20191232_Complete File_20100726

Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Project Review Form
Project Number:•08-0020 County: Mecklenburg
Due Date: 08/13/2007
Date Received: 07/19/2007
Project Description: Proposal to construct an interchange for I-485 at Weddington Road to improve Weddington
Road from the McKee Road intersection to the Winterbrook subdivision in Mecklenburg County.
TIP No. R-0211 EC
This Project is being reviewed as indicated below:
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
Asheville ? Air Soil & Water Marine Fisheries
Fayetteville ? Water Coastal Management Water Resources
Mooresville
? Groundwater Wildlife Environmental Health
Raleigh
?
Land Quality Engineer
?
Wildlife -DOT Solid Waste Mgmt
Washington Radiation Protection
Forest Resources
Wilmington Other
Winston-Salem Land Resources
? Parks & Recreation
Water Quality
? Water Quality - DOT
Air Quality
Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency:
Response (check all applicable)
No objection to project as proposed. No Comment
_ Insufficient information to complete review Other (specify or attach comments)
Regional Office Only:
Please log into the IBEAM system and update your comments in the DSS (Decision Support System) application,
SEPA module. If you have any questions, please contact:
Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator at [e-mail]
INTERSTATE ACCESS ADDITION
TO I-485
AT WEDDINGTON ROAD (SR 3468)
Access to be constructed as a part of
State Project 8.U670124
TIP Project R 0211EC
WBS Element 34331.1.7
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
AND
N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
submitted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)
APPROVED:
?=?
0 ? ) / W""
,rGregory J. Thorpe, h. ., Environmental Management Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch, NCDOT
j Z l a'?u ?Y_
Date John F. Sullivan III, Division Administra
ederal Highway Administration
INTERSTATE ACCESS ADDITION
TO I-485
AT WEDDINGTON ROAD (SR 3468)
Access to be constructed as a part of
State Project 8.U670124
TIP Project R-0211EC
WBS Element 34331.1.7
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
May 2007
Documentation prepared in the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
by:
d4 J W-0,
Undrea Major ?afl?NOy
Project Development Engineer S?Dy's
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_
gas
022109
sow,
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J es F. Bridges, P. E. 'Ty•?.?'?`
Project Development Uni ead

I PROJECT COMMITMENTS
II `? ?-
INTERSTATE ACCESS ADDITION
TO I-485
AT WEDDINGTON ROAD (SR 3468)
Mecklenburg and Union Counties -
- Access to: be constructed as a part of
Federal Aid Project NHF-117-1(54)
W State Project 8.U6701;24
TIP: Project R=0211EC
WBS Element 34331.1.7:
Roadway Design Unit / Division 10
NCDOT will provide 14ft (4.2m) outside lanes and 12R. "(3.6m) inside lanes to
accommodate bicycle traffic along the Weddington Road (SR 3468) portion of the
project.
Roadway Design Unit/ Division 10 -
Sidewalks will be incorporated into the final design plan for a portion of the project
D within the City of Charlotte city limits. NCDOT will contribute 50%. of the construction
cost for the sidewalk installation. _ Final terms and costs of constructing the sidewalks will

I?
I
be disclosed in a municipal agreement between NCDOT and the City of Charlotte.
-
I_
I _
I
\
\
TIP No. R-02I IEC
Environmental Assessment - May' 2007
Table 28 Stream and Water Quality
Table 29 State and Federally-Protected Species ................ 49
Table 30 Federal Species for Mecklenburg and Union County 50
Table 31 Federal Species of Concern ............................. 53
Table 32. Soil Phases and Characteristics .....:................... 54
APPENDIX
Appendix A Figures
Figure 1 Vicinity Map
Figure 2 Aerial Mosaic - Project Alternatives
Appendix B Relocation Report
Appendix C Correspondence Letters

