans as wellas guide future growth and development. The singlefamily and multi-family land use categories used inthe Southwest District Plan will be updated to residentialwith an assigned density for properties withinthe plan boundary upon the adoption of this areaplan. This change will help to implement the communityvision by accommodating a variety of housingtypes at a density appropriate for the specifiedlocation.I. Wedge AreasWedges are the large areas between Growth Corridorsprimarily comprised of lower density residentialneighborhoods. The Wedges provide a rangeof housing choices as well as supporting facilitiesand services. Most of the Steele Creek area, approximately70 percent, is located within a Wedgeas defined by the Centers, Corridors and WedgesGrowth Framework. This area is primarily developedwith, and zoned for, residential development. However,there are some nonresidential land uses thatsupport the surrounding residential development.The intent of the land use policies is to preservethe character and integrity of neighborhoods in theWedge, while improving connectivity and access togreen spaces and neighborhood serving land uses.Development in the Wedge should remain predominantlylower density residential, typically up to fourdwelling units per acre. Some neighborhood supportingland uses and moderate density housing willalso be appropriate as shown on Map 3, RecommendedFuture Land Use, where the street networkcan accommodate such development. Appropriatelocations are also shown for future institutional,office, retail, and mixed use development in theWedge, primarily along S. Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49).In addition to preserving neighborhood character,the Wedge land use policies will contribute to theprotection of the environment in the areas where it’smost vulnerable, mainly around the river, creeks andstreams.Following is a more detailed discussion of the landuse policies for the Wedge that are called out withnumbers on Map 3, Recommended Future LandUse.12 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

February 27, 201213

Wedge Policies1. Low density residential development, up tofour dwelling units per acre (DUA), shouldremain the predominant land use in theWedge area as shown on Map 3, RecommendedFuture Land Use. Along with maintaininga lower intensity of development in thisarea, the form and design of future developmentwill be especially important to ensurelong-term sustainability. Following the guidanceprovided in the Community Design sectionof this document will help to ensure thatfuture development is both environmentallyand economically sustainable.2. Residential development in this area alongthe Catawba River and in The Sanctuarydevelopment should remain low density.Residential development at a density of up to1.5 dwelling units per acre is appropriate adjacentto the river and 1.0 dwelling unit per acrein The Sanctuary subdivision. The location ofthis area within the Lower Lake Wylie Watershed,along with the topography challenges itpresents, makes it conducive to continue lowdensity residential development. Although therecommended densities are up to 1.5 and 1.0dwelling units per acre this is recommended asthe average density. A slightly higher densitymay be appropriate in some areas; when developmentis encouraged to cluster to preserveenvironmental features. However, most waterfrontproperties will not be able to exceed1.5 dwelling units per acre because of existingdeed restrictions limiting lot sizes to approximately¾ acre.Most of the parcels along the river are currentlyzoned R-3 and R-5 (allowing up to threeor five dwelling units per acre, respectively);however, regulatory constraints make it difficultto develop at these densities. These zoningdistricts do; however, provide an opportunity tocluster development to lessen environmentalimpacts in particularly sensitive areas.The Sanctuary is currently zoned MX-1(Innovative). The approved site plan allowsfor approximately 26 percent of the 1,828-acresite to be developed. This subdivision is developedwith single family homes on large lotsand preserves a large amount of open space.Any future development should continue totake into consideration the environmental featuresin the area.3a. A convenience size retail center is recommendedfor the intersection of ShoptonRoad West and the future connection ofWinget Road. This convenience center(70,000 square feet maximum) would benefitan underserved area, where the nearestproposed retail center is more than three milesaway and not yet built. However, if the WingetRoad connection does not take place, considerationshould be given to an alternate site ifit is located on a thoroughfare, has pedestrianand vehicular access and is oriented toward acollector or local street.3b. Allow a mixture of office and retail landuses in the northeast quadrant of YorkRoad (NC 49) and Shopton Road West. Alarge amount of office and retail developmentexists elsewhere in the plan area; therefore, aconvenience center (70,000 square feet maximum)is recommended at this location to servethe surrounding residential area.4a. Small scale retail land uses are appropriateat the end of Pine Harbor Road on LakeWylie. Retail development at this locationshould be limited to marina related uses suchas boat storage, bait and tackle shop, restaurants(no drive-thru) and other conveniencetype uses.4b. A commercial marina with supportive retailland uses is appropriate on York Road (NC49) at Lake Wylie. These uses could includerestaurants (no drive-thru), convenience typeuses such as a bait and tackle shop and othermarina related retail uses limited to 10,000square feet.5. The Red Fez Club which is located on LakeWylie just south of York Road (NC 49) is aninstitutional use. However, if the site were toredevelop from institutional, consideration willbe given to a retail use such as a restaurant.This site is also appropriate for considerationto provide public access to the Catawba River.14 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

6a. Recognize the mixed use center approvedas part of The Palisades development. Theapproved site plan for The Palisades, a largemixed use development located off York Road(NC 49) near Lake Wylie, allows for 225,000square feet of retail and office land uses. However,the approved plan notes that an additional100,000 square feet of retail is allowed witha plan amendment. This additional 100,000square feet is warranted to serve the needsof the large number of residential units in thevicinity of the Palisades neighborhood.Additional residential, office and/or retaildevelopment may be considered if part of awell designed master plan that is pedestrianorientedand that meets the community designand transportation guidance provided in thisplan. In particular, buildings should be orientedtoward the street and well integrated into theoverall town center site, with on-street and/or shared parking provided internal to the site.Scale (floor area and building height) shouldbe compatible with scale and character of adjacentPalisades neighborhood. The size andnumber of free standing single tenant buildingsshould be kept to a minimum so as not tocompromise walkabilty or to overburden thesurrounding transportation network. Civic and/or cultural facilities are also appropriate if wellintegrated with surrounding uses.6b. Allow a mixture of residential, office andretail land uses on the southeast corner ofYork Road (NC 49) and Youngblood Road toserve the immediate area. One or any combinationof these uses is appropriate. Developmentshould be limited to a conveniencesize center (70,000 square feet maximum).Residential densities should not exceed eightdwelling units per acre and should serve as atransition to the adjacent residential development.6c. Recommend residential up to 6 dwellingunits per acre (dua). However, considerationwill be given to a mixture of residential, officeand retail land uses along Steele CreekRoad. Retail development should be limited toa convenience size center (70,000 square feetmaximum).7. Residential land uses ranging in densityfrom 6 to 12 dwelling units per acre are appropriatein close proximity to the ActivityCenters where supporting infrastructure andservices are generally in place. These locationsare specified on Map 3, RecommendedFuture Land Use.Several parcels located along S. Tryon Street(NC 49) between the RiverGate Mixed Use ActivityCenter and the Westinghouse BoulevardIndustrial Center are appropriate for moderatedensity residential land uses. S. Tryon Street(NC 49) is a major thoroughfare, the RiverGateMixed Use Activity Center provides a mix ofuses to serve residents and the WestinghouseBoulevard Industrial Center has a large employmentbase. Therefore, Area 7 can supporthigher density development. However, multifamilydevelopments should be designed in accordancewith the Community Design sectionof this plan, especially regarding pedestriancirculation, building orientation and site design.8. Institutional land uses such as churches,schools and daycares are appropriate atvarious locations as indicated on Map 3,Recommended Future Land Use. The plangenerally recognizes existing institutional landuses; and does not specify appropriate locationsfor all future institutional land uses.Bartlett Tree Experts-Tree Research Laboratories,a large institutional use in the area, is alearning and research facility that covers over400 acres. It has an extensive collection ofover 2,000 species of trees, shrubs and otherplants as well as display gardens. This facilityis an important asset to the area but if the siteredevelops in the future, the recommendedland use is for residential at a density of fourdwelling units per acre.9. Park and open space land uses, includinggreenway connections should be providedthroughout the Wedge area. Active openspaces that can serve as a gathering space forarea residents as well as greenways and trailsthat link areas and protect environmental featuresare important to the livability and sustainabilityof the plan area.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 15Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentVolume I: Concept Plan

Graphic 1:RiverGate Mixed Use Activity Center (refer to Policy 10)• In addition, the parcel that is locatedon the southerly side of Walker BranchGreenway and recommended forresidential up to eight dwelling units peracre should be included in the ActivityCenter. This provides the opportunity tobetter orient the residential developmentto the greenway and Activity Center.• Several parcels that are located on theperiphery of the Activity Center andprimarily zoned and recommended forresidential land uses are to be included inthe Wedge Area.10b. Residential, office and retail land uses areappropriate in the northwest quadrant ofYork (NC 49) and Steele Creek roads. Thisarea is currently developed with office andretail land uses along York Road (NC 49) andresidential development to the rear. This quadrantshould continue to function as a neighborhoodcenter (up to 100,000 square feet of retailand 30,000 square feet of office).10c. Office land uses are recommended forthis area. Carolinas Medical Center recentlyopened a medical office and emergency carefacility on this site. Buildings should frontstreets with parking at the rear of the site andconsideration may also be given to on-streetparking along internal streets. Strong pedestrianconnections should be provided to surroundinguses and amenities. Building heightsshould not exceed four stories.10d. This area is currently vacant and zoned for officeand residential uses. If it does not developwithin the existing zoning; residential,office and / or retail land uses are appropriate.Buildings should front streets with parkingat the rear of the site and considerationmay also be given to on street parking alonginternal streets. Development should focuson improving internal and external pedestrianconnectivity. Building heights should not exceedsix stories.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 17Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentVolume I: Concept Plan

10e. This area is currently vacant and zoned forresidential development. If it does not developwithin the existing zoning; residential,office and / or retail land uses are appropriate.Building heights should not exceed fourstories, outparcels are discouraged and parkingstructures should be wrapped with activeground floor uses. Buildings should make useof the greenways and open space amenities,front Walker Branch Drive and Steele CreekRoad with parking at the rear of the site. Onstreet parking may be considered along WalkerBranch Drive.10f. Residential up to eight dwelling units peracre is appropriate in this area. This couldinclude a combination of single family andmulti-family uses such as detached single familyhomes, duplexes/quadraplexes and townhomes.The highest intensity of developmentshould be closest to the retail core of the ActivityCenter and transition to lower intensity nearthe Wedge area. Walker Branch Drive and RivergateParkway should be extended throughthe subject property to improve connectivity toadjacent parcels. Strong pedestrian connectionsare encouraged to link surrounding usesand amenities. The Walker Branch Greenwayis adjacent to the property and can be used asan amenity to this area. Buildings could facethe greenway and the greenway can providepedestrian access to other areas.10g. The RiverGate Shopping Center site mayintensity with infill development concentratedaround the core of the Activity Center. Futuredevelopment should be compact and betterconnected so that people can easily walkbetween various uses. Infilling surface parkinglots with residential, office and retail developmentis appropriate with the following considerations:buildings should not exceed six storiesand should front an internal street network withstrong pedestrian connections to surroundinguses and amenities. Future development mayalso include infill surface parking structureswrapped with active ground floor uses andshould adhere to the community design andtransportation guidance provided in this plan.10h. This area is currently vacant and zoned forresidential development. However, a mixtureof residential, office and / or retailland uses are appropriate. Building heightsshould not exceed four stories, outparcels arediscouraged and parking structures should bewrapped with active ground floor uses. Buildingsshould make use of the Walker BranchGreenway and open space amenities.10I. The northeast quadrant of S. Tryon Street(NC 49) and Steele Creek Road is recommendedfor a mix of residential, office and/ or retail land uses. Property located alongS. Tryon Street (NC 49) is developed with aretail center. Property to the rear of the shoppingcenter is zoned for office land uses, whileother parcels are zoned for residential landuses. Building heights should not exceed fourstories, outparcels are discouraged and parkingstructures should be wrapped with activeground floor uses. Buildings should make useof the Walker Branch Greenway and openspace amenities.10j. Park and open space land uses, includinggreenway connections should be providedthroughout the RiverGate Mixed Use ActivityCenter. Active open spaces that serve asa gathering space, incorporate greenways andtrails, link areas and preserve environmentalfeatures are an important asset to this Center.Existing parks and open spaces in the Centerare Walker Branch Greenway, Steele CreekGreenway and Steele Creek Athletic Fields.Westinghouse Industrial CenterThe Westinghouse Industrial Center is the largestindustrial sub market in North Carolina, and providesemployment opportunities for people throughoutthe region. It is anticipated that the area willcontinue to attract more industrial and office uses,especially given its location along two major interstates(I-77 and I-485) and the large number of businessesthat exist in the area.The continued development of industrial land usesis appropriate in this Industrial Center along withsome retail and office uses that support area employeesand visitors. These supporting retail andoffice land uses should be focused around the intersectionsof S. Tryon Street (NC 49)/Westinghouse18 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Boulevard and I-77 / Westinghouse Boulevard orbe internal to industrial / business parks. Additionalstreet connections may be needed to improve access,circulation, and support future developmentwithin the Industrial Center.11a. Property located on the northerly side ofWestinghouse Boulevard east of S. TryonStreet (NC 49) is adjacent to the Whitehall/Ayrsley Mixed Use Activity Center andshould be included in the Activity Center.Refer to Graphic 2. A couple of the parcelsare recommended for institutional land useswhile the remaining parcels are recommendedfor a mixture of residential, office and retailland uses. These uses at this location areconsidered more appropriate in the ActivityCenter.11b. Properties located along S. Tryon Street(NC 49), extending from WestinghouseBoulevard to the proposed Steele CreekGreenway, are appropriate for office, civic,and convenience type retail uses thatserve the Industrial Center. There is existingvacant retail space in this area that offersredevelopment opportunities. In addition, thenew Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police DepartmentSteele Creek Division Police Station is plannedfor the southwest corner of S. Tryon Street (NC49) and Westinghouse Boulevard.11c. Office, retail and industrial warehousedistribution land uses are appropriate atthe intersection of I-77 and WestinghouseBoulevard which is the key gateway to thismajor industrial and employment area. Thisarea is predominantly developed with a mixtureof retail and industrial land uses. In thefuture, one or any combination of these usesis appropriate. However, the landscaping andGraphic 2:Westinghouse Boulevard Industrial Center (refer to Policy 11)Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 19Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

pedestrian network needs to be well integratedinto future development and future developmentshould not compromise the accessibilityof the interchange.11d. Support the proposed greenways in thearea. The proposed Steele Creek Greenwaygenerally extends from Brown-Grier Roadsouth to the County Line and the proposedBig Sugar Creek Greenway is located near theintersection of Westinghouse Boulevard andI-485. These proposed greenways provide theopportunity to preserve open space, providepedestrian amenities and protect environmentalfeatures in the area.Whitehall/Ayrsley Mixed Use Activity CenterThis Activity Center was initially developed withmainly office and industrial land uses and in morerecent years, new developments have incorporatedretail and residential uses. Ayrsley Town Center,located across S. Tryon Street (NC 49) from Whitehall,southwest of the I-485 interchange, is part ofthe Whitehall Mixed Use Activity Center. This MixedUse Activity Center, previously referred to as theWhitehall Mixed Use Activity Center, should be renamedWhitehall/Ayrsley Mixed Use Activity Centerto recognize Ayrsley, as a significant mixed usedevelopment within the Center boundaries. Futuredevelopment in the Ayrsley area should continue tobe designed to be compact and pedestrian oriented.12a. Modify the Whitehall/Ayrsley Mixed UseActivity Center boundaries as shown onGraphic 3 to include additional parcels thatare appropriate for a greater mixture andintensity of development. Property locatedalong the westerly side of I-485 north of W.Arrowood Road and property located alongthe easterly side of I-485 and north and southof W. Arrowood Road should be added to theMixed Use Activity Center. Previously theseparcels were included in the Wedge area.However, the recommended mix of residential,office and retail land uses is appropriate in theActivity Center. The Moody Lake Office Park islocated in this area.Parcels located off the southerly side of S. TryonStreet (NC 49) along the Coffey Creek Greenway(currently in the Wedge area) as well asproperty located on the northeast corner of S.Tryon Street (NC 49) and Westinghouse Boulevard(currently in the Westinghouse BoulevardIndustrial Center) are recommended to beincluded in this Mixed Use Activity Center.12b. Office and retail land uses are recommendedalong the west side of I-485 north of W.Arrowood Road. A mixture of office and retailland uses is appropriate near the intersectionstransitioning to office land uses.12c. A mixture of residential, office and / orretail land uses are appropriate adjacentto Moody Lake Office Park. Building heightsshould not exceed four stories and outparcelsare discouraged. Buildings should make useof the greenways and open space amenities.12d. Recognize the Moody Lake developmentat Arrowood Road and I-485, which wasapproved in 2008, as a mixed use development.The approved site plan allows for 1.8million square feet of office space, 40,000square feet of retail and 400 residential units.12e. The west side of I-485 along Whitehall ParkDrive should continue to develop with officeand industrial-warehouse distributionuses, with a higher concentration of officeat the intersection of Arrowood / BrownGrier Road and I-485. Building heights inthis area should not exceed six stories. It isimportant in this area that future developmentdoes not compromise the accessibility of theinterchange.12f. Future infill development may include office,retail and residential land uses concentratedaround the intersection of ArrowoodRoad and S. Tryon Street (NC 49).Currently, this area is developed with retail(Wal Mart Shopping Center), light industrial,and multi-family residential land uses. Developmentin this area may intensify in the future.Infilling the surface parking lots with developmentis appropriate with the following considerations:buildings should front an internal streetnetwork with strong pedestrian connections20 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanVolume I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Graphic 3:Whitehall/Ayrsley Mixed Use Activity Center (refer to Policy 12)Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 21Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentVolume I: Concept Plan

