DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Davidson residents were able to provide feedback this week on how they envision the town’s station for the proposed Red Line.
Davidson Planning Director Jason Burdette showed three options Thursday for where the CATS commuter rail station would be located, all in the downtown area. The presentation comes as leaders throughout Mecklenburg County are waiting for state legislators to approve a transit tax plan to be placed on local ballots.
Davidson is one of 10 confirmed stations, being the second to last stop on the north side. The northern terminus is slated for Mount Mourne near the Lowe’s Corporate campus.
The three Davidson locations, all on the west side of the Norfolk Southern rail right of way, are:
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North side of Griffith Street
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Town-owned property, proposed for fire station
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- Sadler Square Shopping Center
- South of Griffith Street
- Owned by Piedmont Capital; currently under renovation
- Linden Mill on Jackson Street
- Owners have plans for future redevelopment
- Brownfield site
The town has expressed preferring the first option, since it’s already town-owned and would most benefit the taxpayer. All three sites meet CATS criteria for a station.
Wherever the station is located, they would likely include a Park and Ride deck, platform shelter, EV charging and bike amenities, sidewalks and trails, and would be incorporated into transit-oriented development.
Burdette asked residents what would make station “uniquely Davidson.” The quaint town is known for historical preservation and locally owned businesses.
The town is going to summarize the feedback available through the end of February. Planning staff will then share their findings with town commissioners in March.
Burdette said Davidson is the only town to be holding such meetings.
If the 1-cent sales tax passes through the general Assembly, then on November ballots, there would be $3.2 million per year for Davidson transportation projects.