INTERSTATE ACCESS ADDITION
TO I-485
AT WEDDINGTON ROAD (SR 3468)
Mecklenburg and Union Counties
Access to be constructed as a part of
Federal Aid Project NHF-117-1(54)
State Project 8.U670124
TIP Project R-0211EC
WBS Element 34331.1.7
SUMMARY
1. Type of Action
This is a Federal Environmental Assessment in accordance with 23 CFR 771.
2. Description of Action
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to
construct an interchange at I-485 and Weddington Road (SR 3468) in Mecklenburg and
Union Counties (see Appendix A, Figure 1).
The project consists of constructing a half-clover interchange with ramps and
loops in the northeast and southeast quadrants (see Figure 2, Appendix A). This
interchange will provide 4.8-meter (16-foot) ramps and loops with 1.2-meter (4-foot)
paved shoulders and curb and gutter on the inside of the loops. Weddington Road will
be widened within the project area to a five-lane, 20.7-meter (60-foot), curb and gutter
roadway. Sidewalks will be included on the west side of the bridge. Left turn lanes will
be provided on Weddington Road at the ramp and loop intersections.
The 2007-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) includes $18,250,000
for the project with $6,100,000 for right of way, $11,500,000 for construction, and
$650,000 accumulated in prior years cost. The project is scheduled for right of way
acquisition to begin in fiscal year 2008 and construction to begin in 2010.
3. Summary of Environmental Effects
The project will provide an overall positive benefit for Mecklenburg and Union
Counties. It will provide closer and improved accessibility between I-485 and the
surrounding areas of southeast Charlotte, north Weddington, and the town Matthews.
The project will reduce the traffic volumes at the adjacent interchanges. The proposed
interchange is expected to accommodate projected growth in the area, and subsequent.
secondary impacts to undeveloped lands surrounding the project are anticipated. Because
of the anticipated traffic increases and land use changes associated with this proposed
interchange, some residents in neighboring communities are opposed to the project.
The project will not substantially impact the human and natural environment. No
impacts to historic architectural or archaeological resources will occur. No federally-
protected species will be affected by the project. Air quality or traffic noise impacts
anticipated from projected traffic volumes are expected to be minimal. One residence
will be relocated by the project. Wetlands are not present in the project study area, but
the project impacts approximately 40 linear feet of stream through a tributary to Fourmile
Creek..
4. Alternatives Considered
A. Highway Construction Alternatives
Three interchange alternatives were considered during the development of the
project. These alternatives are described below.
1. Alternative 1
Alternative 1 is a half-clover interchange that provides loop/ramp
combinations in the northeast and southeast quadrants. The
intersection of the loop/ramp combination in the northeast quadrant
will be aligned with Plantation Road. The loop/ramp combination
in the southeast quadrant will provide an offset intersection at
Plantation Center Drive. The typical section along Weddington
Road will consist of five-lanes with curb and gutter and widening
to the east side of the existing two-lane road. The existing two-
lane bridge over I-485 will be widened to the east providing a five-
lane structure with sidewalk on the west side.
2. Alternative 2
Alternative 2 is a half-clover interchange that provides loop/ramp
combinations in the northeast and southeast quadrants. The
intersections of the loop/ramp combinations in the northeast and
southeast quadrants will be aligned with Plantation Road and
Plantation Center Drive respectively. The typical section along
Weddington Road will consist of five-lanes with curb and gutter
and widening to the east side of the existing two-lane road. The
existing two-lane bridge over I-485 will be widened to the east
providing a five-lane structure with sidewalk on the west side.
3. Alternative 3
Alternative 3 is a half-clover interchange that provides loop/ramp
combinations in the northeast and southeast quadrants. The
ri
intersection of the loop/ramp combination in the northeast quadrant
will be aligned with Plantation Road with the implementation of a
roundabout. The typical section along Weddington Road will
consist of five-lanes with curb and gutter and widening to the east
side of the existing two-lane road. The existing two-lane bridge
over I-485 will be widened to the east providing a five-lane
State Budget and Management forecasts that the population of Mecklenburg and
Union Counties will be approximately 894,288 and 166,838, respectively, in
2010, and 1,102,003 and 212,811, respectively, in 2020. That equates to a 58.5%
growth rate for Mecklenburg County and a 72.1 % growth rate for Union County
between 2000 and 2020. Comparatively, the population of North Carolina is
expected to be approximately 9,491,374 in 2010 and 10,966,138 in 2020,
translating into a 2000-2020 growth rate of 36.2%.
Table 14. Population Growth
Trends and Projections, 1980-2020
Mecklenburg Union North
County Coun Carolina
Population:
1980 404,270 70,436 5,880,095
1990 511,433 84,211 6,632,448
Percentage Growth 1980-1990 26.5% 19.6% 12.8%
2000 695,454 123,677 8,049,313
Percentage Growth 1990-2000 36.0% 46.9% 21.4%
Population Projections*:
2010 894,288 166,838 9,491,374
Percentage Growth 2000-2010 28.6% 34.9% 17.9%
10,966,13
2020 1,102,003 212,811 8
Percentage Growth 2010-2020 23.2% 27.6% 15.5%
Source: US Census Bureau, *North Carolina State Demographics, May 30, 2002,
Internet accessed 1/22/04, http://demog.state.ne.us/
2. Communi , Stability And Neighborhood Cohesion
The planned interchange should not impact communities and
neighborhoods by splitting or otherwise by isolating them. Prior to the
construction of I-485, very few residential developments existed adjacent to or in
the right-of-way. Only.18 percent of the houses in the study area were built prior
to the 1980s. Most of the neighborhood development in the study area has occurred after the I-485 environmental and location study identified the corridor
and construction had begun. The design of most of the neighborhoods built since
the 1970s, with limited access points from the main arterials and series of cul-de-
sacs branching off winding collector roads, has created subdivision clusters that
have built a level of stability and cohesion independently on either side of the
interstate. The planned interchange will only remove on residential structure,
which is isolated from the surrounding neighborhoods. The. subdivisions within
the study area will remain intact. .
20
3. Public and Private Facilities
Existing schools, libraries, parks, and places of worship should not be
negatively impacted by this project. The growth in through traffic on McKee
Road will be reduced due to this project, which will improve the access of and
safety to these facilities. Other facilities in the Demographic Study Area would
not be impacted positively or negatively due to this project.
4. Relocation Impacts
. Since only the northeast and southeast quadrants of the interchange will be
significantly effected by the construction of the planned interchange, only one
residential unit will require relocation under this environmental assessment.
Adequate replacement housing is anticipated to be available for the relocatee at
the time the resident must relocate. No other residential structures will be
physically impacted in regards to access or taking of property. No business or
institutions will be relocated. The current proposed design has the end ramps in
the south quadrant directly across or near Plantation Center Drive, which would
require the taking of YMCA property currently being used as a recreational field.
A second recreational field (with circumferential walk path), located in front of
the YMCA building, would be altered slightly to accommodate the relocation of
the YMCA north entrance. This entrance is currently and will continue to be a
right in/right out only access point.
A meeting was held with YMCA representatives on February 1 la', 2003 to
discuss potential impacts of the planned interchange. There was concern raised by
the YMCA representatives regarding the intersection at the south entrance. This
entrance is directly across from one of the entrances to the Plantation Market
commercial center. They indicated that current traffic conditions make it difficult
to exit the YMCA to head south (make a left turn) on Weddington Road.
NCDOT accident data does not show a need for a signal at this location. In
addition, NCDOT prefers not to have a signal in close proximity to the existing
signal at McKee Road. NCDOT representatives however agreed that the
additional traffic on Weddington Road might suggest the need to add a signal,
which could be synchronized with the signal at McKee Road and the proposed
signal at Plantation Center Drive.
During the Siskey YMCA meeting, there were three suggestions for
mitigating the loss of the recreational field. One option would be to move the
recreation field to the west of the south quadrant ramps on the remaining parcel of
land not being used by the interchange. This assumes that the entire parcel (20
acres) would be purchased from the current landowner by NCDOT and that the
remaining portion of the property not being used for the ramps could be graded
and leveled for use as a recreational field.
21
A second suggestion was to use the land inside the southeast ramp loop for
the recreation field. It was first suggested that a pedestrian bridge be built to
access the land but then it was noted that maintenance equipment would also need
access. This led to the idea of having the ramp bridge over an access road that
would provide for pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Several issues would have to be
considered such as safety, liability, and ownership before NCDOT would consider
this possibility but NCDOT indicated that they would investigate the concept.
The third suggestion was to have NCDOT purchase (or help purchase)
land south of the YMCA to replace the recreational fields. This undeveloped
property would require less grading than the first option and would not have the
access problems identified in the second option. The YMCA has approached the
property owners in the past but is unwilling to pay the current market price. This
may be more feasible with NCDOT assistance. Included in this suggestion is
having an access point off McKee Road to the YMCA parking area. An access
point off McKee Road would help reduce the traffic demand at the current
entrances off Weddington Road and perhaps could allow for the elimination of the
north entrance, thus eliminating the cost for its relocation.
It is the policy of the NCDOT to ensure that comparable replacement
housing will be available prior to construction of state and federally assisted
projects. Furthermore, the North Carolina Board of Transportation has the