to surrounding uses and amenities. Buildingsshould not exceed six stories. More intensedevelopment is appropriate for this site if it iscompact and better connected so that peoplecan easily walk between the various uses andit adheres to the community design and transportationguidance provided in this plan. Also,future development should not compromise theaccessibility of the interchange.12h. A mixture of residential and office landuses are appropriate in this area. However,residential development should serve as a bufferbetween existing single family developmentand non residential development.12g. Provide open space and greenways. Landadjacent to Whitehall Technology Park isowned by the Catawba Lands Conservancyand is to be preserved as open space. Also,portions of the Coffey Creek Greenway arelocated in this area and recommended to expandin the future.Graphic 4:Shopton Road Industrial Center (refer to Policy 13)22 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanVolume I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Shopton Road Industrial CenterThe portion of the Shopton Road Industrial Centerwithin the plan area boundaries is mostly vacantand sparsely developed with a few industrial / warehousedistribution, and residential land uses.13a. Modify the boundaries of the ShoptonRoad Industrial Center to exclude theresidential portions along Shopton Road,Lebanon Drive and Beaman Avenue asshown on Graphic 4. Include this existingresidential neighborhood in the Wedge. Propertieslocated along both sides of ArrowoodRoad, which includes the Moody Lake development,are recommended to be included theWhitehall / Ayrsley Mixed Use Activity Center(See Policy 12A).13b. Retail and / or office land uses are appropriatecloser to the intersection of ShoptonRoad and Steele Creek Road; as well asthe interchange with I-485. It will be importantin this area that future development doesnot compromise the accessibility of the interchange.Community DesignCommunity design policies help to ensure that newdevelopment complements the existing or desiredcharacter of the Steele Creek community. While designpolicies alone do not dictate land use or zoning,they are used to strengthen how various land usesfit together. These policies consider not only the builtenvironment in conjunction with the natural environment,but also consider how people move throughthose spaces as pedestrians, bicyclists or automobiledrivers.GOAL:Encourage development that promotesaccessibility for pedestrians and cyclistswhile integrating green amenities andprotecting environmentally sensitivefeatures.13c. This area is appropriate to develop overtime with more industrial / warehouse distributionland uses, due to its proximity toI-485 and the airport, just north of this area.Industrial uses adjacent to residential shouldprovide appropriate buffers and screening andbe designed to lessen any negative impacts onthe neighborhood.Pleasant streetscape created with sidewalks, pedestrian scalelighting, street trees and on-street parking.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 23Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

Close attention to building design serves to enhance the community. Design policies do not result inconformity of design, but provide direction for both new and infill development.RESIDENTIAL Design Policies ¹14Building Architectureand Site DesignPolicy NuimberGraphic ReferenceSingle Family DetachedSingle Family Attachedand Multi-FamilyPreserve historically or architecturallysignificant structures.Avoid blank walls along pedestrian circulationareas and public rights-of-way.Orient building towards internal streetnetwork (unless a thoroughfare) or commonopen space and provide pedestrianaccess to the street.Encourage clustered developmentwhere appropriate, such as areaswhere the preservation of open spaceand/or environmentally sensitiveareas is particularly important.14A • •14B • •14C A • •14D • •Provide a variety of housing types. 14E B • •ABuildings are oriented away from South Tryon Street and towardsan internal street network.Blend the scale and height of developmentwith respect to single familyneighborhoods.Locate service areas and dumpstersaway from pedestrian circulationareas.14F14G••¹ Adopted by City Council, the General Development Policies (GDP)provide guidance for the location, intensity and form of future developmentand redevelopment throughout the community. Many of theresidential and mixed/multi-use center policies for the plan area arebased upon these adopted GDP policies. Plan policies that appearin italic text are based upon those previously adopted GDP policies.Additional, plan-specific policies are shown in bold font. Planspecificpolicies augment the GDP design guidelines.BProvide a variety of housing types.24 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

These policies provide direction to accommodate growth and change while protecting the natural environmenton which we depend, including the quality of our air, water and land.RESIDENTIAL Design Policies ¹15Natural EnvironmentProvide a meaningful amount of usableand accessible open space. In singlefamily development, consider incorporatingcommon open space.Incorporate functional, unique, natural,and/or historical elements into the openspace.Preserve steep slopes along streams oradjacent to significant natural landscapefeatures.Policy NuimberGraphic ReferenceSingle Family DetachedSingle Family Attachedand Multi-Family15A • •15B • •15C C • •Comply with Tree Ordinance. 15D • •Provide and encourage accessibilityto the Catawba River and othernatural amenities through better connected15E D • •streets, sidewalks and trails.Design open space to create a networkof green spaces.15F • •Use low maintenance native vegetationas much as possible.15G • •Preserve prominent stands of existingtrees, whenever feasible.15H • •Buffer development along SouthTryon St/York Road (NC49) with landscaping.15I E • •¹ Adopted by City Council, the General Development Policies (GDP)provide guidance for the location, intensity and form of future developmentand redevelopment throughout the community. Many of theresidential and mixed/multi-use center policies for the plan area arebased upon these adopted GDP policies. Plan policies that appearin italic text are based upon those previously adopted GDP policies.Additional, plan-specific policies are shown in bold font. Planspecificpolicies augment the GDP design guidelines.CPreserve steep slopes along creek and stream beds.DProvide access to the Catawba River through a system of trails,sidewalks and greenways.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 25Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentEBuffer development along South Tryon Street with landscapingto reduce noise impacts.Part I: Concept Plan

Providing a safe, accessible and comfortable network of streets, sidewalks and pathways for all modesof transportation is an important step in establishing a livable community. The policies below provideguidance for achieving mobility and connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists and automobile drivers. For additionalpolicies concerning transportation, please see the Transportation section of the plan, as well as theCity of Charlotte Urban Street Design Guidelines (2003).RESIDENTIAL Design Policies ¹16Pedestrian andVehicular NetworkProvide pedestrian amenities such as streetfurniture and pedestrian scale lighting.Provide bicycle parking in appropriatecommon areas (for example, playground,swimming pools.)Provide pedestrian/bicycle connections tonearby parks, greenways, bikeways andtrails.Provide direct pedestrian and bicycle connectionsbetween all abutting or adjacentdevelopments and transit stops.Design streets with pedestrian safety andcomfort in mind.Policy NuimberGraphic ReferenceSingle Family DetachedSingle Family Attachedand Multi-Family16A F •16B • •16C • •16D • •16E • •Design street system to calm traffic. 16F • •Align collectors at thoroughfare intersectionsto promote safe crossings for pedestrians,cyclists and automobile drivers.Encourage on-street parking along publicand private streets where appropriate toreduce the size of surface parking lots.16G • •16H G •Provide multiple vehicular entry points. 16I • •Design an internal street system with spineroad, including:• parallel parking, street trees, andsidewalks;• driveways or secondary streets toconnect parking lots and primarystreet; and• sidewalks on secondary streets.16J H •Reduce driveway cuts along S. Tryon St/16KYork Rd (NC 49) and other thoroughfares. • •Locate parking to the side or rear ofbuildings and screen parking from public 16L •rights-of-way.¹ Adopted by City Council, the General Development Policies (GDP)provide guidance for the location, intensity and form of future developmentand redevelopment throughout the community. Many of the residential andmixed/multi-use center policies for the plan area are based upon theseadopted GDP policies. Plan policies that appear in italic text are basedupon those previously adopted GDP policies. Additional, plan-specificpolicies are shown in bold font. Plan-specific policies augment theGDP design guidelines.FAmenities such as street furniture and pedestrian scaledlighting can make an environment more pleasurable to thepedestrian.GOn street parking is encouraged where feasible to provideeasy access for visitors.HCreate a spine street with on street parking, planting stripsand sidewalks in accordance with USDG standards.26 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Development ScenarioOrient buildings away fromSouth Tryon Street and towardsan internal street network.Provide meaningfuland usable commonopen space.Buffer development alongSouth Tryon St/York Roadthrough a combination oflandscaping treatmentsand/or existing landscaping.Townhomes located closeto the street with directconnections to thesidewalk. Rear-loadedgarages are accessedfrom behind.South South Tryon Tryon Street StreetProvide street treesand sidewalksthroughout development,consistent withUrban Street DesignGuidelines.Design street systemto calm traffic andencourage on-streetparking.Locate surface parking to the rearor side of buildings and providesafe pedestrian connectionsthrough parking lots.Plazas andoutdoor gatheringspaces areencouraged toprovide usableopen space.Shown above is a conceptual plan for a site located along S. Tryon Street (NC 49) in the Steele Creek plan area. The recommendedfuture land use for this area is a mix of residential, office and retail land uses. This scenario is presented to demonstrate some of thecommunity design principles discussed in the plan.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 27Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

Architecture and landscape design define streets and public spaces as areas of shared use. Streetslined by buildings and trees rather than vast expanses of parking lots provide a visually rich andphysically safe environment.NON-RESIDENTIAL Design Policies ¹17Building Architectureand Site DesignDesign buildings with transparent openings, ornamentation, and architectural character. 17A I • • • •Establish entrances with pedestrian interest. 17B I • • • •Orient buildings towards street and provide pedestrian access. 17C A • • • •Arrange buildings in an orderly block pattern. 17D • • • •Discourage tearing down historic or architecturally significant structures. 17E B • • • • •Minimize impacts of drive-thru development. 17F • • • •Design for pedestrian safety. 17G • • • • •Locate dumpsters and service areas away from residential areas. 17H C • • • • •Policy NuimberGraphic ReferenceRetail-OrientedMixed/Multi UseRetailOfficeMixed UseIndustrialVary horizontal and vertical plane of elevations to break up the mass and scale oflarge buildings.Break down the mass of the building horizontally and vertically to provide for humanscale and visual interest.Blend the scale and height of development with respect to single family neighborhoods.17I J • • • • •17J • • • •17K • • • • •¹ Adopted by City Council, the General Development Policies (GDP) provide guidance for the location, intensity and form of future developmentand redevelopment throughout the community. Many of the residential and mixed/multi-use center policies for the plan area are based upon theseadopted GDP policies. Plan policies that appear in italic text are based upon those previously adopted GDP policies. Additional, plan-specificpolicies are shown in bold font. Plan-specific policies augment the GDP design guidelines.IBuildings with transparent openingsand established entrancesprovide pedestrian interest.JDistinguish the ground level of retail and mixed use buildingsand provide variation in massing, materials, roof lines, etc. forvisual interest.28 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Site development should respect the natural environment.NON-RESIDENTIAL Design Policies ¹18Natural EnvironmentPreserve steep slopes along stream beds or adjacent to significant natural landscapefeatures.Provide a meaningful amount of usable and accessible common open space and integratethe tree canopy into it.Policy NuimberGraphic ReferenceRetail-OrientedMixed/Multi UseRetailOfficeMixed UseIndustrial18A • • • • •18B K • • • • •Minimize impervious areas. 18C A • • • • •18D • • • • •Avoid piping creeks and minimize channelization. Use a bridge, rather than a culvert atexisting creeks when possible.Retain existing landscaping when possible. Mass clearing is not preferable and existingtree canopy should be preserved where practical.Provide large natural buffers between industrial uses and surrounding areas, includingthe Catawba River.Buffer development along S. Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49) through a combination oflandscaping treatments and/or existing landscaping.18E B • • • • •18F18G C • • • • •¹ Adopted by City Council, the General Development Policies (GDP) provide guidance for the location, intensity and form of future developmentand redevelopment throughout the community. Many of the residential and mixed/multi-use center policies for the plan area are based upon theseadopted GDP policies. Plan policies that appear in italic text are based upon those previously adopted GDP policies. Additional, plan-specificpolicies are shown in bold font. Plan-specific policies augment the GDP design guidelines.•KProvide usable and common open space throughout mixed usedevelopments.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 29Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

Circulation in and through a site should be comfortable, safe, secure and efficient for pedestrians, bicyclistsand automobile drivers.NON-RESIDENTIAL Design Policies ¹19Pedestrian andVehicular NetworkPolicy NuimberGraphic ReferenceRetail-OrientedMixed/Multi UseCreate an interconnected sidewalk system. 19A L • • • • •Design short blocks with an organized street pattern.19B • • • • •Provide pedestrian/bicycle connections to nearbyparks, greenways, bikeways and trails.19C A • • • • •Design streets with pedestrian safety and comfort19D • • • • •in mind.Provide ample sidewalk width to accommodatepedestrian circulation, congregation, outdoordining, and amenities such as street furnishings,trash receptacles, art work and trees.Establish clear “way-finding” signage for pedestriansand automobile drivers where appropriate.Provide safe pedestrian circulation throughout thedevelopment, including through parking lots anddecks.RetailOfficeMixed UseIndustrial19E B • • • • •19F L • • • • •19G M • • • • •Provide safe transit waiting facilities. 19H C • • • • •Establish a central vehicular access into the sitefrom the more auto-oriented street and provide 19I • • • • •secondary access options from the minor streets.Design access from surrounding neighborhood sothat the appearance is residential in character.Integrate landscaping with seating along facadeswhen and where appropriate. When practical,work to integrate the existing tree canopy into thesite design.Reduce driveway cuts along South TryonStreet and other thoroughfares.19J • • • • •19K • • • • •19L • • • • •Encourage shared driveways and alleys within thedevelopment.19M • • • • •Orient buildings away from South Tryon Street. 19N • • • • •Provide bicycle parking and storage areas. 19O • • • • •Design parking lots on a street/block pattern and19P M • • • • •break up large surface lots with landscaping.Encourage commercial or residential uses inparking decks fronting pedestrian circulationareas.Provide structured parking where feasible to conserveland and minimize surface parking.Locate parking to the side or rear of buildingsand screen parking from public rights-of-way.19Q • • • • •19R • • • • •19S M • • • •¹ Adopted by City Council, the General Development Policies (GDP) provide guidance for the location,intensity and form of future development and redevelopment throughout the community. Many of theresidential and mixed/multi-use center policies for the plan area are based upon these adopted GDPpolicies. Plan policies that appear in italic text are based upon those previously adopted GDP policies.Additional, plan-specific policies are shown in bold font. Plan-specific policies augment the GDPdesign guidelines.LA well designed wayfinding systemallows pedestrians to find their wayaround the development.MAn interconnected sidewalk systemcreates a safe pedestrian environment.30 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Freestanding single tenant buildings (out parcels) can be classified as either independent or interconnected.Independent buildings function separate of the surrounding complex while interconnectedbuildings share parking and site amenities with other buildings in the same complex whether independentor interconnected. The design of freestanding single tenant buildings should be sensitive to the surroundingneighborhood, both built and natural environments.NON-RESIDENTIAL Design Policies ¹20Freestanding Single Tenant BuildingsDesign buildings to relate to the scale, height and configuration of the center. 20A • • • • •If drive-thru(s) are included, they must not compromise pedestrian circulation. 20B N • • • • •Design to facilitate walking to the freestanding building from other buildings within thecenter. Provide safe pedestrian pathways and crossings without creating conflicts withautomobiles.Design the site so that dumpsters, service areas or auxiliary storage do not interfere with,and are not visible from the pedestrian circulation area and do not negatively impact surroundingresidential areas.Policy NuimberGraphic ReferenceRetail-OrientedMixed/Multi UseRetailOfficeMixed UseIndustrial20C A • • • • •20D • • • • •The site layout should be clustered in a village arrangement around shared amenities. 20E B • • • • •¹ Adopted by City Council, the General Development Policies (GDP) provide guidance for the location, intensity and form of future developmentand redevelopment throughout the community. Many of the residential and mixed/multi-use center policies for the plan area are based upon theseadopted GDP policies. Plan policies that appear in italic text are based upon those previously adopted GDP policies. Additional, plan-specificpolicies are shown in bold font. Plan-specific policies augment the GDP design guidelines.NA well-designed drive thru fits into the context of the developmentand is sensitive to the pedestrian environment.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 31Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

