CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte City Council has decided to move forward with connecting the completed and planned parts of the Cross Charlotte Trail. 

  • Option one was re-allocating the money to finish some segments in south Charlotte, and some in north Charlotte
  • Option two was to finish construction on the four main segments in south Charlotte, which some council members say isn't fair to residents in north Charlotte
  • Council voted to move forward with the second option

At Monday night's meeting, council had to decide how they were going to spend the $38 million in bond money to start the project. 

Option one was re-allocating the money to finish some segments in south Charlotte, and some in north Charlotte. Project designers said this option would delay the finished product. 

"Rather than a 2021 time frame, which is what we've been looking at, this is probably a 2024 to advance that work," says Mike Davis, the director of engineering and property management. 

Option two was to finish construction on the four main segments in south Charlotte, which some council members say isn't fair to residents in north Charlotte. 

"Option two is like we are building this because it's easier, rather than what was promised," says Dimple Ajmera

Kate Cavazza with Sustain Charlotte says option two is the best choice to start giving the people of Charlotte access to another form of transportation. 

"We feel like this is the best option to move Charlotte toward a full trail. With these three projects that have been approved, we will get 18 miles of continuous trail from the Ballantyne area to NoDa," she says. 

Council voted to move forward with the second option. Project planners say the first 18 miles of the trail are expected to be completed by 2021. 

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