following three programs to minimize the inconvenience of relocation:
• Relocation Assistance
• Relocation Moving Payments
• Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement
The Relocation Assistance Program provides experienced NCDOT staff to
assist displacees with information'such as availability and prices of homes,
apartments, or businesses for sale or rent and financing or other housing
programs. The Relocation Moving Payments Program provides for payment of
actual moving expenses encountered in relocation. Where displacement will force
an owner or tenant to purchase or rent property of higher cost or to lose a
favorable financing arrangement (in cases of ownership), the Relocation
Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement Program will compensate up
to $22,500 to owners who are eligible and qualify and up to $5,250 to tenants who
are eligible and qualify.
The relocation program for the proposed action will be conducted in
accordance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646), and the North Carolina
Relocation Assistance Act (GS-133-5 through 133-18). The program is designed
to provide assistance to displaced persons in relocating to a replacement site in
22
which to live or do business. At least one relocation officer is assigned to each
highway project for this purpose.
The relocation officer will determine the needs of displaced families,
individuals; businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations for
relocation advisory services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national
origin. The NCDOT will schedule its work to allow ample time prior to
displacement for negotiations and possession of replacement housing that meets
decent, safe, and sanitary standards. The displacees are given at least a 90-day
written notice after NCDOT purchases the property. Relocation of displaced
persons will be offered in areas not generally less desirable in regard to public
utilities and commercial facilities. Rent and sale prices of replacement property
will be within financial means of the families and individuals displaced, and will
be reasonably accessible to their places of employment. The relocation officer
will also assist owners of displaced businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm
operations in searching for and moving to replacement property.
All tenant and owner residential occupants who may be displaced will
receive an explanation regarding all available options, such as (1) purchase of
replacement housing, (2) rental of replacement housing, either private or public,
or (3) moving existing owner-occupant housing to another site (if possible). The
relocation officer will also supply information concerning other state or federal
programs offering assistance to displaced persons and will provide other advisory
services as needed in order to minimize hardships to displaced persons in
adjusting to a new location.
The Moving Expense-Payments Program is designed to compensate the
displacee for the costs of moving personal property from homes, businesses, non-
profit organizations, and farm operations acquired for a highway project. Under
the Replacement Program for Owners, NCDOT will participate in reasonable
incidental purchase payments for replacement dwellings such as attorney's fees,
surveys, appraisals, and other closing costs and, if applicable, make a payment for
any increased interest expenses for replacement dwellings. Reimbursement to
owner-occupants for replacement housing payments, increased interest payments,
and incidental purchase expenses may not exceed $22,500 (combined total),
except under the Last Resort Housing provision.
A displaced tenant may be eligible to receive a payment, not to exceed
$5,250, to rent a replacement dwelling or to make a down payment, including
incidental expenses, on the purchase of a replacement dwelling. The down
payment is based upon what the state determines is required when the rent
supplement exceeds $5,250.
It is the policy of the state that no person will be displaced by the
NCDOT's state or federally assisted construction projects unless and until
23
Figure 2. Age Distribution
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0 to 18 19 to 64 65 or above
® Study Area ¦ Mecklenburg County ? Union County ? State
Source: 2000 Census
Table 16.2000 Population by Age
Demographic Study
Area Mecklenburg County Union County North Carolina
Number % Number % Number % Number %
Total
Population 31,220 100.0% 695,454 100.0% 123,677 100.0% 8,049,313 100.0%
0 to 18 10,429 33.4% 183,082 26.3% 36,362 29.4% 2,073,849 25.8%
19 to 64 18,480 59.2% 452,648 65.1% 76,167 61.6% 5,006,416 62.2%
65 or above 2,311 7.4% 59,724 8.6% 11,148 9.0% 969,048 12.0%
Median Age 37.4 33.1 34.0 35.3
Source: 2000 Census
Income and Poverty Status:
The Demographic Study Area has poverty levels well below the county and state
levels and significantly higher income levels. According to the 2000 Census, the study
area's median household income of $89,203 is more than double the State's medium
income and nearly double that of the two counties (see Figure 3). The study area has
only a 2.8 percent population below the poverty level as compared to the Mecklenburg
County's 9.2 percent, Union County's 8.1 percent and the State's 12.3 percent (see
Figure 4).
27
Figure 3. Median Household Income
$100,000-
$90,000-
$80,000-
$70,000 $60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
Study Area Mecklenburg County Union County State
Source: 2000 Census
Figure 4. Percent below Poverty Level
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Study Area Wckenburg County Union County State
Source: 2000 Census
Table 17. Income Measures and Persons Living Below Poverty Level
Demographic Study Mecklenburg County Union County North Carolina
Area
Number % Number % Number % Number %
Median H.H.
Income' $89,203 227.7% $50,579 129.1% $50,638 129.2% $39,184 100.0%
Per Capita $36,176 178.1% $27,352 134.7% $21.978 108.2% $20,307 100.0%
Income
Persons below
poverty level2
863
2.8%
62,652
9.2%
9,926
8.1%
958,667
12.3%
Persons below
50%ofpoverty 324 1.0% 30,333 4.5% 4,433 3.6% 431,894 5.5%
level2
Source: 2000 Census
1 Percent based on difference between the demographic study area or county and the same figure for the state.
2 Percent based on persons for whom poverty status is determined.
28
Housing Characteristics:
The median home values in the Demographic Study Area are consistent with the
high income levels (see Figure 5 and Table 18). The median home value of $229,678
for the Demographic Study Area in 2000 was more than double the value for the State
and is 79 percent higher than Union County and 62 percent higher than Mecklenburg
County. Most of the households (89.8 percent) in the Demographic Study Area are owner
occupied (see Figure 6). This is consistent with the high percentage of single detached
units in the area.
Figure 5. Median Housing Value
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
Study Area Mecklenburg County Union County State
Source: 2000 Census
Figure 6. Percent Owner Occupied
Source: 2000 Census
29
Table 18. Housing Characteristics
Demographic
Stud Area Mecklenburg
County Union County North Carolina
Total Households 10,478 273,416 43,390 3,132,013
Median Home Value $229,678 $141,800 $128,500 $108,300
Homeownership Rate' 89.8% 62.3% 80.6% 69.4%
Median Rent $1,033 $693 $587 $548
Source: 2000 Census
1 Based on occupied housing units
This assessment has not found any evidence or indication of discrimination on the
basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. The project is in compliance
with Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice.
6. Cultural Resources
The project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act. Section 106 requires that if a federally-funded,
licensed, or permitted project has an effect on a property listed on or eligible for
the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation must be given an opportunity to comment.
a. Historic Architectural Resources
The area of potential effect (APE) for historic architectural
resources was reviewed in the field by a NCDOT staff architectural
historian. No properties or structures listed on the National Register are
located in the APE. Sandy Fork Missionary Baptist Church and a house
west of the interstate were the only structures over 50 years of age located
within the APE. These 2 properties were determined not eligible for the
National Register. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has
concurred that no properties on or eligible for the National Register will be
affected by the project. This completes compliance with Section 106 is
required for historic architectural resources.
b. Archaeological Resources
There are no known archaeological sites within the project area.
The SHPO has concurred that further archaeological investigation is not
necessary. No further compliance with Section 106 is required for
archaeological resources.
30
B. Economic Effects
1. Income and Employment Data
Table 19 shows employment growth figures by industry sector for
Mecklenburg County between 1990 and 2000. According to data from the North
Carolina Employment Security Commission, Mecklenburg County gained
151,484 jobs between 1990 and 2002, resulting in a 42.8% growth rate. The
finance, insurance; real estate (FIRE) sector added the most jobs in Mecklenburg
County during the last decade, with a total of 25,502 more jobs in 2000 than in
1990. The FIRE sector had the largest increase in employment due to the large
growth of the banking industry within the Charlotte area. A total of 5,808 jobs
(12.1 %) were lost in the manufacturing sector during the same timeframe, yet this
decrease is less than what was experienced throughout the State of North Carolina
as a whole, which lost 21.5% (176,271) of its 820,249 manufacturing jobs.,
Table 19. Employment By Sector
Meeklemhuru Countv.1990-2002
Em "lo merit . Change, 1 990-2002
Sector 1990' 2002 Difference Percentage
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 268 702 434 161.9%
Mining 179 175 -4 -2.2%
Utilities N/A N/A N/A N/A
Construction 22,140 31,232 9,092 41.1%
Manufacturing 48,021 42,213 -5,808 -12.1%
Wholesale Trade 31,844 35,599 3,755 11.8%
Retail Trade 42,096 52,290 10,194 24.2%
Transportation, warehousing, and Information 32,316 51,342 19,026 58.9%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate (FIRE),
Rental, and Leasing
31,609
57,111
25,502
80.7%
Professional and Technical Services 22,131 30,240 8,109 36.6%
Management of Companies and Enterprises 7,787 21,615 13,828 177.6%
Administrative and Waste Services 21,343 41,959 20,616 96.6%
Educational Services 17,213 24,969 7,756 45.1%
Health Care and Social Assistance 26,348 42,808 16,460 62.5%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 30 7,899 3,269 70.6%
Accommodation and Food Services. 28
23 35,820 12,592 54.2%
Other Services, Ex. Public Administration L
09 15,196 3,987 35.6%
Public Administration 50 14,226 2,676 23.2%
Unclassified /A *N/A N/A N/A