TransportationStreets connect people to places. The resultingstreet network has a direct impact on the community’squality of life. If the design of the street networkis efficient, the community can benefit from a rangeof travel choices, route options, emergency access,a mix of land uses and pedestrian and bicycleoptions. To help guide the creation of an efficientstreet network, the following transportation goal wasdeveloped with the community for the Steele Creekplan area.GOAL:Provide a safe, accessible andefficient street network for allusers.nificant challenge. (See Transportation Improvements& Costs table in the Implementation Guide,page 56.)Within much of the Steele Creek area, the transportationfocus should be on completing the streetnetwork and improving the capacity of the existingtransportation system. In addition, the focus shouldbe on ensuring that the Steele Creek area developsconsistent with the land use and design guidanceprovided in this area plan to minimize impacts onthe transportation system.The following policies provide guidance for creatinga well-connected system of streets and improvingthe overall transportation system in the SteeleCreek Area.Transportation/Street Design PoliciesThis section outlines transportation policies addressingboth proposed new streets and enhancementsto existing streets to make them more pedestrianand bicycle-friendly. These improvementswill likely be accomplished in conjunction with newdevelopment and redevelopment. The general locationsof the improvements are noted on Map 4, page35.21. Upgrade Farm-to-Market RoadsAs shown on Map 4, Future Transportation Network,page 35, farm-to-market upgrades include:Sidewalks are being built along parts of Sledge Road by developersof adjacent property. A “farm-to-market road upgrade” maycomplete remaining gaps as part of a future City capital project.Achieving this transportation goal will require notonly strengthening the relationship between landuse and transportation, but also advancing keytransportation investments, consistent with theTransportation Action Plan (TAP) and improvingconnectivity throughout the area.Because the Steele Creek area is challenged bylimited road capacity, minimal street network and asparse bicycle and pedestrian network, it will requiresignificant transportation infrastructure investment toaccommodate the anticipated growth. However, thelack of funding available for transportation improvementsin this area will likely continue to be a sig-• Choate Circle• Erwin Road• Hamilton Road• Nations Ford Road• Sandy Porter Road• Shopton Road• Shopton Road West• Sledge Road• Smith Road• Youngblood Road• Zoar RoadThese fairly narrow roads were historically “farmto-market”rural roads but increasingly serve as theprimary routes for new suburban development. Asgrowth has occurred, these roads have becomeoverburdened by traffic resulting in significant congestion.The City’s Transportation Action Plan, adopted in2006, recommended additional funding to upgradefarm-to-market roads within Charlotte’s city limits.32 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Typical improvements include adding curbs, gutters,sidewalks, additional lane width and turning lanesto improve traffic flow and build a complete streetserving multiple types of users (drivers, pedestriansand cyclists).The Transportation Action Plan identified 23 miles offarm-to-market roads within the Steele Creek planarea and estimated that it would cost approximately$173 million (2010 dollars) to upgrade them. Atthis time, there is little funding available to begin toaddress these needed upgrades. (The appendix ofthis Plan provides more information on transportationproject cost estimates.)22. Extend and widen key thoroughfaresThe following major thoroughfare projects are recommendedto keep pace with area growth:• Widen Brown-Grier Road (2 to 4 lanes)from Arrowood Road to Steele CreekRoad (NC160)• Widen Carowinds Boulevard from S. TryonStreet (NC 49) to Sam Neely and Wingetroads• Widen Carowinds Boulevard (2 to 4 lanes)from S. Tryon Street (NC 49) to ChoateCircle• Widen S. Tryon Street (NC 49) (4 to 6lanes) from Arrowood Road to SteeleCreek Road (NC 160)• Widen Steele Creek Road (NC 160) (2 to4 lanes) from Shopton Road West to StateLine (SC)• Widen Westinghouse Boulevard (2 to 4lanes) from S. Tryon Street (NC 49) toShopton Road WestExtending and widening area thoroughfares shouldcontinue to be coordinated through the land developmentprocess. These improved thoroughfares willprovide more direct routes for longer distance tripscrossing the Steele Creek area, many of which aredestined for interchanges on Interstates 77 and 485.Similar to the situation with farm to market roads,while there are numerous thoroughfare and intersectionimprovements that are needed in the SteeleCreek area, there is currently no funding identifiedto address them. Today, Steele Creek Road operatesat an unacceptable level of service and hasbeen identified for widening. Unfortunately, wideningSteele Creek Road is not included in the 2035Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), meaningthat it may not be funded prior to 2035.23. Realign Choate Circle to South Tryon StreetTo increase accessibility for Steele Creek residents,Choate Circle should be realigned to S. Tryon Streetopposite Corsica Forest Drive. This would likelyoccur as a part of private development project orthrough a public-private partnership.24. Improve intersectionsIntersection improvements may include a combinationof geometric design changes, traffic signals,roundabouts, pedestrian countdown signals, paintedcrosswalks, curb ramps and pedestrian refugeislands. Such improvements will enhance traffic flow,accessibility and safety. As shown on Map 4, intersectionsrecommended to be improved include:• Carowinds Boulevard at Choate Circle• Steele Creek Road (NC 160) at Brown-Grier Road• Steele Creek Road (NC 160) atHuntington Meadow Lane• Steele Creek Road (NC 160) at ErwinRoad• Steele Creek Road (NC 160) at SamNeely Road• Steele Creek Road (NC 160) at SledgeRoad• Steele Creek Road (NC 160) atWestinghouse Boulevard• S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at CarowindsBoulevard• S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Interstate 485• S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Shopton RoadWest• S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Steele CreekRoad (NC 160)• S. Tryon Street (NC 49) and SteelecroftParkway• S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Whitehall ParkDriveSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 33Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart I: Concept Plan

• S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Corsica ForestDrive pending Choate Circle Realignment• Westinghouse Boulevard at Interstate 77• York Road (NC 49) at Grand PalisadesParkway• Steele Creek Road (NC 160) and I-48525. Provide key “connector” streetsConnectors form a system of parallel local streetsthat offer alternatives to thoroughfares for localtrips. Depending on the scale and accessibility ofsurrounding development, these key connectionswill likely need to be implemented in a variety ofways including via private land development, theCity’s Connectivity Program or funding partnerships.These conceptual new streets are shown on Map4 (see also detailed list of proposed key connectorstreets on Map 5, Future Transportation Projects,page 55 in the Implementation Guide).34 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Steele Creek Area PlanSteele Creek Area Plan MapFuture Transportation NetworkDouglas DrDixie River Rd4W Tyvola RdSouth BvShopton RdS Tryon StBeam RdSteele Creek RdDixie River RdFuture Transportation NetworkEnhanced IntersectionFuture Transportation NetworkBlithe Low Pl§¨¦ 485RockGaston CountyEnhanced Intersection(Pending Connection)Island RdBoulevard: Six LaneBrown-Grier RdBoulevard: Four LaneSouth BvOld Pineville RdW Arrowood RdWhitehall Park DrSandy Porter RdRd WestSteele Creek RdAvenue: Two LaneShoptonCatwba RiverAvenue: Two Lanewith Parkway EdgeProposed Avenue:Two LaneWestinghouse BvWinget RdLocal StreetProposed New Street *JohnSam Neely RdPrice RdRailroadSledge RdNevada BvS Tryon StGreenwaysDevelopedErwin RdApproved (Greenway Master Plan)§¨¦ 77Downs RdNations Ford RdCarowinds BvMoss RdMcDowellNature CenterandPreserveRecommendedOverland ConnectorsI-485 RaChoate CrSmith RdYork RdCentrum PyNC-51I-485 RaHamilton RdCatawba RiverRecommended Overland Connectors100 Year FloodplainPalisades PyCreeks and StreamsMain StPonds & WetlandsPlan Area BoundaryLancaster HyZoar RdS Polk StµData Source: City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, data as of July 28, 2011Produced By Charlotte - Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaYoungblood RdSouth CarolinaGrand* Note: The location of the proposedstreets is conceptual. Alternative locations,consistent with the intent of the proposednetwork, will also be considered. Additionalstreets may be requested to facilitateimproved network and connectivity.Mckee RdMiles0 12 4Diamond DrMap4February 27, 201235

26. Facilitate cross-access and parallel connectionson either side of S. Tryon St/York Rd(NC 49)Local trips along S. Tryon Street/York Rd (NC 49)should have alternative route choices other thanhaving to use this high-volume, fast-moving, regionalcorridor. New development should incorporatemultiple access points, not using S. Tryon Street/York Rd (NC 49), cross-access driveways and parallelstreet connections.27. Revisit major thoroughfare alignmentsCoordinate the land development process to set upmore constructible alignments of Carowinds BoulevardExtension and Youngblood Road. The currentlyadopted centerline for Carowinds Extensionis challenged by crossing a railroad twice, while theadopted realignment of Youngblood Road bisectsthe institutional use of a tree research farm.28. Install new sidewalks along thoroughfaresThe Steele Creek area has limited sidewalks alongmost of the existing thoroughfare system (see Map13, Existing Pedestrian Facilities). As developmentoccurs, new sidewalks are required to be constructedalong existing thoroughfares, following adoptedstreetscape standards. Additionally, five-foot minimumsidewalks are required on all new local streets.29. Reduce gaps in the sidewalk system withinexisting residential areasSome neighborhoods do not have sidewalks becausethey were built prior to standards requiringsidewalks. The City’s sidewalk program will slowlyaddress these gaps, prioritizing continuous anddirect routes linking residential areas to parks,schools and shopping (see Map 13, Existing PedestrianFacilities). In many cases, constructing thesesidewalks may require support though a petitionbased process..30. Construct bicycle lanes along all thoroughfaresAs infrastructure development occurs, new bicyclelanes should be included along any thoroughfarewith a new or relocated curb line. Cross-sectionsfor all Avenue- and Boulevard-classified streets(see Map 4, Future Transportation Network) shouldinclude bicycle lanes. Shopton Road West, nearSteele Creek Road, is a newly improved thoroughfarethat has bike lanes.31. Complete greenways in the Steele CreekareaPlanning of the greenway trail system should becoordinated with the Mecklenburg County Park andRecreation Department and other partners. (Seealso the Park and Recreation policies contained inthe Infrastructure and Public Facilities section of thisarea plan.)32. Encourage bikeway and pedestrian connectionsto primary greenwaysTributaries and streams leading to Steele Creekprovide contiguous open spaces, create focal pointsfor development and make key connections to thegreenway system. These areas should be consideredfor dedication during the land developmentprocess. (See also the Park and Recreation policiescontained in the Infrastructure and Public Facilitiessection of this area plan.)Shopton Road West near Steele Creek Road is an example of anewly improved thoroughfare, including new turn lanes, medianislands, bicycle lanes, planting strips and sidewalks.36 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanVolume I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

33. Implement a parallel shared-use path orpaved shoulders along Shopton Road WestBicycle/pedestrian accommodations are neededalong farm-to-market roads until other improvementscan be fully implemented. As developmentoccurs, provision of an 8’-10’ foot minimum sharedusepath should be requested along Shopton RoadWest to connect with the overland connector alongYork Road (NC 49) to McDowell Nature Center andPreserve.34. Expand transit service to major nodes ofactivityStreet Cross-SectionsThe following recommendations for future streetcross-sections and streetscape development standardshelp define the function and visual appeal ofthe Steele Creek area’s proposed street network.The streetscape development standards specificallydefine the character and width of the area behindthe curbs, between buildings and the existing curbline, including accommodations for sidewalks andlandscaping. The cross-section specifications showtypical conditions and may vary upon further studyand in unique circumstances.As new activity nodes develop, such as the planned“Palisades Town Center” off York Road (NC 49)and existing nodes intensify, CATS should considerexpanding service to these areas. Additionally,park-and-ride opportunities should be created aspossible termini or major stops for expanded transitservice.Adopted by Charlotte City CouncilOctober 22, 2007Based on the City’s Urban Street Design Guidelines,the future cross-sections have been determinedfor Steele Creek area streets (see ProposedStreetscape Details, page 39 and refer to Map 4 forspecific locations), with the exception of neighborhoodareas, where little change to existing streetsis expected. The street types on the following pageare recommended for this plan area:Palisades Parkway is an example of an Avenue with ParkwayEdge on one side. This treatment is also recommended for thefuture cross-section of Shopton Road West.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 37Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentVolume I: Concept Plan

Description of Street Types*Description /FunctionStreet TypeProposed StreetClassificationBOULEVARDS AVENUES LOCAL STREETSIntended to move largenumbers of vehicles,often as through traffic,from one part of the cityto another and to otherlower level streets in thenetwork. The most commontype of Boulevard is4-lane Standard.• Arrowood Rd• Brown-Grier Rd• Carowinds Bv(east of Steele CreekRd)• S. Tryon St (NC 49)**(north of Steele CreekRd)• S. Tryon St (NC 49)(south of Steele CreekRd)• Steele Creek Rd• Westinghouse BvThe most common (non-local street)providing access from neighborhoods tocommercial areas. Designed to providea balance of service for all modes oftransportation. The most common type ofAvenue is 2-lane Standard.• Arrowood-ShoptonConn• Arrowood-WhitehallConn• Carowinds Bv(west of SteeleCreek Rd)• Choate Circle• Erwin Rd• Hamilton Rd• McKee Rd• Moss Rd• Nations Ford Rd• PalisadesPkwy ***• Sam Neely Rd• Sandy Porter Rd• Shopton Rd• Shopton RdWest ***(southwest ofWithers Rd)• Sledge Rd• Smith Rd• Whitehall ParkDr• Winget Rd• Youngblood Rd• Zoar RdProvide access to residential,industrial, commercial ormixed use districts. The majorityof Charlotte’s streets areclassified as local streets andare typically built through theland development process.All remaining streets* A complete description of all street types are provided in theUrban Street Design Guidelines** Six lane boulevard only applies to S. Tryon St (NC 49), north ofSteele Creek Rd*** Parkway edge only applies to Palisades Pkwy and Shopton Rd Westsouthwest of Withers RdSource: Charlotte Department of Transportation, 2010Adopted by Charlotte City CouncilOctober 22, 200738 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

WestinghouseCentral AvProposed Streetscape Detailsnot to scaleAvenue ~ Two Lane UndividedWidth: 37’ from backof curb to back of curb.ROW is 69’.Cross Section: Onetravel lane in eachdirection with bikezone, planting strip,sidewalk and utilityzone. If a turn lane isadded, an additional11’ is required. Buildingsetbacks will varyby zoning districts.* includes 2.5’curb and gutterand 5’ Bike ZoneUtility ZonePed ZonePlantingStripBike Zone *VehicleLaneVehicleLane2’ 6’ 8’11’ 11’7.5’69‘ ROW7.5’ Bike Zone *PlantingStrip8’ 6’Ped ZoneUtility Zone2’Building setbacksset by zoning37’ Back Of Curb To Back Of CurbBuilding setbacksset by zoningAvenue ~ Two Lane with Parkway EdgeWidth: 24’ from edge of pavement to edge of pavement. ROW is 84’.Cross Section: One travel lane in each direction with Shared Use Path on Lake Wylie side, planting strip,sidewalk and utility zone. If a turn lane is added, an additional 11’ is required. Building setbacks will vary byzoning districts.Utility ZoneShared UsePathGreenShoulderVehicleLaneVehicleLaneGreenShoulderPed ZoneUtility Zone2’ 10’ 20’ 12’ 12’ 20’ 6’2’Building setbacksset by zoning84‘ ROW24’ Back Of Curb To Back Of CurbBuilding setbacksset by zoningNOTE: These dimensions reflect typical street sections at mid-block locations. They will beused by Charlotte Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Charlotte-MecklenburgPlanning Department, to determine the location of the ultimate curb lines. Variations from thetypical street sections, where needed to address physical conditions, enhance operations, orbetter meet the intent of this area plan, may be identified during future design and analysisphases.40 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Infrastructure and PublicFacilitiesPublic facilities and services addressed in the planinclude public water and sewer, storm water, police,fire, parks and recreation and schools. As Charlotte-Mecklenburgcontinues to grow and develop,timely planning for these services is essential tomaintain the high quality of life residents have cometo expect. Other public facilities, including medicaland social services are not addressed in this landuse plan.The Steele Creek Area Plan’s vision includes thestatement that the area will have a “balanced mixtureof land uses with enhanced public facilities thatinclude quality schools.” It also emphasizes the creationof “an interconnected network of parks, greenwaysand open space amenities.” Public facilitiesthat currently serve much of this plan area includepublic water and sewer, storm water, police, fire,parks and recreation, a library and schools. Overthe last decade, the Steele Creek area has experiencedsignificant growth. As this trend continues,additional public facilities will be needed to serveresidents and businesses.GOAL:Provide public facilities to maintainand improve service levels toarea residents.Infrastructure & Public Facilities PoliciesThe following policies are recommended to enhancethe area’s existing public facilities and meet futuregrowth demands. The joint use of facilities is encouragedto reduce cost and make the best use ofresources when possible.Water and Sewer35. Encourage development to locate where appropriatewater and sewer capacity existsor is planned.Public water is currently available to all retail andindustrial centers and major transportation corridorsin the area. However, there are service needsin many of the residential areas of the southwestportion of the plan area. A large transmission mainwas constructed in 2010 along Steele Creek Roadfrom Shopton Road to South Tryon Street to expandwater service in the area. In an effort to address thelack of water and sewer capacity in parts of the planarea, development should be located in areas wherethe infrastructure is in place or is planned.Sewer service to the southwest part of the plan areais difficult to provide due to changes in topographyand the area’s distance from the Steele Creek PumpStation. This pump station, located on Choate Circle,transfers sewage to the McAlpine WastewaterTreatment Plant and will be redesigned in the futureto accommodate additional flow. There are a totalof eleven pump stations located in the plan area,including three in the Palisades development.36. Utilize the rezoning process to provide inputon the impact of new development on infrastructure.When a proposed development requires a rezoning,the rezoning process offers the opportunity to assessinfrastructure impacts and to help guide moreintense development into areas where the infrastructureis in place to support it.Storm Water37. Minimize stormwater runoff through sitedesign and the use of Best ManagementPractices.Infrastructure improvements in the area are needed to keeppace with current and future development.Some of the hydrology features within the plan areainclude the Catawba River, Steele Creek, NealSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 41Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentVolume I: Concept Plan

