Project Feature: Belmont Revitalization - A Century's Worth of Changes

The Belmont community was built during the turn of the century and was the setting for homes and businesses that sustained the livelihood for some of Charlotte’s first laborers.  The proximity to local textile mills and other industries of the time made the neighborhood location well-suited for many families that wanted to own their homes and be within walking distance to neighborhood stores, churches, schools, their jobs, and the streetcar.

The community thrived for many years until the mills and industries closed and jobs slowly left the area.  In May 2003, the Charlotte City Council adopted the Belmont Area Revitalization Plan.  The long-range plan for guiding the community and enhancing the quality of life for residents was developed with input from many stakeholders including Belmont residents, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department, the Charlotte Housing Authority, the Neighborhood and Business Services Department, area churches and businesses, etc. The City received a 20 million dollar HOPE VI grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2004 to redevelop and create new housing options at the Piedmont Courts location and to reinvest in the Belmont Community.

USI was retained to provide planning and design services to help implement streetscape improvements identified in the Revitalization Plan.  Working with City/County staff, the team applied the Urban Street Design Guidelines (USDG) Six-Step Process during planning and design efforts for the streetscape such that land use and transportation goals were integrated into improvement recommendations to consider the needs of various users.  The results of the overall process included a comprehensive collection of design recommendations to the corridor as a whole. 

Today, many of the strategies identified in the Belmont Revitalization Plan have been realized.  The streetscape improvements have been constructed.  The new mixed-income development Seigle Point is fully functional and providing housing at the previous Piedmont Courts location.  The Charlotte Housing Authority has constructed two smaller public housing sites in the northern portion of the corridor appropriately named McAden Park. These improvements are an example of thoughtful planning and re-investment which are able to preserve the historical value and character of neighborhood assets, and make them viable and relevant for the future. 

Creating a New Year's Resolution for Your Business

With the onset of a New Year, many people set a personal New Year’s Resolution.  The New Year represents a fresh start and resolutions are generally ones that will improve your personal health, relationships, or life in one way or another.  Have you ever thought about setting a New Year’s resolution or two for your business as well?  The New Year is a great time to reassess, and set the tone for the year to come.  Setting a business New Year Resolution can help you focus your business or discover new ways to meet your Mission Statement.  Just as each personal goal is tailored to your desires, so to the goals for your business resolution must also be tailored to the service or product you provide.  Below are some questions and suggestions to get you on the right track to setting your business New Year’s Resolution.

• Assess and identify customer/client’s needs – What can make their experience easier? What do they desire that you can provide?  Can you streamline a lengthy process or slash delivery/waiting times?
• Delegate - Have employees stepped up and filled certain duties during the previous year? Have they proved themselves to be competent and interested in a certain area?  If so, consider giving them more responsibility in this area.
• Succession Planning – If someone were to hand in their notice or announce retirement tomorrow, would there be anyone who could step in and take their place?  Do you have an effective cross-training program in place?
• Be More Productive – Are there new technologies that you are not taking advantage of? Could file sharing software make it easier for your employees to collaborate on documents internally or share them with clients? Is there new software on the market that simplifies and/or streamlines your current process?
• Keep Learning – With today’s ever increasing technological advances, it’s easy for opportunities to pass you by.  That is why continuing education is critical to staying on top of trends in your industry.  Are there any trade shows/conferences/conventions/seminars/classes that could improve your knowledge and that would work with your schedule?  If you already attend one or two, but they are the same you have always attended, are there any new ones that might benefit you in a different way?
• Give Back to the Community – Giving back to the community is a wonderful thing in and of itself.  It is also a great way to leave potential clients/customers with a positive image of your business. Is there any way your services or products could benefit the community?  Could you sponsor a non-profit event or program? 

 Once you set your resolutions, it is important to make them attainable.  If possible, set milestones along the way to full goal achievement.  And don’t forget to share your business resolutions with your employees, if appropriate, so they can join in and assist you in success!