Total ,1
2
505,396
151,484,
42^
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
* 2002 employment is provided for Unclassified; however, this information was excluded from the
table for comparison purposes.
31
Table 20 illustrates that in Union County, employment increased by
11,644 jobs, or 33.4% from 1990-2002 for a total of 46,460 jobs in 2002. The
largest increase in employment was in the construction sector with 3,509
additional jobs, attributable to the substantial amount of residential development
that took place and is still taking place within the county. Sectors that lost jobs
included manufacturing (-1,833 jobs), FIRE (-306), and management of
companies and enterprises (-17). Union County also had a lower percentage of
manufacturing job loss (12.9%) than the State (21.5%).
Table 20. Employment By Sector
Union Countv,1990-2002
Ens Flo =menu -. Chan e 1 490-200_
Segtog 1990 2002 Difference Percentage
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 215 666 451 209.8%
Mining N/A N/A N/A N/A
Utilities N/A N/A N/A N/A
Construction 4,090 7,599 3,509 85.8%

Manufacturing' 14,21
2
12,379
-1,833
-12.9%
Wholesale Trade 1,147 2,117 970 84.6%
Retail Trade 4,264 4,774 510 12.0%
Transportation, Warehousing, and
Information
981
1,823
842
85.8%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate (FIRE),
Rental, and Leasing
1,173
867
-306
-26.1%
Professional and Technical Services 508 922 414 81.5%
Management of Companies and Enterprises 74 57 -17 -23.0%
Administrative and Waste Services 690 1,800 11110 160.9%
Educational Services 2,414 3,987 1,573 65.2%
Health Care and Social Assistance 1,578 3,365 1,787 113.2%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 110 329 219 199.1%
Accommodation and Food Services 1,442 2,539 1,097 76.1%
Other Services, Ex. Public Administration 637 1,119 482 75.7%
Public Administration 1,281 1,980 699 54.6%
Unclassified N/A *N/A N/A N/A
k
Total 34,81
6
46,360
11,644
33.4%
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
* 2002 employment is provided for Unclassified; however, this information was excluded from
the table for comparison purposes.
Table 21 illustrates that North Carolina only lost employment in two
industry sectors (manufacturing and utilities) between 1990 and 2002. However,
these losses were more substantial than the losses incurred in Mecklenburg
County. Mecklenburg County employment grew more rapidly than the State in
most sectors except mining, wholesale trade, professional and technical services,
health care and social assistance, and public administration. Union County also
32
had a smaller loss in manufacturing than North Carolina. Employment in Union
County increased faster than the State in all sectors except for
transportation/warehousing, FIRE, and management of companies and enterprises.
Tahla 7.1 _ Rmnlnvment Rv Sector Growth. North Carolina
--- -- - Em to ment' Chan a '90 '02
Sector 1990 2002 # % '
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 21,827 31,376 9,549 43.7%
Mining 3,993 4,203 210 5.3%
Utilities 27,287 15,447 -11,840 -43.4%
Construction 166,733 219,036 52,303 31.4%
Manufacturing 820,249 643,978 -176,271 -21.5%
Wholesale Trade 139,697 162,233 22,536 16.1%
Retail Trade 381,041 442,878 61,837 16.2%
Trans ortation/Warehousin reformation 161,308 213,393 52,085 32.3%
Finance/Insurance/Real Estate 135,534 184,990 49,456 36.5%
Professional and Technical Services 91,327 148,043 56,716 62.1%
Mann ement of Companies and Enterprises 35,104 63,565 28,461 81.1%
Administrative and Waste Services 110,979 209,753 98,774 89.0%
Educational Services 233,161 317,043 83,882 36.0%
Health Care and Social Assistance 261,592 439,986 178,394 68.2%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 31,090 50,554 19,464 62.6%
Accommodation and Food Services 206,014 288,201 82,187 39:9%
Other Services, Ex. Public Administration 80,279 98,844 18,565 23.1%
Public Administration 171,716 214,079 42,363 24.7%
Unclassified N/A N/A N/A N/A
Total 1,078,931 ` 3,747,602 ; 6,68,671 21.7%
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
2. Business ActiviiV/ Employment Centers
Table 22 provides a summary of the employment estimates and
projections by sector for the Demographic Study Area. Retail Trade and Services
dominate the type of employment in the Demographic Study Area. Retail Trade is
concentrated along Providence Road at the intersections of NC 51 (Pineville-
Matthews Road) and SR 3445 (Ballantyne Commons Parkway/McKee Road).
There is also a considerable amount of retail off US 74 (Independence Boulevard)
and along Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Major retail development associated with
these areas include: Arboretum Shopping Center, Providence Commons Shopping
Center, Promenade on Providence, Matthews Plaza, and Matthews central
business district (CBD). Promenade on Providence is a new development
featuring Home Depot, Stables, and CVS Pharmacy. When complete, it is
anticipated that there will be 10 to 12 food related business and 25 to 30 retail
shops. Plantation Market is located south and adjacent to the southwest quadrant
33
of the planned interchange and is isolated from the other retail developments and
corridors in the Demographic Study Area.
Service employment, by far the largest employment sector in the area, is
predominantly found along Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews-Mint Hill Road,
and in the vicinity of Providence Road and SR 3445 (Ballantyne Commons
Parkway/McKee Road). Major developments tailored to service employment
include the Matthews Executive Plaza and the Providence Office Park. Services
are also intermixed with the retail trade centers previously described. The
employment associated with the Central Piedmont Community College South
Campus, located in the south quadrant of 1-485 and Independence Boulevard is.
included in the service sector figures. Sonic Automotive Inc. announced in
September 2002 of plans to develop a 120-acre site in the northwest quadrant of
Independence Boulevard and I-485. Forty of the 120 acres would be donated to
Matthews for a park. The remaining property would be used for Sonic's corporate
headcounters.
Manufacturing is located mainly between US 17 (Independence Boulevard
and John Street. Financial, Insurance, and Real Estate employment is ,
concentrated near the Matthews CBI) and dispersed throughout the Demographic
Study Area.
Table 22. Employment Estimates and Projections by Sector
Year
Sector 2000 2010 2020 2030
Manufacturing 528 600 615 591
Transportation, Communications, and Utilities 110 148 174 184
Wholesale Trade 178 273 306 321
Retail Trade 1,958 2,604 2,925 2,999
Highway 238 352 358 366
Services 4,168 6,196 7,880 9,415
inancial, Insurance, and Real Estate 524 812 1,053 1,293
ther 786 922 991 996
otal 10,490 13,917 16,322 18,195
Source: Demographic, Employment, and Land Development Information System; Mecklenburg County
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg planners, retailers and others prefer
the existing I-485 outerbelt location over traditional interstate locations such as I-
77 or I-85, so it is likely that growth and the continuing conflict between
residents, developers and interchanges will continue. While convenient access is
the key to I-485's appeal, others point to traffic build-ups and back-ups and state
that this is not the kind of "improvement" desired in the midst of their traditional
"residential" area.
34
The I-485 interchange at Providence Road, which opened in August of
1997, produced development pressures and traffic congestion in an area that was
already growing at a rapid rate. Area residents were concerned about the impact
of new development on their existing neighborhoods, the possibility of major
shifts in traffic, and how this would influence changes in the character of the area.
3. Economic Development
There is no explicit economic development purpose associated with TIP
R-0211EC. The four quadrants around the proposed interchange are mostly
developed, although areas to the south at the next major intersection of McKee
Road are still undeveloped. The stated purpose for the project is to provide better