Branch and Walker Branch as well as other creeks,streams, ponds and wetlands. The land surface inthe plan area has a moderate to steep slope closestto creeks, streams and Lake Wylie.Storm water runoff is the result of precipitation thatis not absorbed by the earth. It often carries pollutantsinto area creeks and streams. Trees and naturalareas generate less storm water runoff and helpfilter pollutants. Therefore, measures such as preservingthe tree canopy, providing more open space,limiting impervious area, and compact developmenthelp contribute to the protection of the area’s naturalresources and reduce storm water runoff.Storm water facilities help to remove storm waterrunoff from areas such as streets and sidewalks forpublic safety reasons and help to protect the area’saquatic resources. Existing topography can be usedas part of the drainage system on a site to preserveenvironmental features while taking advantage ofthe area’s natural resources.Most development in the plan area is subject tothe Post Construction Controls Ordinance (PCCO)which regulates storm water runoff in accordancewith State and Federal regulations. Its intent is tocontrol the adverse effects of increased post-constructionstorm water runoff and non-point sourcepollution associated with development. Also, BestManagement Practices (BMP) serve to protect theenvironment and improve water quality by reducingflood risks and pollution in streams, rivers and lakes.They may also serve as an attractive and useablepart of a development’s amenities. A few ways toconceal BMPs include fountains, ponds and gardens.Parks and Recreation38. Encourage the location of future parks andopen space in highly visible areas suchas residential communities, retail centers,schools and along thoroughfares.The location of parks in highly visible areas will allowfor more activity and better access. Also, openspace areas may serve as an amenity and allow forthe incorporation of natural features into development.The plan area is served by T.M. Winget RegionalPark and McDowell Nature Center and Preserve.Berewick and Ramblewood parks are located on theperiphery of the plan area. In the southern portionof the plan area, Capps Community Park is plannedon a heavily wooded 67-acre site. Plans have beenapproved for a neighborhood park to be co-locatedat the Palisades Elementary School site. In addition,the Steele Creek Athletic Association has aplaying field complex located off Choate Circle thatincludes baseball, softball, soccer and football fields.Other private facilities include Palisades Golf Coursesand Soccer fields.39. Continue to develop the greenway systemand connect greenways to areas of activity,such as parks, nature preserve, residentialcommunities, retail centers, employmentareas and schools.The greenway system may serve as active or passiveopen space in the community. It provides theopportunity to connect areas for pedestrians andcyclists to move through the community more easily.The location of water and sewer along greenwaysallows the potential for joint use projects.An extensive and well connected greenway networkis important to Steele Creek residents. There areseveral greenways planned for the area. Currently,Walker Branch Greenway runs along the rear of theRiverGate shopping center. Area greenway plansinclude the eventual development of an interconnectedgreenway system linking greenways toMcDowell Nature Center and Preserve, T.M. WingetRegional Park, schools, shopping and employment.In the future, the Steele Creek Greenway corridorcould be connected to the Anne Springs CloseGreenway corridor In Fort Mill, South Carolina (seeMap 16, Public Facilities).40. Seek opportunities to improve public accessto the Catawba River.As development occurs along the River, considerationshould be given to providing land to allow forfuture public boat access points. Although, CopperheadIsland provides boat access in the plan area,residents desire additional public access points tothe Catawba River. The Red Fez, if redeveloped, isan appropriate location and topography.42 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanVolume I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Schools41. Strive to extend school capacity as developmentoccurs.While developing the vision statement for the plan,Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) members emphasizedthe importance of having enhanced publicfacilities that include quality schools. Many ofCharlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) are currentlyovercrowded and schools in the plan area willcontinue to face increasing demand as developmentoccurs. Additional schools will be needed if the areagrows as projected.There are four elementary, two middle and one highschool in the plan area. For example, River GateElementary School, located near the intersection ofHamilton and Smith roads, opened in 2009 and is at90 percent capacity. Charlotte-Mecklenburg LongRange School Facilities Master Plan includes futureplans for the construction of an elementary, middleand high school off of S. Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49),in the Palisades area, to serve the southwesternportion of the plan area. The elementary school willbe co-located with a neighborhood park adjacent tothe McDowell Nature Center and Preserve.The construction of schools in the plan area couldbe impacted by a lack of funding and potential closingof schools in other areas. CMS continues toface a number of financial challenges. As a result,in recent months a number of proposals to consolidateand/or close schools have been discussed.The proposed closing of E. E. Waddell High Schoolwill impact Olympic High School located in the planarea.As development occurs, the opportunity exists toreserve land for school sites as part of future development,when appropriate. To make the best use ofresources and preserve land in the area, considerationshould be given to locating schools adjacentto parks, libraries and other public facilities. Newschools should integrate environmentally sensitiveand sustainable design standards consistent withother policies in the plan.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 43Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department42. Encourage the development and joint use ofpublic service facilities to share resourcesand to support area growth.As public facilities are developed in the plan area,consideration should be given to combining resourcesto reduce costs and travel time. The intent is toprovide for more effective and efficient use of publicresources.Police43. Construct new police station to serve theSteele Creek divisionThe Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Steele Creek Divisioncovers this area. Currently, their headquartersare located in the Police and Fire Training Academyon Shopton Road. Future plans include the constructionof a new Charlotte-Mecklenburg PoliceDepartment Steele Creek Division Police Station onthe southwest corner of S. Tryon Street (NC 49) andWestinghouse Boulevard.Fire44. Provide fire stations to serve future developmentand annexed areasThere are three fire stations located within the planarea. Station 26 is located on S. Tryon Street (NC49) near Westinghouse Boulevard, Station 37 islocated on York Road (NC 49), and Station 38 islocated on Shopton Road West. Station 38 is hometo Charlotte’s first and only fire boat house. Futureplans also include a fire station in the area of Youngbloodand McKee roads, contingent upon annexation.Charlotte Fire Department plans call for additionalfire stations to serve the plan area that willbe developed after areas are annexed and demandwarrants.Libraries45. Develop regional library to serve the area’sgrowing populationThe plan area is currently served by the SteeleCreek Branch Library located on Steele CreekRoad, adjacent to Southwest Middle School. Landfor a new regional library has been acquired onShopton Road in the northern most portion of theplan area, near the Berewick development.Volume I: Concept Plan

Natural EnvironmentA good land use plan balances preservation of thearea’s natural resources with the demand for newdevelopment. This is possible with careful planningand adherence to policies and regulations. Thespecific environmental policies contained in this planare based on the more general principles and policiestaken from the General Development Policies – Environment(GDP), adopted in 2007.The protection of the environment which includesthe preservation of the tree canopy and other naturalfeatures, such as the Catawba River, were identifiedas primary concerns for area residents during theplanning process. The vision developed for the areamakes specific mention of “Protecting the CatawbaRiver, McDowell Nature Center and Preserve, naturalfeatures, and historic places.” The vision also advocates“Encouraging community design that recognizesthe natural environment; and creating an interconnectednetwork of parks, greenways, and open spaceamenities”.Portions of the plan area are located within the LakeWylie, Steele Creek and Sugar Creek watershed basins.Most of the western boundary of the plan area,approximately 9,143 acres located along Lake Wylie,is located within the Critical Area of the Lake WylieWatershed Overlay Zoning District and approximately2,965 acres is located within the Protected Area ofthe Lake Wylie Watershed Overlay Zoning District.Area creeks and streams running through the areainclude Steele Creek, Polk Ditch, Walker Branch andNeal Branch. (Parks and greenways are addressedin the park and recreation section of this document.)Other environmental features include ponds andwetlands located throughout the study area, floodplain,swim buffers, natural heritage areas and naturalheritage element occurrences. See Map 17, EnvironmentalFeatures.Natural heritage areas are areas of land or wateridentified by N.C. Natural Heritage Program biologistsas being important for the conservation of the state’sbiodiversity. These areas often contain examplesof natural communities and often include rare andendangered species. Natural heritage element occurrencesare locations of rare and endangered speciespopulations and occurrences of exemplary or uniquenatural ecosystems and special wildlife habitats.GOAL:Encourage environmentally sensitiveland development practicesNatural Environment PoliciesThe preservation and protection of open space,trees, water bodies, air and other natural assetsis extremely important as the area continues todevelop. The natural environment policies whichfollow provide direction to accommodate growth andchange while protecting the quality of the area’sland, water and air.Land Quality46. Support mixed use and compact developmentthat preserve land, reduce vehiculartrips and protect natural resources.Mixed use and compact development reduce triplengths and support alternative travel options. Thistype of development encourages walking and bikingas well as protects air quality, water quality andother natural resources. The land use and designsections provide details about the appropriatelocation for mixed use development and provideguidance for appropriate design. The land use anddesign policies help insure that impacts of growthare mitigated.Ayrsley Town Center was one of the first mixed use developmentsin the area.44 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanVolume I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

47. Protect and preserve the area’s environmentalfeatures.A survey of area residents and property ownersearly in the planning process revealed that the area’sproximity to the Catawba River / Lake Wylie is whatrespondents liked most, followed by the area’s othernatural features. The biggest concern shared in thesurvey, was the loss of natural habitat. The preservationof large areas of mature trees to retain treecanopy and a network of green spaces is importantas development occurs.Map 17, Environmental Features illustrates a numberof areas that have identified environmental featuresincluding the McDowell Nature Center and Preserve.The Preserve is mostly forested with a significanttree canopy and rolling terrain along Lake Wylie. ThePreserve has a large variety of rare and endangeredplant life. In addition, the Preserve is home to numerousspecies of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.Air Quality50. Implement the land use, community designand transportation policies to reduce vehicleemissions.Clean healthy air is our most vital natural resource.Ground-level ozone is the biggest air pollution problemin Mecklenburg. Mobile sources such as carsare the largest contributor of ozone-forming pollution.Future development should strive to reducevehicle trips, improve connectivity and provide travelchoices/route options. The reduction of vehiclesmiles traveled (VMT) and the implementation ofpolicies recommended throughout the plan will helpimprove air quality.48. Encourage business and property owners toadhere to environmental standards and workwith appropriate agencies to clean up sitesand minimize soil contamination.Although the area has many positive environmentalfeatures, there are soil and groundwater contaminationsites identified on Map 17, EnvironmentalFeatures. Most of these sites are located within theWestinghouse Industrial Center. The contaminationmay be due to underground tanks, chemical leaksand improper disposal of chemicals.Water Quality49. Protect the Catawba River, creeks, streams,ponds, wetlands, floodplain and other environmentalfeatures in the area.Nearly 40 percent of the plan area is located withinthe watershed protection area and there are 83 milesof stream within the plan area. Protection of thequality of the area’s water resources is very important.The Catawba River / Lake Wylie is considered amajor asset by most in the community. Developmentpractices that utilize minimal clearing, grading, paving,impervious areas and soil compaction have lessimpact on the water quality. Water conservation is asimple tool that can be practiced by everyone and isimportant in protecting the area’s water supply.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 45Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentWater quality is very critical for the health and safety of LakeWylie area residents and visitors.Volume I: Concept Plan

ConclusionThe Steele Creek area has grown at a rapid pace during the last decade. The impact of regional growthand the opening of three I-485 interchanges within the area have placed additional growth pressures on theSteele Creek community. The area experienced an 84 percent increase in population and transitioned frombeing a largely undeveloped area to an active area with four Activity Centers.As the Charlotte region continues to attract new residents and businesses, development pressure in theSteele Creek area will likely continue. The ability to successfully accommodate growth, while maintaining ahigh quality of life, is not likely without appropriate planning.The Steele Creek Area Plan sets the stage for managing future growth and development consistent with theCenters, Corridors and Wedges Growth Framework, the City’s vision for future growth and development, andthe Steele Creek community’s vision for the area. The plan offers the opportunity to help fulfill the vision forthe area by protecting the area’s environmental features while providing for the integration of land use andtransportation planning.There are many factors that will determine how the area develops over time such as environmental constraintsand market conditions. However, the policies in this plan are intended to help guide future growthand development in an organized manner and to contribute to the long term sustainability of the community.The plan policies provide for future development that is consistent with the character and vision for the area,an efficient street network, public facilities to serve residents and development practices that have minimalimpact on the environment.46 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart I: Concept PlanCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Part IIImplementationGuide47

Part II Implementation GuideIntroductionAchieving the vision articulated in this plan will occur incrementally over time throughthe combined efforts of local/state government, private property owners, residents,developers and many others. This Implementation Guide is primarily a staff documentthat outlines specific steps that can be taken by various public and private bodies sothat the future envisioned in this plan may be realized. These strategies are listed inthe table that follows. The lead responsible agency and tentative time frame is alsoincluded. The strategies are numbered sequentially and correspond to the policiesdiscussed in the Concept Plan. This allows staff to track progress of the plan’s policiesover time.Some strategies are physical such as installing sidewalks and building new thoroughfarealignments like Carowinds Boulevard Extension. Other strategies involve continuedenforcement of adopted City policies and regulations such as the Post ConstructionControls Ordinance that deals with the effects of storm water runoff; still othersconsider policy or ordinance changes to accommodate new policy recommendations,such as a zoning ordinance change to allow for increased retail use in marinas.These implementation strategies do not imply a specific public or private sector commitment.The Charlotte City Council will not be asked to adopt this implementationGuide. However, many of the strategies in this section will require future action byelected officials and will be presented to them for approval as needed on a case-bycasebasis.Finally, since conditions change over time, staff will periodically update this ImplementationGuide to reflect changes and progress.48 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart II: Implementation GuideCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Recommended Implementation StrategiesThe number of each action corresponds to the policies beginning on page 12 of the Concept Plan.PolicyNumberAction ItemProjectTypeLeadAgencyTimeFrameLand Use & Community Design1-20 Use land use and community design policiesto guide and evaluate developmentproposals.Zoning Planning as developmentoccurs10a11a12a13aWork with Planning GIS staff to modifythe Centers, Corridors and Wedgesboundary layer reflecting the changesadopted for the RiverGate Mixed Use ActivityCenter, as indicated on Graphic 1.Work with Planning GIS staff to modifythe Center, Corridors and Wedgesboundary layer reflecting the changesadopted for the Westinghouse IndustrialActivity Center, as indicated on Graphic2.Work with Planning GIS staff to modifythe Centers, Corridors and Wedgesboundary layer reflecting the changesadopted for the Whitehall / Ayrsley Mixed-Use Activity Center, as indicated onGraphic 3.Work with Planning GIS staff to modifythe Center, Corridors and Wedgesboundary layer reflecting the changesadopted for the Shopton Road IndustrialActivity Center, as indicated on Graphic4.Zoning Planning Within1 month ofPlanAdoptionZoning Planning Within1 month ofPlanAdoptionZoning Planning Within1 month ofPlanAdoptionZoning Planning Within1 month ofPlanAdoptionTransportation and Streetscape(see table on page 56 for estimated costs of improvements)21 Improve the following streets via theCity’s Farm-to-Market Upgrade program:-Choate Circle-Hamilton Road-Nations Ford Road-Sandy Porter Road-Shopton Road and Shopton Road West-Sledge Road-Smith Road-Youngblood Road-Zoar RoadTransp. CDOT /Planningas developmentoccursand/oras fundingbecomesavailableSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 49Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart II: Implementation Guide