access to residences in the area, as well as to relieve congestion at the Providence
Road interchange and John Street interchange.
4. Tax Base Changes, Changes In Employ ent
The project will have a positive but marginal effect on the tax base from
non-residential development activities since most of the large parcels of vacant
land available near the interchange are planned for residential use. However, the
study area is experiencing rapid growth, which continuously adds to the tax base.
This growth and subsequent increase in the tax base is expected to continue with
or without the planned interchange. The planned interchange may accelerate the
forecasted residential development in the study area and increase the potential for
commercial development at the Weddington Road/McKee Road intersection,
thereby increasing the tax revenues.
C. Land Use and Planning
This project is consistent with the Local Land Use plans for Weddington,
Charlotte, Matthews, Indian Trail, and Stallings. The project will not cause an alteration
of any of the plans for these municipalities. Local planners have confirmed the growth
that is already occuring in thes area of Mecklenburg and Union Counties. Much of the
remaining land is planned for new development.
Weddington Zoning
According to the Town of Weddington planning staff, the vacant land in Weddington
within the GISA Area is currently zoned as Residential Conservation District (RCD).
This requires that half of the land within a subdivision must be set aside for open space.
The overall density of the land is 1 unit per 40,000 square feet, so the lot sizes may
actually be 20,000 square feet in size. No commercial zoning exists within this area of
Weddington, and according to the planner, there are no plans for commercially zoned
property at this time.
35
Indian Trail Zoning
Most of the GISA portion of Indian Trail is currently zoned as R-20, or single family
residential with 20,000 square foot lots (see Figure 4). The area along Chestnut Lane,
just to the west of Potter Road is zoned as business. Since this zoned area is about three
miles from the Weddington Road interchange and approximately two miles to the John
Street interchange, business in this area would serve the local area as opposed to traffic
from I-485.
Stallings Zoning
Within the GISA, most of Stallings is currently zoned as R-20, single family residential
with 20,000 square foot lots, or R-10, single family residential with 10,000 square foot
lots. It is important to note that there is some business zoning at the intersection of
Pleasant Plains Road and E. John Street. Potential development at this intersection is
much closer to the John Street interchange, and would more likely be induced from this
existing interchange, as opposed to traffic from the proposed I-485 interchange.
City of Charlotte and Town of Matthews Zoning
All of the GISA within Mecklenburg County is either within a municipality or within its
sphere of influence (municipality has zoning control). There are no parcels that are under
zoning control of Mecklenburg County (see Figure 1). The northwest quadrant of I-485
and Weddington Road is within the City of Charlotte and is zoned R-3, or three single
family residential units per acre (see Figure 4). In the northeast quadrant, the area is
within the Town of Matthews with a similar zone of R-15, or single family residential
with 15,000 square foot lots. Land in the southwest quadrant is in the City of Charlotte
and is zoned office and business. The southeast quadrant is also in the Town of
Matthews and is zoned R-15 and R-20 (20,000 square foot lots). On the southwest corner
of Weddington Road and McKee Road, there is a mixture of residential zoning, from
single family of four units per acre, to eight units per acre, and eight units per acre multi-
family. The rest of the area to the southwest is all zoned R-3.
The southeast quadrant of the Weddington and McKee roads intersection within the City
of Charlotte is also zoned R-3. According to planners at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Planning Commission, developers attempted to rezone the property as a Planned Unit
Development at an R-4 density, but the neighbors argued against the plan. The rezoning
was unsuccessful, but because of a. tree preservation credit, the subdivision will still get a
density bonus close to four units per acre. Planners are not going to rezone the area to
commercial uses for the entire southeast quadrant and along the south side of McKee
Road in order to remain consistent with the South District Plan, which calls for single
family residential. The northeast quadrant of Weddington and McKee Roads is within
the Town of Matthews sphere of influence and is zoned R-20. There is a rezoning case
that is proposed at this corner for 130,000 square feet of retail and office, as well as 144
pinwheel (4-plex) style houses.
36
Regional Location Influences and Implications
The City of Charlotte has been and continues to be developing at a rapid pace with a
strong economy. A tremendous amount of this growth has occurred along the southern
portion of I-485, therefore spreading Charlotte's development to the edges of
Mecklenburg County and into Union County, as well as into the state of South Carolina.
Since construction of I-485 began in 1988, office and industrial parks, retail centers,
major subdivisions, and large multi-family developments have been built around
interchanges and along their intersecting roadways east of I-77.
Charlotte is known for its banking industry, and it is second behind only New York City
in terms of largest banking centers in the United States. The Bank of America and
Wachovia in particular, have a strong presence in Charlotte. The area is also a regional
transportation center, with Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for US
Airways, and two major interstates, I-85 and I-77, which traverse through the City. There
is a professional football team and future professional basketball team located in the
downtown area of the City.
37
Northeast Corner of Weddington Road and McKee Road
Development Patterns
Key roads besides I-485 and Weddington Road in the vicinity include, McKee Road,
Pleasant Plains Road, Trade Street, John Street, and Providence Road. Based on the site
visit, traffic utilizing the existing Providence Road interchange from the Weddington
Road area is traveling along McKee Road west towards the interchange. Traffic going
towards the existing John Street interchange is traveling either along McKee Road east to
Pleasant Plains, or along Trade Street. Southwest of the proposed Weddington
interchange at I-485 is a large grocery store with several other retail uses, as well as some
offices and an elderly living facility (see picture below). On the southeastern side are the
Siskey YMCA and its playing fields, while north of I-485 is largely residential
development. The northern side of the proposed interchange is mostly developed at this
time with a few vacant larger tracts of land. One of those vacant tracts that is on the
western side of Weddington Road has a subdivision under review at the Charlotte-
Mecklenburg Planning Commission.
The first major intersection to the south of I-485 is McKee Road and Weddington Road,
which is vacant on its eastern side. There are also large vacant tracts along most of
McKee Road east of Weddington Road. Currently, there are two proposed subdivisions
in the review process at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission. Both are
38
Weddington Road Looking North Towards I-485,
located on the southeastern side of the Weddington and McKee Road intersection.
Another potential development in the northeastern quadrant of Weddington and McKee
Road is a proposed rezoning for a commercial/office and multi-family housing
development in the Town of Matthews.
TIP R-0211EC will not provide new access to large tracts of undeveloped land. In
addition, local planners indicated that growth is already occurring in this area of
Mecklenburg and Union Counties, and that much of the remaining available land is
already planned for development.
W
YMCA

North Carolina Department of Transportation TIP projects in the area include:
• U-3825 - Widen Stallings Road to multi-lanes from Old Charlotte Road to
NC 74 (Independence Boulevard). Construction is to begin in 2006.
• U-4404 - Provide bicycle paths on Weddington Road from Siskey YMCA
to Colonel Francis Beatty Park. This project is currently under construction.
• U-4714 - Widen John Street/Old Monroe Road from Trade Street in the
Town of Matthews to Wesley Chapel-Stouts Roads, just south of the Town
of Stallings. This project is currently unfunded.
39
The 2002 Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization Thoroughfare Plan
includes TIP R-0211 EC. It also includes recommendations for the following:
• McKee Road Extension - Extend McKee Road from Pleasant Plains Road
to East John Street to Potter Ridge Road. This project has had a Feasibility
Study (FS-0 110C) completed, but currently is not funded.
• Ardrey-Kell Road - A new road to turn off of Providence Road, south of I-
485, to Tilley Morris Road. This road has not been funded and has also
been called "future East-West Circumferential Road in other references."
Another project that is in progress through the Governor's Moving Ahead Program is the
widening of Weddington Road from two to three lanes from I-485 north to Pleasant
Plains Road, including 4-foot paved shoulders for bicycle usage. As part of this project a
roundabout is proposed at the intersection of Pleasant Plains Road, Trade Street, and
Weddington Road. An attempt is also being made to flatten out the sharp curve along
Weddington Road just south of Pleasant Plains Road. According to NCDOT, the
widening of the Weddington Road project should be let in the fall of 2004, and finished
in 2005.
3. Farmland Impacts
Based on soil survey maps provided by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the soil types in the
northeast and southeast quadrants include CeB2 (Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8
percent slopes, eroded) and EnB (Enon sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes). Both
of which are designated as prime farmland. CeD2 (Cecil sandy clay loam, 8 to 15
percent slopes, eroded) and EnD (Enon sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes) are
also present and are considered "Farmland of statewide importance".
The size and zoning of the undeveloped parcels in these quadrants and the
surrounding development, severely limits these areas for any agricultural use. The
parcel in the east quadrant is approximately 20 acres and zones residential. The
parcel in the north quadrant is also approximately 20 acres and zoned residential.
Field reconnaissance indicated that no agricultural land use is being undertaken in
these areas of direct impact. Since these soils are classified as prime farmland and
farmland of statewide importance, appropriate steps will be required to document
the conversion of this land to non-agricultural use in the next phase of this study
process.
The following steps were taken to identify and evaluate farmland impacts
comply with FPPA.
a) Soils on the site of the project and in the immediate vicinity have been
identified as being Prime, unique and/or statewide importance.
40
b) While the lands encompassing the proposed project and the surrounding
vicinity are clearly not farmland, being either currently used for urban purposes
(they are now residential, commercial or other non-farm uses) or zoned for non-
farm use (they are zoned either residential, commercial, etc and the site for the
proposed project and surrounding lands are contained within the City of Charlotte
or it's ETJ), the lands are also farmland of low potential as per the Farmland
Conversion Impact Rating on form MRCS-CPA-106 totaling only 35 points. As
Section 6 of the "Guidelines for Implementing the Final Rule of the Farmland
Protection Policy Act for Highway Projects" states that "where the site assessment
.(Part VI) is less than 60 points, the total score (Parts V and VI) would always be
less than 160 points. "Sites receiving a total score of less than 160 points be given
a minimal level of consideration for protection and no additional sites be
evaluated.", then documentation of compliance with SCS and FPPA requires it is
only necessary to complete the Farmland Conversion Impact Rating form and
place the completed form in the project files.
c) These steps should then be summarized (as is done herewith).
d) The completed form will become part of the project file for the NEPA
document.
4. Secondary/ Cumulative Impacts
• TIP R-0211EC has some potential to stimulate land development having
complementary functions, particularly east of Weddington Road along McKee
Road.
• TIP R-0211EC will not serve any explicit economic development purpose, it is
not designed to serve a specific development, nor is it likely to influence
intraregional land development location decisions overall. However, there is the
potential that the interchange will accelerate development that is already occurring
in this part of both Mecklenburg and Union County.
• The change in accessibility and mobility as a result of TIP R-0211EC should
generate a range of travel-time savings. and create a noticeable shift in traffic
patterns.
• Over the next twenty years, population growth within Mecklenburg and Union
Counties should continue at rates just below 3% annually, therefore creating a
high demand for developable land. The most likely area for induced commercial
or residential growth as a result of TIP R-0211EC is east of Weddington Road
along McKee Road. The close proximity to the interchange along with
availability of large tracts of vacant land make this land attractive. Also,
increased population growth has led to the expansion planning of the Siskey
Family YMCA.
• Cumulatively, other planned transportation projects, such as the proposed McKee
Road extension (NCDOT Feasibility Study -0110C), along with TIP R-0211EC,
41;
will improve regional accessibility throughout this part of both Mecklenburg and
Union County.
• The Town of Stallings is working on an updated Future Land Use Plan that shows
a mixed use development on the western side of Weddington Road, while the
Town of Indian Trail Land Use Plan Map displays most of the GISA for R-
0211 EC as single family residential.
Conflict with local plan:
TIP R-0211EC is in conflict with one of the local land use and zoning plans. The
Matthews Land Use Plan states that the Matthews Town Board objects to the Weddington
Road interchange. The MUMPO Thoroughfare Plan ; Charlotte-Mecklenburg South
District Plan and I-485 Interchange Analysis Report all indicate the Weddington Road
interchange within their plans.
The assessment of this factor involves the evaluation of a subset of factors commonly
used to determine potential induced growth. This subset includes:
• Distance to a major urban center
• . Traffic volumes on intersecting roadways
• Presence of frontage roads
• Availability of water/sewer
Water and sewer services are provided in most of the GISA portion of Mecklenburg and
Union Counties. McKee Road in Mecklenburg County to the east of Weddington Road
does not have sewer, but there are two new subdivisions that are requesting sewer along
McKee Road. There are a few areas within Weddington and Stallings that do not have
sewer, but according to the Deputy Director of Public Works for Union County, there are
long term plans for the. whole area to have sewer. Only when a developer pays for the
sewer line extensions will those areas be serviced.
Based on this assessment, it is possible that MR-021 lEC has potential to stimulate
complementary land development, especially on the eastern side of Weddington Road
along McKee Road.
Typically, if the conditions are favorable for development and/or a region is currently
undergoing urbanization, an improvement in the transportation infiastructure is likely to
influence where development will occur. In this case, the land in the immediate vicinity
of the project and to the north is already urbanized or under construction. However, areas
to the south are still vacant..
There are already a number of subdivisions that are in the process of selling lots, or are in
the approvals process within these vacant parcels. Most development has been taking
place because of the existing adjacent interchanges of Providence Road and John Street.
Some of this development may be in anticipation of the new interchange. at Weddington
Road, but it is safe to assume that this area will build out soon, as the limited land supply
42
is exhausted. There is some potential for rezoning to a retail/office use at the northeast
portion of Wedding Road and McKee Road that is within the Town of Matthews control.
If approved this area could influence intraregional land development decisions on a small
scale.
Overall, the I-485 and Weddington Road interchange is not likely to influence
intraregional land development location decisions, but there is the potential that it will
accelerate planned development that is already occurring in this part of Mecklenburg and
Union Counties.
Notable feature present in Growth Impact Study Area:
There are potentially 13 state or federally protected species present in the two USGS
quadrants (Weddington and Matthews) surrounding the project area. In addition, there
are four Superfund sites, one National Register structure, one National Register district
and seven Historic Study List structures in the GISA. There are some small wetlands in
the area and one 303(d) stream, the South Fork Crooked Creek.
Analysis of indirect and cumulative effects
To further determine what the potential extent of indirect and cumulative impacts will be
as a result of TIP R-0211EC, an analysis of a set of environmental and economic
conditions was completed. This analysis attempts to somewhat quantify the potential for
land use change over the 20-year timeframe. A strong rating indicates a high likelihood
of induced growth related to transportation investments.` Table 23 indicates the results of
this rating analysis.
Table 23. Potential for Land Use Chance. 2000-2020
5 -Land ,.. -
Change in ?SaPPIy
Change in : Property Forecastedr5ivs_I.and Water/Sewer :.Market For
Ratio Accesdbili Values ; l '. Growt6 ." Demands Availabili -." Develo went ° Public Policy
Less
Travel Time >3% < 10-Year Stringent; No
Savings > 10 > 50% Annual Pop. Supply of Current Extremely . Growth
Strong rain. Increase Growth Land Services Exist Hi h Potential Mana ement
n X
••" X X X X
.• X X