PolicyNumberAction ItemProjectTypeLeadAgencyTimeFrame22 Widen Brown-Grier Road (2 to 4 lanes)from Arrowood Road to Steele CreekRoad (NC160).Widen Carowinds Blvd. from S. TryonStreet (NC 49) to Sam Neely and WingetRoads.Widen Carowinds Blvd. (2 to 4 lanes)from S. Tryon Street (NC 49) to ChoateCircle.Widen S. Tryon Street (NC 49) (4 to 6lanes) from Arrowood Road to SteeleCreek Road (NC 160)Widen Steele Creek Road (NC 160) (2 to4 lanes) from Shopton Rd. West to StateLine (S.C.)Widen Westinghouse Boulevard (2 to 4lanes) from S. Tryon Street (NC 49) toShopton Road West23 Work with MPO staff to amend ThoroughfarePlan to reflect recommendation torealign Choate Circle to S. Tryon Street(NC 49).24 Enhance the following intersections toimprove traffic flow, area accessibility andsafety; and further analyze their feasibilitythrough the capital needs assessmentprocess:-Carowinds Bv. at Choate Circle-Steele Creek Rd. at Brown Grier-Steele Creek Road (NC 160) at ErwinRd.-Steele Creek Rd. (NC 160) at SamNeely Rd.-Steele Creek Rd. (NC 160) at SledgeRd.-Steele Creek Rd. (NC 160) at Westinghouse Blvd.-Steele Creek Rd. (NC 160) at I-485-S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at CarowindsBlvd.-S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at I-485-S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Shopton Rd.-S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Steele CreekRd. (NC 160)-S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Whitehall ParkDr.-S. Tryon Street (NC 49) at Corsica Forest Dr. pending Choate Circle realignment-Westinghouse Blvd. at I-77-York Road (NC 49) at Grand Palisades25 Work with petitioner in the rezoningprocess to request that key connectorstreets shown on Map 5, are provided asdevelopment occurs.Transp. CDOT /E&PMTransp. CDOT /E&PM /PlanningTransp. CDOT /E&PM /PlanningTransp. CDOT /Planningas fundingbecomesavailableand/or asdevelopmentoccursShort(0-5 yr)as fundingbecomesavailableand/or asdevelopmentoccursas developmentoccurs50 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart II: Implementation GuideCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

PolicyNumberAction ItemProjectTypeLeadAgencyTimeFrame26 Work with petitioner in the rezoning processto facilitate cross-access and parrallelconnections along S. Tryon Street (NC49).Transp. /ZoningCDOT /Planningas developmentoccurs27 Work with MUMPO to review the majorthoroughfare alignments of CarowindsBlvd. Extension and Youngblood Rd., andamend Thoroughfare Plan accordingly.Trasp. CDOT /PlanningShort(0-5 yr)28 Construct new sidewalks along existingthoroughfares, refer to Maps 4 and 13.29 Work with CDOT in identifiing areas inneed of sidewalks within established residentialareas, and identify potential fundingsources to construct new sidwalks.30 Construct bicycle lanes along all thoroughfares.Transp. CDOT as fundingbecomesavailableand/or asdevelopmentoccursTransp. CDOT Short (0-5yr) and ongoingTransp. CDOT as fundingbecomesavailableand/or asdevelopmentoccurs31 Complete all planned greenways in theSteele Creek area.Transp.Park &Rec /PlanningLong(>10 yrs)32 Work with petitioners in the rezoning processto encourage bikeway connectionsto primary greenways.Transp.CDOT/ Park& Rec /Planningas developmentoccurs33 Work with petitioners in the rezoningprocess to develop a parrallel shared-usepath or paved shoulders along ShoptonRoad West.34 Review expansion of transit to the planarea as part of CATS’ next update to the5-year Countywide Transit Services Plan.Transp. CDOT /E&PM /PlanningTransp. CATS /Planningas developmentoccursMedium(5-10 yr)Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 51Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart II: Implementation Guide

PolicyNumberAction ItemProjectTypeLeadAgencyTimeFrameInfrastructure and Public Facilities35-37 Continue to develop and maintain waterand sewer systems neededto support the area’s growth.35-37 Use land use and community design policies,as well as information about existingand planned infrastructure to guide andevaluate development proposals.Utilities CMU OngoingUtilities CMU Ongoing35-37 Replace Steele Creek pump station. Utilities CMU Medium(5-10 yr)38-40 Develop Capps Community Park. Park P&R Medium(5-10 yr)38-40 Develop Palisades Neighborhood Park. Park P&R Short(0-5 yr)38-40 Develop Steele Creek, Walkers Branch,and Polk Ditch Greenways, as well asdedicate more areas for new greenwayswhere possible.38-40 Work through the rezoning and subdivisionprocesses to support the developmentof public access points to theCatawba River, including boat ramps,picnic areas and public open space alongthe river.Park P&R OngoingPark P&R as developmentoccurs41-42 Construct Palisades Elementary Schoo.l Schools CMS Long(>10 yrs)41-42 Construct middle school at Steele CreekRoad site to serve southwest portion ofthe plan area.41-42 Construct high school to serve southwestportion of the plan area.Schools CMS Long(>10 yrs)Schools CMS Long(>10 yrs)45 Construct regional library at the ShoptonRoad site.PublicFacilitiesPLCMCLong(>10 yrs)38-45 Work with civic infrastructure providerssuch as libraries, parks and schoolsthrough the Joint Use Task Force (JUTF),to build facilities along major or minorthoroughfares in mixed-use areas, andseek new opportunities for joint use projects.PublicFacilitiesPlanning/ Police/ Fire /Schools& LibararyOngoing52 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart II: Implementation GuideCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

PolicyNumberAction ItemProjectTypeLeadAgencyTimeFrameEnvironment46-50 Use the rezoning process and SubdivisionOrdinance to implement land useand environmental policies.Zoning Planning as developmentoccurs46-50 Continue to apply PCCO (Post ConstructionControls Ordinance) and other Cityregulations and policies that address theprotection of environmentally sensitiveareas that are impacted by storm waterrun-off.StormwaterE&PMas developmentoccurs46-50 Use the land development process to approvethe amount of land cleared, gradedor compacted to the maximum allowablebuilt upon area, detailed in the watershedoverlay zoning districts that apply.LandDevelopmentE&PMas developmentoccurs46-50 Continue to apply the City’s Tree Ordinance(and subsequent text amendments)in preserving the tree canopy, byecouraging a 10% tree save requirementfor residential sites and a 15% for commericalsites.Zoning/TreeOrd.Planning/E&PMas developmentoccurs38-40;46-50Request easements and/or dedicationsduring the land development process toexpand the Greenways and passive openspace.Zoning/TreeOrd.Park &Rec./Planning/E&PMas developmentoccurs48 Limit development in and around contaminatedsites to non-residential usesconsistent with land use policies.Zoning Planning as developmentoccursSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 53Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart II: Implementation Guide

Future Transportation ProjectsSee Map 5, Future Transportation Projects on following page.1. Extension of Shopton Road West across Steele CreekRoad (NC 160) to new local street #42. New street between Brown-Grier Road at Cedar Hill Roadand Shopton Road West Extension3. Extension of Realigned Dixie River Road across SteeleCreek Road (NC 160) to Gallant Lane4. New street between Rigsby Road and Williams Glenn Road5. New street between Sandy Porter Road and ArrowoodRoad inside Interstate 4856. New street between Beaman Avenue and Blithe Low Place7. New street between Shopton Road and Arrowood Roadinside Interstate 4858. New street between Arrowood Road and Whitehall ParkDrive with bridge over Interstate 485 between ArrowoodRoad and South Tryon Street (NC 49)9. Extension of Means Court to Quality Drive10. Extension of General Drive to Westinghouse Boulevard11. Extension of Nevada Boulevard to Westinghouse Boulevard12. New street between Pioneer Avenue and Arrowpoint Boulevardwith bridge over Interstate 485 between South TryonStreet (NC 49) and Interstate 7713. Extension of Waterlyn Drive to Sledge Road14. New street between Waterlyn Drive Extension and SteeleCreek Road (NC 160) at Huntington Meadow Lane15. Extension of Swann Branch Drive to Steele Creek Road(NC 160) at Sledge Road16. New Street between Erwin Road and South Tryon Street(NC 49) at Stephendale Drive17. The 2009 Feasibility Study recommends a connectionbetween South Ridge Drive and Moss Road. The connectionwill be considered only if parcels located on the westside of Moss Road are redeveloped and have fulfilled legalrequirements associated with the property.18. Extension of Rivergate Parkway across South Tryon Street(NC 49) to Steele Creek Road (NC 160)19. New street between Steelecroft Parkway and WalkerBranch Drive20. New street between York Road (NC 49) and Grand PalisadesParkway21. New street between Hickory View Lane Extension andGrand Palisades Parkway22. Extension of Capps Road to Palisades Parkway23. New street between Hickory View Lane and Shallow PondRoad24. Extension of Hamilton Road to Capps Road25. Extension of Walker Branch Drive to Superior Street Extension26. Extension of Superior Street to Rivergate Parkway Extension27. Extension of Rivergate Parkway to Smith Road28. Extension of General Drive to Carowinds Boulevard viaCatawba Trace29. New street between Thomas Road and Kentucky HomeLane30. New street between McKee Road and Tega Cay/GoldhillRoad ConnectorLegend forMap 5, Future TransportationProjectsEnhanced IntersectionEnhanced Intersection(Pending Connection)Boulevard: Six LaneBoulevard: Four LaneAvenue: Two LaneAvenue: Two Lanewith Parkway EdgeProposed Avenue:Two LaneLocal StreetProposed New Street *RailroadGreenwaysDevelopedProposedOverland Connectors100 Year FloodplainCreeks and StreamsPonds & WetlandsPlan Area Boundary* In most cases, these new connectorswill be requested through theland development process to supportincreased travel demand andto provide additional travel routesto area Activity Centers. The locationsof the proposed connectorstreets are conceptual. Alternativelocations, consistent with the intentof the proposed network, will alsobe considered. Additional streetsmay also be identified to facilitateimproved network and connectivity.54 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart II: Implementation GuideCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Catwba RiverChastain AvAllwoodShopton RdSteele Creek Area PlanS Tryon StSteele Creek RdDixie River RdBeam Rd6Blithe Low Pl453 7§¨¦ 4851Rock2Island RdBrown-Grier RdFuture Transportation Projects8W Arrowood RdWhitehall Park DrSandy Porter RdSteele Creek RdRd WestShopton129Westinghouse Bv1110Winget RdPrice RdJohnSam Neely RdSledge RdNevada BvS Tryon StErwin Rd1513§¨¦ 77Downs RdNations Ford RdCarowinds Bv17161428Moss Rd18Choate CrSmith RdNC-51Main StHamilton RdLancaster HyNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaµSouth CarolinaZoar RdMap5Miles0 12 4Data Source: City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, data as of August 16, 2011Produced By Charlotte - Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentYoungblood RdGaston CountyMcDowellNature CenterandPreserve25York Rd2021Palisades Py23221924Grand29302726Mckee RdCatawba RiverFor accompanying Legend refer to page 54.February 27, 201255

Steele Creek - Transportation Improvements & CostsNew Roads/Road WideningsProject Limits Existing Proposed Improvement Cost (000)FundingResponsibility?Under CurrentFunding when willthis project bebuilt?Brown-Grier Road Steele Creek Rd. to Sandy Porter Rd. 2 lane Widening to 4 lanes $ 9,000 Charlotte Beyond 2035Carowinds Blvd. S. Tryon St. (NC 49) to Choate Circle 2 lane Widening to 4 lanes $ 12,000 Charlotte Beyond 2035Carowinds Blvd. Extension S. Tryon St. (NC 49) to Shopton Rd. West n/a New 4-lane road $ 19,000 Charlotte Beyond 2035New bridge over I-485 Arrowood Rd. to Whitehall Park Dr. n/a New 2-lane bridge $ 12,600 Charlotte Beyond 2035S. Tryon Street (NC 49) Arrowood Rd. to Steele Creek Rd. 4 lane Widening to 6 lanes $ 50,000 Charlotte/NCDOT Beyond 2035Shopton Road West Extension S. Tryon St. (NC 49) to Zoar Rd. n/a New 2-lane road $ 7,300 Charlotte Beyond 2035Steele Creek Road I-485 to York Rd. (NC 49) 2 lane Widening to 4 lanes $ 42,300 NCDOT Beyond 2035Steele Creek Road York Rd. (NC 49) to South Carolina line 2 lane Widening to 4 lanes $ 23,200 NCDOT Beyond 2035Total $ 175,400Farm-to-Market Road ImprovementsProject Limits Existing Proposed Improvement Cost (000)FundingResponsibility?Under CurrentFunding when willthis project bebuilt?Choate Circle S. Tryon St. (NC 49) to Carowinds Blvd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 16,600 Charlotte Beyond 2020Erwin Road Steele Creek Rd. to S. Tryon St. (NC 49) 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 6,400 Charlotte Beyond 2020Hamilton Road Youngblood Rd. to Steele Creek Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 5,500 Charlotte Beyond 2020Hamilton Road Steele Creek Rd. to SC line 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 8,600 Charlotte Beyond 2020Sandy Porter Road Shopton Rd. to Brown-Grier Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 9,800 Charlotte Beyond 2020Sandy Porter Road Brown-Grier Rd. to S. Tryon St. (NC 49) 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 11,600 Charlotte Beyond 2020Shopton Road Steele Creek Rd. to S. Tryon St. (NC 49) 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 21,300 Charlotte Beyond 2020Shopton Road West York Rd. (NC 49) to Sledge Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 15,700 Charlotte Beyond 2020Shopton Road West Sledge Rd. to Winget Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 10,000 Charlotte Beyond 2020Shopton Road West Winget Rd. to Westinghouse Blvd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 11,400 Charlotte Beyond 2020Shopton Road West Westinghouse Blvd. to Steele Creek Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 11,200 Charlotte Beyond 2020Sledge Road Shopton Rd. to Steele Creek Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 11,600 Charlotte Beyond 2020Smith Road Choate Circle to Hamilton Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 7,400 Charlotte Beyond 2020Youngblood Road Palisades Pkwy. to Zoar Rd. 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 12,200 Charlotte Beyond 2020Zoar Road Youngblood Rd. to South Carolina line 2 lane FTM Upgrade $ 6,700 Charlotte Beyond 2020Total $ 166,000Intersection ImprovementsProject Cost (000)FundingResponsibility?Under CurrentFunding when willthis project bebuilt?Beam Rd./Shopton Rd. $ 3,300 Charlotte Beyond 2015Sam Neely Rd./Steeke Creek Rd. $ 6,100 Charlotte Beyond 2015Brown-Grier Rd./Steele Creek Rd. $ 2,500 Charlotte Beyond 2015Steele Creek Rd./Westinghouse Blvd. $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015Steele Creek Rd./S. Tryon Street (NC 49) $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015Shopton Rd. West/York Rd. (NC 49) $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015Carowinds Blvd./S. Tryon St. (NC 49) $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015I-485/S. Tryon St. (NC 49) $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015I-77/Westinghouse Blvd. $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015S. Tryon St. (NC 49)/Whitehall Park Dr. $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015Carowinds Blvd./Choate Circle $ 5,000 Charlotte Beyond 2015Total $ 51,900Total Road, FTM andIntersection ImprovementCost $ 393,300Source: 2035 Mecklenburg-Union Long-Range Transportation Plan, 2011-15 Charlotte Capital Investment PlanThese estimateswere developedusing the unit costsfrom the 2035 LRTPdocument approvedby MUMPOin 2010 and are in2008 dollars. Theseare planning levelestimates only usingaerial informationand planimetric infoto determine the locationof bridges andculverts that wouldneed to be widenedor replaced. It doesinclude costs foritems such as utilityrelocations, right ofway and constructioncontingenciesthat are necessaryto make a projectwhole.56 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart II: Implementation GuideCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Part IIIAppendix57