a.
Weak Travel Time No < 1% > 20-Year No Plans For Extremely More
Savings < 2 Change Annual Pop. Supply of Future Service Low Potential Stringent;
min. Growth Land Growth
Management
Potential Land Use Change
43
The change in accessibility as a result of TIP R-0211EC will be high for some areas and
moderate for others. There will be a noticeable shift in travel patterns, and travel time
savings will vary depending on the areas from which people are traveling to and from. In
the areas right around the interchange, time savings will be high because the travel time
to one of the adjacent interchanges of Providence or John Street will be eliminated. For
those people further out in areas such as Weddington, the time savings could be less but
still noticeable. Drivers will no longer have to wait in traffic at a congested Providence
Road interchange and will have a more direct route to I-485.
The new interchange may detract property values from some residential properties that
are immediately adjacent to the interchange due to additional noise and congestion, while
others that are further away may increase in value due to the easy access to I-485.
Properties that have not been developed, especially along McKee Road on the east side of
Weddington Road; will probably increase in value with the added interchange. A
rezoning case is already underway within the Town of Matthews at the northeast corner
of Weddington Road and McKee Road for a mixed use development that includes
retail/offices and townhomes.
The projected annual growth rates for Mecklenburg and Union Counties from 2000-2010
are 2.5% and 3.0% respectively, which is considered strong. The demographic area and
GISA should continue to experience substantial growth whether the I-485 and
Weddington Road interchange is built or not. Since tremendous growth has been
occurring over the last decade, the land supply is limited with a continued high demand.
Water and sewer service is available within most of the GISA. Areas that do not
currently have water and sewer are planned for water and sewer in the near future.
Service depends on developers willing to pay for lines to be extended to those properties.
Local planners and growth trends indicate that the market for development is extremely
high within the GISA. The local government zoning-and land use plans support growth,
but do limit the densities that can be developed. ' This has been enforced with a strong
public input and participation in public meetings.
In summary, TIP R-021 1EC may induce some growth, but it is more likely that it will
accelerate development that is already occurring in this part of Mecklenburg and Union
County. Local planners also feel that growth will continue in this area whether this
interchange is built or not, but they do feel that as a result, traffic patterns will change
dramatically.
Location of Potential Land UseChange .
The greatest potential for induced commercial growth is at the northeastern corner of the
intersection of Weddington Road and McKee Road. Currently there is a rezoning case
pending in the Town of Matthews for a mixed use development including retail/office
and townhomes.' Another potential area for commercial is the west side of Weddington
44
Road just south of the County line within the Town of Stallings. The future land use plan
that Stallings is currently working on, proposes this area as mixed use and commercial
since there is no commercial development within the western side of Stallings.
Potential for induced residential growth is high on the east side of Weddington Road and
McKee Road, as well as further east along McKee Road (see Figure 3). Also, there is
vacant land on the east and west side of Weddington Road on both sides of the
Mecklenburg/Union County line. This property will have easy access to the interchange.
Vacant land further south on both sides of Forest Lawn Drive will also have convenient
access to the Weddington Road interchange. A large 565 parcel subdivision is already
selling lots on the northeast side of Forest Lawn Drive. The southwest side of Forest
Lawn Drive is within the Town of Weddington, so the density will be limited to one unit
per 40,000 square feet.
Vacant land that is on the west side of E. John Street, and especially the east side of it,
will have less potential for induced growth from the proposed Weddington Road
interchange. The decreased potential for induced growth is due to the existing close
proximity to the E. John Street and Independence Boulevard interchanges. This is also
true for the vacant land that is at the southeast corner of the Providence Road and I-485
interchange.
While TIP R-0211EC may induce some growth and accelerate development in this part of
Mecklenburg County, growth in this area has been occurring and will continue to occur
due to I-485 and its existing interchanges of Providence Road, John Street, and
Independence Boulevard.
Consideration of Indirect Effects
TIP R-0211EC may induce development on several vacant tracts of land along the project
corridor, but it is more likely that the project will increase the rate of development that is
already occurring in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. The type of induced growth as a
result of building TIP R-0211EC will vary depending on location within the GISA.
Figure 3 shows vacant land within the GISA. Land that is closest to the interchange will
most likely have changes in land use. A good portion of land within the GISA is already
developed, and while it is possible that development will accelerate because of the.
project, it is not likely to induce a substantial amount of new growth.
Commercial Uses: New commercial uses will potentially be at the northeast comer of
Weddington Road and McKee Road. This has the most potential for new commercial
development because of its close proximity to the interchange and the proposed rezoning
that has been filed with the Town of Matthews. The other area that has a high potential
for commercial development is on the western side of Weddington Road within the Town
of Stallings. In their forthcoming. land use plan, Stallings is recommending a mixed use
development for this location.
45
Residential Uses: Induced residential development will most likely occur along McKee
Road to the east of Weddington Road. Other areas that may see induced residential
development are parts of Weddington Road, as well as a new subdivision in Indian Trail.
This area will have the option of two interchanges that are about equal distance away, and
a new school.
Consideration of Cumulative Effects
The cumulative impact of TIP R-0211EC increases when considered along with other
proposed TIP Projects and local road improvements. In addition to the proposed
interchange at Weddington Road, MUMPO has proposed an extension of McKee Road
from its terminus at Pleasant Plains Road to E. John Street, which will create greater
access and movement from McKee Road to several interchanges including E. John Street,
Weddington Road, and Providence Road. The combination of this transportation
improvement, as well as others including the completion of the widening of Weddington
Road from north of I-485 to Pleasant Plains Road, and transit improvements to the area of
either bus rapid transit or light rail, will improve regional accessibility throughout this
part of Mecklenburg and Union County. Along with these local improvements are
continued regional improvements of I-485.
Although some of the factors used to evaluate indirect and cumulative impacts indicate
that the magnitude for land use change is high, and further analysis may be warranted to
estimate impacts to notable features, it is unlikely that TIP R-021 IEC will cause
substantial indirect impacts to water quality. Development is already occurring in the
GISA and this project may accelerate certain plans for development and may induce some
development on its own. However, zoning that is enforced by local land use plans, strong
public input, and historic density patterns in Weddington, Indian Trail, Stallings,
Matthews and Charlotte will limit the intensity of development in much of the area.
Tnhls? 2d_ N9tnra1 Vnmm"1m1*l