Part III AppendixAll appendix maps are found at the end of the document.Existing Conditions ReportA thorough review and understanding of existing conditions – physical, economic andsocial – was needed to identify the opportunities and constraints facing the plan area,and to develop the plan vision, goals and policies. The following discussion highlightsthose existing conditions, trends and forecasts most relevant for the plan area.IntroductionThe Steele Creek plan area is comprised of approximately 27,000 acres located inthe southwestern portion of Mecklenburg County. The area is home to a large amountof industrial development. In recent years, it has experienced significant growth thatincludes residential, office, retail and mixed use development. However, several largetracts of undeveloped land still remain.Identifying landmarks in the community include Ayrsley Town Center, Whitehall TechnologyPark, RiverGate, Carowinds Amusement Park, Westinghouse Boulevard IndustrialCenter, Siemens Power Generation Plant, McDowell Nature Center and Preserveand Olympic High School. Established single family residential neighborhoods in thearea include The Crossings, The Palisades, The Sanctuary, Whitehall and Yorkshire.The Berewick Mixed Use Development is located just outside the plan area.A large portion of the plan area falls in a Wedge, two areas are within Mixed Use ActivityCenters and two areas are located within Industrial Centers per the Centers, Corridorsand Wedges Growth Framework.1500012000900060003000074%Caucasian18%BlackPopulationCharacteristics0% 5% 3% 4%AmericanIndianAsianPacificIslanderOther HispanicSource: 2000 U.S. Census Block DataDemographic ProfilePopulationAccording to US Census data, 19,166 people resided inthe plan area in 2000. Based on the County MetrolinaRegional Travel Demand Model estimates, the populationin the plan area almost doubled from 2000 to 2008,reaching 35,330.• 33 percent were between the ages of 0 and 19• 35 percent were between the ages of 20 and 39• 25 percent were between the ages of 40 and 59• 7 percent were age 60 and older58 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Income and Housing ValuesThe median household income in the plan area was$61,607, according to 2000 US Census data. Thisis well above the median household income forMecklenburg County of $50,579.Educational LevelDoctorate0.6%Professional1%Master7%Less than 9th grade2%Grade 9 to 126%The median home value was $144,846; slightlyabove the median home value for the County whichwas $141,800.HouseholdsThe average household size was 2.57, and the totalnumber of households was 7,416. The majority ofthe homes were owner occupied (83 percent).Associate8%Bachelor28%High SchoolGraduate19%Some College28%Household CharacteristicsHousing Units Households HH* PopulationOwner Household7,860 7,416 19,059Renter Household6,152 83% 1,264 17%One Person HH*Family HH*with ChildrenAverageHH Size1,544 2,219 2.57Median HH* Value Median HH* Income$144,846 $61,607County HH* Value County Median HH* Income$141,800$50,579Source: 2000 U.S. Census Data*HH - HouseholdConstruction,Extraction& Maintenance6 %Source: 2000 U.S. Census Block Group DataEmployment IndustryProduction,Transportation &Material Moving11%Sales & Office31%Service10%Management,Professional& Related41%Education and EmploymentThe majority of the working population (age 25+) inthis area has some college education.• 45 percent have an associate / bachelorsor higher degree education,• 28 percent have at least some collegeeducation.Education levels are reflected in the type of jobsheld by the residents.• 41 percent of jobs are in the managementprofessional category,• 31 percent of jobs were are in sales andoffice category.Source: 2000 U.S. Census Block Group DataMajor employers in the area are shown below:Major EmployersInternational Paper Company 5700Arrowpoint Capital Corporation 2000TJ Maxx Distribution Center 1050Siemens Power Generation 799Frito-Lay Inc 630Celgard LLC 350Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company 340ADESA Charlotte 300Source: 2000 U.S. Census DataSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 59Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart III: Appendix

BuildingPermitsRecent building permitactivity for the planarea is shown in thetables and on Map 6,Development Historyand Map 7, BuildingPermit Activity . Permitsfor both singlefamily detached andattached housing unitspeaked in 2006. Thenumber of permits forattached units increasedsignificantly in2006. There has beena substantial declinein permitting activitysince 2008.YearResidential Building PermitsSingle FamilyDetachedAll AttachedUnitsTOTAL2000 484 635 1,1192001 608 284 8922002 689 140 8292003 565 308 8732004 466 99 5652005 717 189 9062006 895 1,440 2,3352007 556 671 1,2272008 343 707 1,0502009 246 140 386Aug 2010 155 91 246TOTAL 5,724 4,737 10,461Source: Mecklenburg County Building Permit Data,August 2010Non-ResidentialBuilding Permits(Square Footages)2000 267,4312001 696,1302002 360,3042003 408,6522004 1,089,2162005 1,871,3662006 1,597,7832007 1,897,8652008 680,9702009 93,495Aug 2010 403,393TOTAL 9,366,605Source: Mecklenburg CountyBuilding Permit Data, August2010Key Opportunities and ConstraintsListed below are Opportunities and Constraints identified during the public planning process.OPPORTUNITIESLand Use• Preserve and protect neighborhoods• Convenience of activity centers for shopping, restaurants,entertainment and employment (RiverGate and Whitehall)• Preserve some agricultural areas• Limit expansion of industrial usesCommunity Design• High quality and diverse housing stockTransportation• Accessibility to Catawba River, greenways and parks• Access to interstates, Center City and South CarolinaPublic Facilities• Availability of greenways and parksNatural Environment• Protection/preservation of open space, trees and watershed• Preservation of historical sitesCONSTRAINTSLand Use• Industrial impacts on thenatural environment andtransportationCommunity Design• Lack of rural characterTransportation• Lack of road improvements• Traffic congestion• Few transportation optionsPublic Facilities• Relocation of police stationto more centralized location• Need for more schools• Lack of post offices/librariesNatural Environment• Loss of natural features• Catawba River pollution• Poor air quality60 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Existing Land UseThe Steele Creek plan area is comprised of approximately 26,767 acres. As shown in the table below andillustrated on Map 8, Existing Land Use, the largest categories of existing land uses are vacant (27 percent),and single family detached (20 percent). Based upon approved rezonings, there are approved plans for 29percent of the now vacant land (approximately 2096 acres) .Industrial and warehouse/distribution accounts for 6 percent of development. The Westinghouse IndustrialCenter is located along both sides of Westinghouse Boulevard generally between I-77 and Shopton RoadWest. This is the largest industrial core in the Carolinas with over 20 million square feet of industrial development.A small portion of the Shopton Road Industrial Center is located on the western boundary of the planarea.Major industrial businesses in the area include Siemens; this company recently announced plans to add 600jobs. Others are International Paper Company, Arrowood Capital Corporation, TJ Maxx Distribution Center,Sprint, Time Warner Cable and Frito-Lay. Major industrial parks include Arrowood Southern Industrial Park,Moody Lakes and Whitehall.Existing Land Use Acreage % of TotalAgriculture 1,582.32 6%Industrial 1,500.64 6%Institutional 501.46 2%Mixed 11.60 0.04%Multi-Family 550.98 2%Office 450.26 2%Open Space 2,230.22 8%Retail 548.47 2%Single Family - Attached 6.56 0.02%Single Family - Detached 5,426.43 20%Transportation 83.56 0.31%Utility 47.37 0.18%Vacant 7,258.22 27%*Warehouse/Distribution 2,278.43 9%Water 1,987.21 7%Right of Way 2,303.41 9%Total 26,767.13 100%Source: Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning, September 22, 2010Note: The land use acreage figures are calculated by parcel and do notinclude rights-of-way. As a result, the total acreage figures will not alwaysmatch the total acreage figure for the plan area which does include rightsof-wayas part of that calculation.* Approximately 29% of the vacant land,or 2096 acres, has an approveddevelopment plan.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 61Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart III: Appendix

Existing Land Use CategoriesMajor land use categories are Vacant (27 percent), Single family residential (20 percent), Industrial andWarehouse/Distribution (17 percent), and Open Space (8 percent).EXISTING LAND USE CATEGORIESAgriculture Industrial Institutional Mixed1,582.32 acres6% of total acres1,500.64 acres6% of total acres501.46 acres2% of total acres11.60 acres0.04% of total acresMulti-Family Office Open Space Retail550.98 acres2% of total acres450.26 acres2% of total acres2,230.22 acres8% of total acres548.47 acres2% of total acresSingle Family - Attached Single Family - Detached Transportation Utility6.56 acres0.02% of total acres5,426.43 acres20% of total acres83.56 acres0.31% of total acres47.37 acres0.18% of total acresVacant Warehouse/Distribution Water Right-of-Way7,258.22 acres27% of total acres2,278.43 acres9% of total acres1,987.21 acres7% of total acres2,303.41 acres9% of total acres62 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixTOTAL ACRES 26,767.13 Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department, 09/21/2010Note: The land use acreage figures are calculated by parcel and do not include rights-of-way. As a result, thetotal acreage figures will not always match the total acreage figure for the plan area which does include rights-ofwayas part of that calculation.Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

The Steele Creek plan area encompasses a widevariety of housing, commercial and industrial developmentstyles, both old and new. A portion of theplan area is heavily developed, while other areasare more rural. Much of Steele Creek is and willcontinue to be auto-oriented, although several largermixed use centers have emerged that are morepedestrian friendly. No cohesive development or designtype exists in the plan area; however, there arepockets of development with similar features andmaterials. The information below summarizes thedifferent land use types within the plan area boundary.ResidentialWith its proximity to Lake Wylie, the Steele Creekarea has experienced significant growth in the lastten years. A number of subdivisions have been developedin recent years. Some are large lot subdivisionswhile others are similar to suburban residentidaldevelopment in the greater Charlotte region.Large lot, custom residential homes in The Sanctuary cater to adifferent demographic than much of the plan area.Industrial and OfficeIndustrial and larger office uses in the plan area areprimarily located near interchanges along Interstates485 and 77. Several large industrial parksexist in the plan area, providing numerous employmentopportunities. The majority of these facilitiesemerged in the last twenty years and are generallywell built and utilitarian in design with masonry ormetal construction.The largest industrial center in the Carolinas is located in theplan area.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 63Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentOffice uses within the plan area provide regional employmentopportunities.Part III: Appendix

Retail and Mixed UseCommercial centers in the plan area vary from older,strip type shopping centers along major roads, tomore nodal, mixed use centers concentrated aroundmajor intersections. The Whitehall Technology Park,located along Interstate 485 between Brown GrierRoad and S.Tryon Street (NC 49), is a recentlyconstructed complex that incorporates a mix ofmulti-family, office, retail and light industrial landuses. Typical design features include masonry andglass materials with varied heights and massing.The Whitehall Technology Park and retail uses in theS.Tryon Street (NC 49) and Arrowood Road areaserves the needs of Steele Creek residents, areaemployees, and the larger region that surrounds theplan area.Other large mixed use projects that have recentlyemerged in the plan area include the Ayrsley andRiverGate mixed use centers. Ayrsley, located atS.Tryon Street (NC 49) and Interstate 485, providestownhomes, apartments, condominiums, offices anda number of retail and entertainment venues in amixed use setting. The Ayrsley development is centeredaround a “main street” with several work-liveunits containing retailers on the ground level andliving units above.The RiverGate development is a more suburbanstyle development located at Steele Creek Roadand S.Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49), catering to theneeds of the Steele Creek community as well as thecommunities of Fort Mill and Tega Cay, SC. Largeretailers include one of only a few Super Targets inthe region, Home Depot, PetSmart and Best Buy. Anumber of restaurants and shopping opportunitiesalso exist in RiverGate, with a recent grocery centerand apartment complex locating across S.Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49).Smaller commercial strip shopping centers alsoexist within the Steele Creek plan area and typicallyconsist of grocery centers and neighborhood services,with not much interconnectivity. These commercialcenters were generally built in the 1970’sand 1980’s and designed with the automobile inmind. Most centers are constructed of brick or othermasonry materials, with large, surface parking lots,minimal landscaping and significant signage alongthe road. Despite their age, most of these centersare well-maintained and have active tenants thatserve local neighborhood needs.Institutional and Open SpaceA number of institutional uses exist in the plan area,including several religious institutions, schools, library,and Bartlett Tree Farm. Recently a library andmiddle school were constructed in the area. Openspace land uses include McDowell Nature Centerand Preserve, T.M. Winget Regional Park andgreenways.Ayrsley Town Center provides mixed use development in theplan area with live-work units and ground level retail.Winget Park Elementary is one of many institutional uses withinthe plan area.64 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Steele Creek Multi-Tenant Retail CentersYork CrossingLocation: Southwest corner ofS. Tryon St (NC 49) and Westinghouse BvSize: 46,547 sfYear Built: 1986Major Tenants: Dollar GeneralSteele Creek CommonsLocation: Southwest corner ofS. Tryon St (NC 49) and SandyPorter RdSize: 56,756 sfYear Built: 1987Major Tenants: Food Lion, Dollar TreeYork RidgeLocation: Northeast corner ofS. Tryon Street (NC 49) and MossRoadSize: 74,411 sfYear Built: 1999Major Tenants: Peak Fitness, BankWhitehall CommonsLocation: Northwest corner ofS. Tryon St (NC 49) & Arrowood RdSize: 432,469 sfYear Built: 2000Major Tenants: Wal-Mart, Bi-Lo,Lowe’sSteelecroftLocation: Northwest corner ofS. Tryon St/York Rd (NC 49) andSteele Creek RdSize: 79,227 sfYear Built: 2000Major Tenants: Harris TeeterSteele Creek CrossingLocation: Northeast corner ofS. Tryon St (NC 49) and SteeleCreek RdSize: 73,290 sfYear Built: 2000Major Tenants: Bi-Lo, Rite-AidAyrsley Town CenterLocation: Southeast corner ofS. Tryon St (NC 49) and I-485Size: 304,551 sfYear Built: 2003Major Tenants: Movie Theater,YMCA, RestaurantsRiverGateLocation: Southeast corner ofS. Tryon St (NC 49) & Steele Creek RdSize: 550,000 sfYear Built: 2006Major Tenants: Target, Marshall’s,Home Depot, RestaurantsSouthpoint VillageLocation: Northeast corner ofS. Tryon St (NC 49) & John Price RdSize: 32,000 sfYear Built: 2006Major Tenants: Aldi, AdvanceAuto, Tuesday MorningSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 65Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart III: Appendix

ZoningAs shown in the table below half of the plan area iszoned single family residential. The second largestzoning category in the plan area is industrial. Thethird largest is MX or mixed use. The purpose of theMX district is to allow for the development of plannedcommunities that may incorporate a full range ofhousing types and in some instances, compatiblenonresidential uses. These uses provide goods,services and employment opportunities primarily tomeet the needs of residents in the immediately surroundingarea. See Map 10a, Existing Zoning andMap 10b, Current Zoning. Link to current zoning atwww.charlotteplanning.orgExisting ZoningZoning Acres % of TotalAreaResidential 13,082.07 55%Single Family 12,168.66 51%Multi-Family 913.41 4%Office 150.65 1%Retail 519.70 2%Industrial 6,357.64 27%Institutional 232.31 1%Mixed Use 3,641.51 15%Total Acres 23,983.88 101%Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department,May 17, 2010Note: The land use acreage figures are calculated by parceland do not include rights-of-way. As a result, the total acreagefigures will not always match the total acreage figure for theplan area which include rights-of-way as part of that calculation.Some of the larger approved rezonings include ThePalisades development, located on the southernside of York Road (NC 49) at the Catawba River. Itis a large mixed use development with a mixture ofhousing types and overall density of three dwellingunits per acre. The approved rezoning site plan alsoallows for neighborhood serving land uses.The Sanctuary is a large area zoned for mixed usedevelopment located off the northerly side of ShoptonRoad West at the Catawba River. The approvedsite plan allows for single family homes only at anoverall density of less than one dwelling unit peracre.Ayrsley is a mixed use development located atSouth Tryon Street and I-485. In addition to themovie theater, office and retail development, there isa residential component with townhomes and apartments.Watershed Overlay ZoningBecause of its proximity to the Catawba River, aportion of the plan area is subject to the requirementsof the Lower Lake Wylie Watershed OverlayZoning District. These restrictions, supplementingthe underlying zoning requirements, protect thepublic water supply. Because of the greater risk ofwater quality degradation from pollution, there arehigher development standards in the Critical Area.Development Standards for the LowerLake Wylie Watershed OverlayCritical AreaProtected AreaCritical Area(maximum impervious area)ResidentialNon-Residential ResidentialLow densityLow density Low densityoption option - option -- 24% 24% 20%High densityHigh den-High densityoption sity option option -- 70% - 70% 50%Source: City of Charlotte Zoning OrdinanceRiverCatawbaProtected Area(maximum impervious area)Non-ResidentialLow densityoption -20%High densityoption -50%The table above summarizes the amount of imperviouscover allowed in the watershed. The High DensityOption allows for a greater development densityif engineered controls (Structural BMP’s) are used tomanage stormwater runoff.Land adjacent to Lake Wylie and extending approximatelyone-half mile inland lies in the Lower LakeWylie Critical Area. The Protected Area extends approximatelyfive miles from Lake Wylie inland. Seegraphic in table above. A more detailed discussionof the watershed can be found in the Natural Environmentsection of this chapter.66 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Recent RezoningsIn addition to a rise in building permit activity, several rezoning cases have been approved that will significantlyincrease land use intensity in the years to come. These rezoning cases generally allow for mixed usedevelopment or a significant amount of office development. See Map 11, Rezoning History (2000-2010). Allrezoning cases may be viewed at www.charlotteplanning.org#RezoningPetition(Year-#)Location1 2000-022 Approx 64.8 acres located on thesouth side of York Rd (NC 49),west of I-4852 2000-022(c )* Approx .68 acres located on thenorth side of York Rd, east ofShopton Rd West3 2000-057 Approx 26.25 acres located onthe south side of York Rd west ofMoss Rd4 2000-066 Properties located within onemile of the City limits5 2000-087 Approx 26.1 acres located on thesouth side of Shopton Rd eastof Sandy Porter Rd and west ofPleasant Way Ln6 2000-121 Approx 1.1 acres on thesouthwest corner of ShoptonRoad and Nations Ford,north of Westinghouse Blvd7 2000-142 Approx 7.12 acres located westof York Rd, north of the proposedArrowood Rd8 2000-143 Approx 4.63 acres on the northside of Arrowood Rd betweenSandy Porter Rd and I-4859 2000-146 Approx 129.25 acres on thesouthwest corner of the intersectionon I-485 and S. Tryon St (NC49)10 2000-147 Approx 7.3 acres on the southwestcorner of Arrowood Rd andWhitehall Park Dr11 2000-163 Approx 31 acres located east ofWinget Rd and Autumn Blaze Dr,north of Neely Rd12 2001-004 Approx 21.7 acres on the southside of S Tryon St (NC 49), betweenMoss and Erwin rds13 2001-016(c)* Approx. 1,500 acres locatedon the south side of York Rd,bisected by Youngblood Rd andnorth of Bankhead RdSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 67Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentRezoning Petitions Approved, 2000 – 2010ZoningChange2000Development DetailsI-1 & I-2 to CC Ayrsley - Master planned developmentwith office, hotel retail, entertainmentand residential usesR-3 to B-1 Unify zoning of total parcel under B-1classificationR-3 to R-12MF Allow up to 12 dwelling units per acre(dua)Zoning remainsthe sameR-3 to I-1 NoneI-2 to I-1 NoneO-15(CD) to O-1R-3 and O-2 toO-1(CD) andB-1(CD)I-1, I-2 & CC toCC, CC SPA &MUDD (CD)R-17MF(CD) toB-1(CD)Transfer zoning authority from Countyto City.None130 room hotel and 25,000 sf retailAyrsley - Allow a mix of uses including1,260,000 sf of office, 277,500 sf ofretail, 65,000 sf for a theatre, 425-roomhotel, and 1,605 residential unitsSit-down restaurant and/or day carefacilityI-2 to R-4(CD) 116 single family units at 4 dua2001R-3 to R-8(CD) Allow for 172 duplex, triplex, andquadruplex dwellings, with a maximumdensity of 8 duaR-3 and R-5 toMX-3 and CCPalisades - 300 single family homes,660 multi-family homes, 128 townhomes,200,000 sf retail, 100,000 sfofficePart III: Appendix

14 2001-060 Approx 11 acres located on thesoutheast corner of I-485 andSandy Porter Rd, north of Brown-Grier Rd15 2001-066 Approx 20 acres located on thenorth side of York Rd, east ofSteele Creek Rd16 2001-069 Approx. 3.1 acres on located onthe west of Steele Creek Rd,north of York Rd17 2001-132 Approx 84.95 acres located eastof S. Tryon St (NC 49) north andsouth of Cambridge Beltway Dr18 2002-005 Approx 49 acres located on thesoutheast corner of Shopton Rdand Steele Creek Rd, west ofGable Rd19 2002-007 Approx 27 acres between WhitehallPark Dr and I-485, south ofBrown-Grier Rd20 2002-044(c)* Approx. 1,500 acres locatedon the south side of York Rd atYoungblood Rd north of BankheadRd21 2002-102 Approx 23.2 acres located southof Westinghouse Bv west of S.Tryon St (NC 49)22 2002-117 Approx 14.5 acres located onthe northeast corner of York andErwin rds23 2003-014 Approx 3.84 acres located on thenorth side of Township Rd, westof S. Tryon St (NC 49)24 2003-024 Approx. 1,828 acres located onthe east and west sides of ShoptonRd W, north of Woody PointRd and the north and south sidesof Island Point and Girl Scout r25 2003-026 Approx 4 acres located on thenorth side of York Rd, east ofMoss RdR-3 to O-1(CD) All office uses except hotels and motelsR-3 to R-12MF(CD)Multi-family residentialR-3 to Inst Branch library facilityI-1 & CC toMUDD-O2002R-3 and B-1 toI-1(CD)O-2 (CD) &I-1(CD) toO-2(CD)R-4 (County) toR-4 (City)R-MH to I-1R-3 toR-8MF(CD)2003R-17MF toO-1(CD)R-12PUD, R-5,B-1(CD), B-1SCD (LLW/CA,LLW/PA) to MX-1(Innovative)LLW/CA, LLW/PAR-17MF toO-1(CD)200426 2004-002 Approx 3.1 acres located at intersectionof Youngblood Rd andB-2(CD) to R-3York Rd27 2004-043 Approx 23.6 acres located Eastof S. Tryon St (NC 49), North ofWestinghouse BvI-1 to MUDD-(CD) & MUDD-OAyrsley – allow three detached signs500,000 sf of office/flex space, a 200-room hotel and 47,000 sf of retail andrestaurant spaceAllow up to 585,000 sf of any usespermitted in O-2Transfer zoning authority from Countyto City and establish initial City zoningNoneAllow childcare center and townhomeswith a maximum density of 8 duaSix single story office condos for a totalof 36,000 sfThe Sanctuary - Allow 740 single familyhomes, 30.8 acres active amenityopen space, 271.8 acres commonopen spaceAllow up to 35,000 sf of office usesNoneAyrsley - Allow mix of residential, officeand limited retail uses.28 2004-044 Approx 2.27 acres locatedbetween Sandy Porter Rd andI-485, southeast of Williams GlenRdR-3 to O-1(CD) Allow office development and a duelpole stealth tower.68 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

29 2004-064 Approx 86 acres located southeastof the intersection betweenYork Rd and Steele Creek Rd30 2004-132 Approx 5.06 acres located on theeast side of John Price Rd, northof S. Tryon Rd (NC 49)31 2004-147 Approx 11.8 acres located on thesouth side of S. Tryon St (NC 49)across from Erwin Rd32 2004-150 Approx 1.96 acres located on thenortheast corner of S. Tryon St(NC 49) and Erwin Rd33 2005-040 Approx 3.62 acres located on theeast side of Shopton Rd, south ofPleasant Way LaneR-3, R-3(CD),R-17MF(CD),CC to CC andCC SPACC Site PlanAmendmentR-3 & R-8(CD)to R-12MF(CD)R-8MF(CD) toINST(CD)2005Allow 600,000 sf of retail or office usesAllow an additional 6,500 sf officebuilding and a 12,000 sf retail buildingAllow 99 town homesPalisades - Daycare - decrease thenumber of children allowed from 225 to190 and increase the building size from10,000 sf to 12,000 sfR-3 to O-1(CD) Allow general office uses in an existing1,840 square foot historic structure witha future building not to exceed 3,500 sf34 2005-046 Approx 8.083 acres located onthe east side of Nations Ford Rd,south of I-48535 2005-050 Approx 50 acres located on thesouth side of Westinghouse Bv,west of Fruehauf Dr36 2005-058 Approx. 2.722 acres located onthe north side of York Rd, west ofSteele Creek Rd37 2005-073 Approx 3.13 acres located on thesoutheast corner of S. Tryon St(NC 49) and Moss Rd38 2005-118 Approx 10.5 acres located southeastof the intersection of NationsFord Rd and Westinghouse Bv39 2005-122 Approx .0912 acres located northof the intersection of Sandy PorterRd and S. Tryon St (NC 49)40 2005-130 Approx. 16.3 acres located southwestof intersection of York andSteele Creek rds41 2005-135 Approx. 101.6 acres locatedsoutheast of the intersection ofHamilton and Youngblood rds42 2005-149 Approx. 43.3 acres located northwestof intersection of York andSteele Creek rds43 2005-153 Approx 115 acres located southof the intersection of I-485 and S.Tryon St (NC 49)I-1 to I-2(CD) All uses permitted in I-2, except junkyardsI-2 to I-1 NoneR-17MF(CD) toO-1(CD)I-1(CD) toO-1(CD)I-1 & I-2 toI-2(CD)R-17MF to NSUp to 30,000 sf of medical and generalofficesAllow 39,000 sf of office. Reduce setbacksand provide access from MossRdProvide consistent zoning for the entireparcelAllow 12,000 sf retail / service usesR-3 to O-2(CD) Up to 225,000 sf of medical and generalofficesR-3 and O-1 toRE-1(CD)R-5(CD),R-17MF(CD)and CC toR-17MF(CD)SPA and CCSPAMUDD-O &MUDD(CD)to MUDD-O &MUUD-O SPAExpansion of a research laboratory andfarm relating to cultivation, study andtesting of trees and plantsAllow 608 multi-family units at 14 duaAyrsley - This request does not proposeto increase development rightsbut add optional provisions to site planSteele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 69Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart III: Appendix

44 2006-005 Approx 18.7 acres is located onthe east side of Sandy Porter Rdand south of West Arrowood Rd45 2006-014 Approx 8.254 acres located eastof Sandy Porter Rd and/or ofWest Arrowood Rd46 2006-023 Approx 2.13 acres located eastof Steele Creek Rd and north ofYork Rd.47 2006-044 Approx. 8.23 acres located westof Steele creek Rd and north ofYork Rd48 2006-061 Approx. 19.16 acres locatednorth of York Rd, west of GreybriarForest Ln49 2006-078 Approx. 304.8 acres west ofSteele Creek Rd, between DixieRiver Rd and Shopton Rd W50 2006-080 Approx 4.7 acres located on theeast side of Steele Creek Rdsouth of Huntington Meadow Ln51 2006-085 Approx 6.3 acres located on thesoutheast corner of WestinghouseBv and Goodrich Dr52 2006-142 Approx 19.3 acres located on thesouth side of Choate Circle westof Moss Rd2006R-3 and B-1(CD)toO-2(CD),B-1(CD),B-1(CD) SPA,R-3, O-1(CD),B-1(CD) toO-1(CD) SPA,B-1(CD) andB-1(CD) SPACC to CC SPACC to CC SPAR-3 toR-8MF(CD)R-3, MX-1, CC,BP to CC, CCSPA, BP SPA,MX-1, O-2(CD)R-3 to INST(CD) Fraternal lodgeI-1 and I-2 toI-2(CD)INST(CD) toINST(CD) SPAShopping center/ office complex with225,000 sf. A maximum of 70,000 sfwill be devoted to retail usesShopping center with up to 75,000 sf ofretail, 130 room hotel/motel and officeusesAmend CC conditional plan to allowan additional outparcel for a 12,900square foot Goodwill store.Site plan amendment to all 30,000 sf ofretail and 40,000 sf of office, representingincrease of 10,850 sf of office and15,345 sf of retail130 for-sale townhomes at 6.8 duaParcel A: 910 residential units, 250,000sf retail, 300,000 sf office; ParcelB: 250 single family lots, church or94 townhomes at 12 dua; Parcel C:375,000 sq of business park uses ParcelD: 50,000 sf of office uses or 150-room hotel; Parcel E: 120 townhomes;Parcel F: up to five outparcelsAll I-2 uses, except junk yards with futureexpansion not to exceed 1.0 F.A.R.To add classroom and office space toan existing seminary regional campus200753 2007-006 Approx 2.83 acres located on thewest side of Carowinds Bv southof S. Tryon St (NC 49)I-1 to NS Allow 30,000 sf of retail and office uses54 2007-021 Approx 87.35 acres located onAyrsley Town Bv east of S. TryonSt (NC 49) and west of I-485MUDD-O toMUDD-O SPAAyrsley - amend site plan to allow optionsto the MUDD standards.55 2007-024 Approx 3.72 acres located on thesouthwest corner of S. Tryon St(NC 49) and Moss Rd56 2007-025 Approx 0.71 acres located on thenortheast corner of S. Tryon St(NC 49) and West Arrowood RdR-3 to NS Allow up to 34,000 sf of office usesB-1SCD to B-1None70 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

57 2007-084 Approx 1.9 acres located on thesouth side of Shopton Rd east ofSandy Porter RdR-3 to I-1 None58 2007-096 Approx 10.4 acres on the southside of Crosshaven Dr east ofSnug Harbor Rd (Palisades)MX-3 (LLWCA) &R-5 (LLWCA)toMX-1 (LLWCA)Allows private streets to provide accessto several existing lots on Lake Wiley200859 2008-043 Approx. 2.65 acres located on thesouth side of Westinghouse BvI-2 to I-1 Nonebetween I-77 and Granite St60 2008-051 Approx 1.53 acres located on thenorthwest corner of York Rd (NC49) and Steele Creek Rd.CC SPA Allow up to 10,000 sf retail61 2008-053 Approx 60 acres located on thesouth side of West ArrowoodRd between I-485 and WhitehallExecutive Center Dr62 2008-076 Approx. 2.78 acres located at theintersection of S. Tryon St (NC49) and Ayrsley Town Bv63 2008-089 Approx 6.97 acres located on theeast side of Continental Bv, southof Pioneer Ave64 2008-090 Approx 6.60 acres located on thesoutheast corner of West ArrowheadRd and Sandy Porter Rd65 2008-111 Approx. 7.80 acres located on thesouthwest corner of Brown-GrierRd and Sandy Porter Rd66 2009-002 Approx 4.80 acres located on thesouth side of Erwin Rd betweenS. Tryon St (NC 49) and Moss Rd67 2009-016 Approx 3.24 acres on the northwestcorner of the intersectionof Steelecroft Pkwy and SteeleCreek Rd68 2009-019 Approx 16.30 acres located onthe south side of York Rd (NC 49)between Steele Creek Rd andWright’s Ferry Rd69 2009-056 Approx 2.89 acres at the cornerof S. Tryon St (NC 49) and SteelecroftPkwyBP(CD) toMUDD-OMUDD-O toMUDD-O SPAI-2 to I-1 NoneO-2(CD) and B-1(CD) toO-2(CD) SPAand B-2(CD)R-3 to Inst(CD)and R-8MF(CD)2009Allow 1,800,000 sf of office uses,40,000 sf of retail, and 400 multi-familyunits at 57 duaAllow one building mounted LED signMoody Lake - 85,000 sf of B-2 uses,which include a hotel with up to 125rooms, and 35,000 sf of office usesUp to 19,500 sf child care center and31 attached sf dwellings at 6.08 du/acR-3 to I-1(CD) Public utility use with the addition of acontractor’s officeCC SPAO-2(CD) SPAO-1(CD) & CCto B-1(CD) &O-1(CD) SPAA 9,000 square foot retail tire store ona separate lot from the existing restauranton the siteA helistop (no basing, repair or fuelingallowed) on the medical campusto support emergency transportationneeds of patientsAllow for office and retail development2010There have been no rezoning petition approvals in 2010.* (c) indicates that the petition was under the County’s jurisdiction at the time of approvalSource: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department, 2010Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 71Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart III: Appendix

Community DesignAt present, the overall feel of the plan area is ruralwith activity nodes along the major transportationcorridors. However, as new residential developmentsare constructed and roads are widened andstraightened, rural is giving way to suburban. Thearea has been automobile-oriented. There are sidewalksin residential subdivisions but few along themajor roads. The community, at present, lacks anyconsistent design elements that could knit the areatogether. The presence of the Catawba River alsorepresents an obvious opportunity to build upon thenatural resources present in the community.The opportunity exists to preserve some of the area’s ruralcharacter.TransportationThe Street NetworkThe number of route choices available to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists describes the adequacy of anarea’s street network. A dense, well-connected network offers greater route choice and more direct routesto destinations than does a less connected network. In addition a highly connected network provides greateroverall system capacity than a less-connected network.Route choices are measured by the number of lane-miles of streets, number of intersections (nodes), numberof blocks (links), and the connectivity index. A lane-mile is one mile of a single roadway lane. The morelane-miles of streets there are, the greater the overall traffic carrying capacity. The connectivity index quantifieshow well a roadway network connects destinations and is calculated by dividing the number of roadwaylinks by the number of roadway nodes. A connectivity index of 1.45 or more is desirable for transit stationareas and in-town neighborhoods, while an index of 1.35 is recommended for other areas, including theSteele Creek plan area.TotalPopulationWithin ¼ mile ofShoppingWithin ¼ mile ofSchoolsWithin ¼ mile ofParkWithin ¼ mile ofa local transitrouteLand Use AccessibilityPopulation(% Population)in City ofCharlotte756,085(100%)399,848(53%)91,942(12%)118,785(16%)431,200(57%)Population(% Population)in Steele CreekArea35,000(100%)11,918(42%)2,890(10%)998(3%)11,565(40%)Source: Charlotte Department of Transportation, 2010Key measures of the Steele Creek plan area datainclude:Miles of streets: 281Lane-mile of streets: 585Connectivity Index: 0.88Currently, the Steele Creek area receives low marksrelating to land use accessibility relative to the cityaverage, as shown in the Land Use AccessibilityTable. If there continues to be a lack of both connectivityand the proximity of neighborhood-servingland uses as the Steele Creek area develops, it willlikely result in severe traffic congestion.72 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

Street ClassificationsStreetscape and Typical SectionsThe City of Charlotte has over 200 miles of narrow “farm-to-market roads” that serve as the primary routesfor developing areas of the City. These roadways quickly become overburdened by traffic resulting in significantcongestion and sometimes unsafe conditions. TheTransportation Action Plan recommended additionalfunding to make improvements to farm-to-market roads located within Charlotte city limits.The Steele Creek area includes 23 miles of farm-to-market roads that are identified in the TransportationAction Plan as needing improvements at an estimated cost of $173 million (2010 dollars). Examples ofneeded improvements include new curb-and-gutter, new sidewalks, additional lane width, and turning lanesto improve traffic flow.McKee Road Shopton Road West Shopton Road WestSledge Road Sledge Road Sledge RoadThe Thoroughfare PlanThe Mecklenburg-Union Thoroughfare Plan is theadopted major roadway plan for Mecklenburg andUnion counties and is used to assure that the mostappropriate street system is developed to meetexisting and future travel needs. See Map 12, AdoptedFuture Transportation Network. Streets areclassified and designed according to their intendedfunctions so that land use and traffic conflicts areminimized. The street classifications applicable tothe Steele Creek Area Plan are as follows:Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 73Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentThoroughfares: S. Tryon Street (NC 49), YorkRoad (NC 49), Steele Creek Road (NC 160), WestinghouseBoulevard, West Arrowood Road, Brown-Grier Road, Carowinds Boulevard, Sam NeelyRoad, and Winget Road are major thoroughfaresserving the Steele Creek area. Sam Neely and Wingetroads are a part of the future Carowinds BoulevardExtension. Major thoroughfares are designedor will be designed to accommodate large volumesof traffic at moderate speeds and provide access tomajor commercial, employment and residential landuses. Sandy Porter Road, Shopton Road, ShoptonRoad West, Zoar Road, Nations Ford Road, andDowns Road are minor thoroughfares that collecttraffic from the local collector streets and carry itto the major thoroughfares. Minor thoroughfaresPart III: Appendix

are designed to carry moderate traffic volumes atmoderate speeds and provide access to residential,commercial and institutional land uses.Collectors & Locals: Whitehall Park Drive, AyrsleyTown Boulevard, Silver Crescent Drive, PioneerAvenue, Continental Boulevard, Nevada Boulevard,Granite Street, John Price Road, Choate Circle,Moss Road, Erwin Road, Hamilton Road, YoungbloodRoad, Grand Palisades Parkway, SoldierRoad, Sledge Road, and Rivergate Parkway aremajor collectors. Rock Island Road, Island PointRoad, Bankhead Road, McKee Road, ThomasRoad, Smith Road, Cedar Hill Drive, Red HickoryLane, Ohara Drive, Gallant Lane, Griers Fork Drive,Stephendale Drive, Freshwell Road, General Drive,Wilmar Boulevard, Commerce Boulevard, BrookfieldStreet, Texland Boulevard, and Crompton Street areminor collectors. Collectors are designed to carrytraffic between the thoroughfares and local streetsat moderate volumes and speeds and providing accessto adjacent land uses. The remaining roadwaysare local streets that carry low traffic volumes,have slow operating speeds and provide access toindividual properties. Much of the local street networkin this area is very disconnected.Level Of ServiceLevel Of Service (LOS) measures the quality ofservice provided by a transportation facility to its users.The City of Charlotte evaluates level of servicefor pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists and usesthe results to help balance their competing needswhen planning and designing streets. Levels of servicerange from A through F, with desirable levels ofservice based on the street typologies of the UrbanStreet Design Guidelines.Pedestrian and bicycle level of service is rated accordingto the level of comfort and safety offered bythe design features at signalized intersections, whilemotor vehicle level of service is based on motoristdelays. Motor vehicle quality of service is alsomeasured by the Volume to Capacity ratio (V/C),which describes an intersection’s ability to processtraffic within peak time periods. Values greater than.95 suggest an intersection is near its capacity duringthis time period and that motorists may experiencesubstantial congestion.Pedestrian & Bicycle FacilitiesPedestrian System: Of the 113 miles of streetswithin the incorporated portion of the Steele Creekarea (or 40 percent of total area streets), only 18percent have sidewalks on both sides of the street,13 percent have sidewalk on one side and 42 percenthave no sidewalk at all. The pedestrian systemis shown on Map 13, Existing Pedestrian Facilities.Additionally, there are 32 signalized intersectionsin the area, none of which have an acceptable LOSfor pedestrians. Improvements to intersections withunacceptable LOS for pedestrians could include anumber of treatment options, such as reducing thecrossing widths, providing sidewalks, adding pedestrianrefuge islands, increasing crossing time andinstalling pedestrian signals.Existing and any future intersections will needfurther review to make an accurate assessmentof a recommended approach. As a number of theintersections are located within NCDOT roadways,staff will need to work with NCDOT to receive thenecessary approvals for pedestrian related facilities.Control of access may be an issue in some locations.Bicycle System: There are currently no designatedroadway facilities for bicyclists in the Steele Creekarea. However, new roads, road widenings, andfarm-to-market road projects will likely include bicyclelanes. Otherwise, bicyclists must share travellanes with motor vehicles using the area’s streetsystem.There are currently 32 signalized intersectionswithin the area, none of which have an acceptableLOS for cyclists. There are currently no bicyclelanes at any intersections. Bicycle LOS may be improvedwith restrictions on right turning movements,or by adding a bicycle lane to the left of an exclusiveright turn lane, which alleviates the risk of a crashinvolving right turning motorists. Likewise, protectedleft turns would reduce the risk of a crash from a leftturning motorist. These provisions could improvethe intersection bicycle LOS.The extremely long block lengths and lacking sidewalksystem reinforce the need for bicycle connectivity.Interstates 77 and 485 in particular, as well74 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

as creeks and railroads, serve as barriers to bicycle connectivity. Some strategies for improving connectivityinclude designing and constructing interstate crossings to facilitate bicycle use, avoiding the use of cul-desacsand other terminal streets and, providing a bicyle/pedestrian connections where terminal streets cannotbe avoided. Another way to increase connectivity is to ensure that residential neighborhoods adjacent tocommercial developments provide bicycle/pedestrian access to the commercial center.Motor Vehicle NetworkThe Steele Creek area is currently experiencing moderate to high levels of congestion on major roads in thearea. Based on transportation analysis shown on See Map 14, Vehicle Level of Service, S. Tryon Street (NC49), Carowinds Boulevard and Steele Creek Road are experiencing significant congestion during peak hoursof the day. Additional transportation investments are needed to ensure that streets are constructed to keeppace with the area’s growth. See Map 5, Future Transportation Projects.Motorist Level Of Service (LOS) is measured via recent traffic counts. The City of Charlotte uses theresulting LOS measures to help balance roadway users’ competing needs when planning, designing andconstructing streets.Public TransportationCharlotte Area Transit (CATS) offers public transportation service in and through the Steele Creek area witha combination of local and express buses. See Map 15, Existing Transit Service.Local Bus Service: Since the 2007 opening of light-rail service in the South Corridor, CATS restructuredarea bus service to improve bus connections with light-rail stations. Currently, CATS provides bus service inthe Steele Creek Area with three local bus routes. Route 44, “Fort Mill,” is a limited service route connectingWells Fargo offices in Fort Mill, South Carolina, with the Arrowood LYNX station via Nations Ford Road.Route 55, “Westinghouse,” runs along Westinghouse Boulevard between the Sharon Road West stationand the Steele Creek area. Route 56, “Arrowood,” runs between the Arrowood LYNX station and RivergateShopping Center via CPCC-Harper Campus, Whitehall Commons Shopping Center, and S. Tryon Street (NC49), with limited runs to Westinghouse industrial employers. Ridership for Route 56 was 397,722 in 2009,and 413,854 in 2010 ridership. This represents a 4.06 percent increase in ridership between 2009 and 2010.Express Bus Service: Currently, CATS provides express bus service in the Steele Creek Area with onerelatively new express bus route that CATS created following the opening of light-rail service in 2007. Route41x, the Steele Creek Express, runs weekday mornings from Rivergate into Uptown via S. Tryon Street (NC49) and Interstate 77, and runs the reverse route weekday evenings. In 2009, ridership was 53,206 and in2010 ridership was 53,402. This represents a .4 percent increase in ridership between 2009 and 2010.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 75Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart III: Appendix

Infrastructure and PublicFacilitiesPublic facilities, as shown on Map 16, Public Facilities,for the Steele Creek plan area are provided byboth the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.Some City services, such as Fire, serve only thoseareas within the Charlotte City limits. However, allCity service providers plan for eventual service to allareas within Charlotte’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction(ETJ), which is the area that is expected to be annexedin the future. Approximately half, or 13,994.9acres, of the total 26,767.1 acres in the SteeleCreek plan area, are currently within the CharlotteCity limits.Parks and GreenwaysMcDowell Nature Center and Preserve is locatedin the Lower Lake Wylie Watershed along theCatawba River. McDowell Nature Center servesas the gateway to the McDowell Nature Preserve.The Preserves is over 1,100 acres and is a sourcefor educational programs and information on ThePreserve’s natural communities. It is the oldestpreserve in Mecklenburg County and 90 percent isundeveloped. It is mostly forested, rolling terrainalong the banks of Lake Wylie. Facilities includeMcDowell Campground, shelters and nearly sevenmiles of trails. It includes a significant portion of thepreserved tree cover that exists in the plan area.This Park also has a nature center on location.The Steele Creek, Walker Branch, and Polk Ditchstreams all have planned greenways adjacent tothem. Also, a small section of the undeveloped portionof Coffey Creek Greenway enters the plan areain the east. An overland connector is planned alongWest Arrowood Road connecting it to the startingpoint of the Steele Creek Greenway. Walker BranchGreenway splits in three places eventually connectingwith the northwest portion of McDowell NatureCenter and Preserve. Existing and future overlandconnectors will be used to connect Walker Branchand Hoover Creek greenways with the southern portionof McDowell Nature Center and Preserve andT.M. Winget Regional Park in the north. See Map16, Public Facilities.SchoolsThe northern portion of the plan area is served byWinget Park Elementary, Steele Creek Elementary,Kennedy Middle and Olympic High Schools. Thesouth is served by Lake Wylie Elementary, RiverGate Elementary School and Southwest MiddleSchool. Although outside the plan area, WestMecklenburg High School serves the most easterlyportion of the plan area across I-77. All of theseschools are currently overcrowded and the CMSFacilities Master Plan identifies an increasing needfor all school levels in this area.T.M. Winget Regional Park is 100+ acres and islocated in the northern portion of the plan area. Itprovides ball fields and basketball courts.Copperhead Island provides the only public boat access to LakeWylie in Mecklenburg County.Station 38 on Shopton Road West serves the growing residentialand industrial development in the Westinghouse Blvd area.76 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

FireFire service for the plan area is provided by theSteele Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) inthe unincorporated area to the west and the CharlotteFire Department (CFD) within the City limits.Steele Creek VFD stations 1 and 2 are located onShopton and York Rd (NC 49), respectively. CFDStation 26 at Westinghouse Boulevard serves theeast; Station 37 off of S. Tryon Street (NC 49) servesthe south; and Station 38 along Shopton Road Westserves the north and has lake access. A fire stationis planned in the area of Youngblood and McKeeroads, if this area is annexed.Water and SewerPublic water is available along most thoroughfareswithin the plan area with service extending to manyresidential developments and almost all existingcommercial and industrial businesses. To improvesystem capacity and allow extension of water servicefurther into this area, a large transmission mainwas constructed in 2010 from the Franklin WaterTreatment Plant, southwest past the airport, andalong Steele Creek Road to NC 49.Sanitary sewer service is available to the majority ofthe plan area. The Steele Creek basin and adjacentbasins shown in the plan area are served by theSteele Creek pump station. There are major pumpstations in the study area that pumps sewer fromlower elevations to the Steele Creek pump station.The sewer is treated at the McAlpine Waste WaterTreatment plant.LibrariesThe Steele Creek community is currently served bythe Steele Creek Branch Library on Steele CreekRoad. Branch libraries are typically meant to servea limited population, but recent growth in the SteeleCreek area has created more demand for theseservices. Land for a new Regional library has beenacquired on Shopton Road in the northern portion ofthe plan area. When built, these two libraries shouldmeet the service demands through 2025.Natural EnvironmentLand CoverExisting tree cover is primarily found on vacantparcels within the plan area; along the CatawbaRiver and its tributaries; and within the underdevelopedsouthern portion of the plan area between theCatawba River and Shopton Road. A significantamount of tree canopy lies within the McDowell ParkNature Preserve. Preservation of the existing treecanopy helps to improve the area’s water quality byreducing surface runoff. See Map 18, Land Cover.TopographyThere are significant grade changes and steepslopes along the Catawba River. Floodplain existsalong the Catawba River shoreline and along thestreams of Steele Creek, Walker Branch, Polk Ditchand other smaller tributaries. The Steele Creek,Walker Branch, and Polk Ditch streams also havededicated SWIM Buffers and planned greenways.Wetlands are scattered throughout the study areaand along major streams and tributaries.Water QualityThe Steele Creek plan area lies within the LowerLake Wylie and Steele Creek watersheds and aportion of Sugar Creek. The Lower Lake WylieWatershed is protected (2,965 acres) with its mostwesterly portion classified as critical (9,143 acres).The Lower Lake Wylie and Sugar Creek watershedsdo not meet standards outlined in the Federal CleanWater Act (1977) and are classified as impaired.However, the area meets Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) standards. Major stream, creekand river pollutants are phosphorus and sedimentcaused mostly by urban runoff. Groundwater contaminationis limited to localized areas. The areahas a history of hard water which is naturally occurringbecause of high mineral content.Air QualityNational Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have beenestablished by the EPA. The Mecklenburg CountyAir Quality (MCAQ) conducts monitoring for numerousair pollutants that threaten public health andwelfare. Ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)pollution are the current primary concerns for MecklenburgCounty.Steele Creek Area Plan February 27, 2012 77Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning DepartmentPart III: Appendix

Historic ResourcesThe Steele Creek area is an historically significant area with many historical features. The following LocalHistoric Landmarks are within the Steele Creek plan area:Steele Creek Area PlanDesignated Historic LandmarksSource: Historic Landmarks CommissionDinkins Property Cemetery1798Architectural Style: NALocation: Nations Ford RoadNeel House & Additional Property1810Architectural Style: FederalLocation: Shopton RoadNeely Slave Cemeteryc.1830Architectural Style: NALocation: South Ridge DriveMcClintock Rosenwald School1922Architectural Style: VernacularLocation: Erwin Road78 February 27, 2012 Steele Creek Area PlanPart III: AppendixCharlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURGPLANNINGwww.charlotteplanning.org600 East Fourth StreetCharlotte, NC 28202-2853PH: 704-336-2205FAX: 704-336-5123