Basic Oak - Hickory Forest Weddin n
U land Depression Swamp Forest We n
Xeric Har an Forest Weddin on
Dry-Mesic Oak -Hicko forest* -
..?..-Js. a..W a..y avaaatuavs nuu vvcuusugwu uaW iopogmpnie Quaarangies (January
2004) htto:Mla.unc edu/oarldoaoroiect/nho
*Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR), North Carolina Department o[ Transportation, January 2003

46 -
Table 25. Architectural Features and Historic Sites
Growth Imnnet Ctnrly Area
Name Address Status

Matthews Commercial District 157-196 N. Trade Street & 118 E.
Charles Street
National Register District
Providence Presbyterian Church
& Cemetery
10140 Providence Road
National Register Structure
former Matthews School South of Trade and John Street Historic Stud List Structure
Grier-Fury House 500 W. John Street Historic Stud List Structure
Heath & Reid General Store 118 E. Charles Street Historic Stud List Structure
Henn an Place 3415 Tilley Morris Road Historic Stud List Structure
Ku kendell House 5001 Ku kendall Road Historic Stud List Structure
Nancy Reid House North of Trade and John Street Historic Stud List Structure
Renfrow Hardware Store 164 N. Trade Street Historic Stud List Structure
Ouurcc: nurnn a,aruuna lleparimen[ of l ransportanon - alalewme rlanning Division (June 2UU3)
National Register of Historic Places (January 2001); htto://www.hoo.der.state.ne.ustnrlist.htm
Table 26. Solid Waste Facilities
Merklpnhnrlr rannty
Permit Name - ; Type Location Contact
6009-I BMW NC, Inc. INCIN-M 3210 Ridge Road David Schoomaker
Matthews, NC 3212 Campus Ridge Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28105
704 573-2508
60T Harry Grimmer LCID Providence Plant. Harry Grimmer
Mecklenburg, NC PO Box 898
Matthews, NC 28105
Grimmer Demolition LCIDP 9524 White Hemlock Rd.
Landfill* Charlotte NC
Walter Klein* Fill 5315 Deer Walls Ave.
Charlotte, NC
* Fill 4908 Deer Walk Ave.
Charlotte NC
aounm. norm a:arouna vepormen[ of 6mvironmentai ana naturai 1(esources, meciaenburg County (January ZUU4),
htto://wastenot.enrstate.nc.us/
*Mecklenburg County Mapping(GIS Services, Solid Waste Facilities Shapellle, 2003
Table 27. Sunerfund Sites Within Growth Imnact Studv Areg
4 imo{ - 4,' ,,,-~ /.1M S.r
A. ca?lOII
Conbraco Industries North side of Matthews Mint Hill Road just east of Trade Street
Photo Corporation of America South side of Matthews Mint Hill Road, just east of Trade Street
Academy Steel Drum South of I485 at the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Tracks
Rhodera Drive Wells South of intersection of Pleasant Plains Road and John Street
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportatlon -Statewide Planning Division (June 2003)
Table 28. Streams and Water Oualltv in Growth Imnact Studv Area
K SOb Wstter r r Canse of ,
e ct P 'rti ° $ sI
tt
' lIm
nt ? Prl
l
?:.
e as
a
on _
e or
:
South Fork Crooked From its source to SR 1515
Creek in Union County C Unknown Low
Source: North Carolina Department or"l"ransportalion - Statewide Planning Branch (August 2001)
47
D. Environmental Effects
1. Biotic Resources
Biotic resources include aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This section describes
those communities encountered in the study area as well as the relationships between
fauna and flora within these communities. Composition and distribution of biotic
communities throughout the project area are reflective of topography, hydrologic
influences and past and present land uses in the study area. Descriptions of the terrestrial
systems are presented in the context of plant community classifications and follow
descriptions presented by Schafale and Weakley (1990) where possible. Dominant flora
and fauna observed, or likely to occur, in each community are described and discussed.
Scientific nomenclature and common names (when applicable) are provided for
each animal and plant species described. Plant taxonomy generally follows Radford, et
al. (1968). Animal taxonomy follows Martof, et al. (1980), Potter, et al. (1980), and
Webster, et al. (1985). Subsequent references to the same organism will include the
common name only. Fauna observed during the site visit are denoted with an asterisk (*).
Published range distributions and habitat analysis are used in estimating fauna expected
to be present within the project area. `
a. Terrestrial Communities
Two distinct terrestrial communities were identified in the project study area: Dry-
Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest and maintained/disturbed. Community boundaries within the
study area are well defined without significant transition zones between them. Faunal
species likely to occur within the study area will exploit all, communities for shelter,
foraging opportunities and/or as wildlife corridors.
Maintained/ Disturbed
The disturbed community includes those habitats altered by human activities,
thereby, inhibiting natural succession. Several habitats, exhibiting similar characteristics
are included in this description: road shoulders, residential landscapes and institutional
landscapes. Road shoulders are irregularly maintained, receiving only periodic mowing
and herbicide applications. Residential and institutional landscapes receive more
frequent mowing and general maintenance. Within the project area this community type
is predominantly vegetated by fescue, clover, lepedeza, and daisy. The community
contains buildings, homesites, impervious surface, and maintained lots. In addition, a 40
to 50 percent slope extending from the roadside shoulders unslope to the adjacent Dry-
Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest and contains. a shrub layer of loblolly pine and sweet-gum.
- Faunal species present in these present in these maintained/disturbed habitats are
opportunistic and capable of surviving on a variety of resources. They include those
48
found in the adjacent Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest and may also include field sparrow,
northern bobwhite, northern cardinal, ruby-throated hummingbird, eastern garter snake,
and eastern harvest mouse.
b. Rare and Protected Species
Some populations of fauna and flora have been in, or are in, the process of decline
either due to natural forces or their inability to coexist with man. Federal law (under the
provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended) requires that any action,
likely to adversely affect a species classified as federally-protected, be subject to review
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Other species may receive additional
protection under separate state laws.
Federally-protected Species
Plants and animals with federal classification of Endangered, Threatened,
Proposed Endangered and Proposed Threatened are protected under provisions of Section
7 and Section 9 of the ESA. As of January 29, 2007, there are five federally-protected
species listed for Mecklenburg County. A brief description of each Endangered or
Threatened species characteristics and habitat follows.
Table 29. State and Federally-Protected Species
Common Name -` Sclentifie Name .. Federal Status . State Status USGS Quad Ma
Plant:
Piedmont Aster Aster mirabilis FSC SR-T Matthews
Thin-pod White
Wild Indio
Ba tisia albescens
-
SR -P
Matthews
Eastern Shooting
Star Dodecatheon
meadia var meadia
-
SR-P
Matthews
Carolina Birdfoot -
-- trefoil
Lotus helleri
FSC
SR-T Matthews,
Weddin on
Geor 'a Aster Aster eo anus C Threatened Weddin on
Schweinitz's
Sunflower Helianthus
schweinitzii
Endangered

Endan Bred

Weddin on
Southeastern Bold
Goldenrod Solidago rigida
s labrata
-
SR-P
Weddin on

Tall Lar ur*# Delphinium
exaltatum
FSC
E-SC
Virginia
Qufllwort*#
Isoetes vi nica
SR-L
-
Fish
Carolina Darter -
Central Piedmont
Population
Etheostoma collis
o 1

FSC

SC

Matthews
Mollusk
•
Carolina
Creekshell Yillosa
vau haniana
FSC
Endangered Matthews,
Weddin on
Eastern Creekshell Yillosa delumbis FSC SR Weddin n
Carolina
Hee litter* Lasmigona
decorate
Endangered
Endangered
49
Tahle In_ FPdPrss11V nrnt•antnA ar&^Vnv C-- t?a....l.l.... s....... iT-___
Era tazon in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
T-a ta=on likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Common Name
Scientific Name aa- vaaa
Mecklenbur Vaa vWMAR& .
Union
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucoce halus T
Carolina Heel litter Lasmi ona decorata E E
Smooth Coneflower Echinacea laevi ata E
Schweinitz's Sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii E ' E
Michaux'z Sumac Rhus michauxii E
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) E
Animal Family: Accipitridae
Date Listed: 3/11/67
Bald eagles are found in North America from Florida to Alaska. The only major
nesting population in the southeast is in Florida, other nesting occurs in coastal areas of
Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Migrants and rare nesting pairs do occur
elsewhere in the southeast.
Adult bald eagles can be identified by their large white head and short white tail.
The body plumage is dark-brown to chocolate-brown in color. In flight bald eagles can
be identified by their flat wing soar.
Eagle nests are within a half-mile to open water with a clear flight path to the
water, in the largest living tree in the area. Disturbance can cause an eagle to abandon an
otherwise suitable habitat. The breeding season for the bald eagle begins in December or
.January. Fish are the major food source for bald eagles. Other sources include coots,
herons, and wounded ducks. Food may be live or carrion.
Biological Conclusion - No Effect
There was no suitable habitat found for the bald eagle within the project action
area. The NC Natural Heritage Program database of rare species and unique communities
was checked on November 10, 2000 and contains no records for any rare species in the
project study area. This project will not impact the bald eagle. .
Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata) Endangered
Animal Family: Uniondae
-
Date -Listed: June 30, 4993
The Carolina heelsplitter has an ovate, trapezoidal, unsculptured shell, which is
greenish, yellowish,` or brownish in color with greenish or blackish rays. The nacre is
usually pearly white 'to bluish`white graying to orange near the umbo and in older
specimens the entire nacre may be mottled orange. "The umbo is flattened and the beaks are
depressed and project a little above the hinge line.
Habitat for the Carolina heelsplitter has been found in creeks, streams, and rivers.
Individuals are most often found in shaded areas, either in a ponded portion of a small
stream, or in runs along steep banks with a moderate current. Water less than three feet
50
deep and substrates that are composed of soft mud, sand, muddy-sand, and sandy gravel are
preferred. Presently, only three known populations of this mussel species exists; two of
these populations are found in the North Carolina streams of Waxhaw Creek, Catawba
River System, Union County and Goose Creek, Pee Dee River System, Union County.
Biological Conclusion Unresolved
Habitat for Carolina heelsplitter does exist within Six Mile Creek area and below
the project study area. A preliminary survey revealed that several specimens of Variable
lance (Elliptio icterina complez) were found just downstream of the project area and is
loosely associated species with the Carolina heelsplitter in this river basin. The NC
Natural Heritage Program database of rare species and unique contains no records for any
rare species in the immediate project study area, however the species is known to occur in
Waxhaw Creek which is in the same subbasin. Therefore, additional surveys may be
warranted before a Biological Conclusion can be determined. NCDOT will resolve the
Biological Conclusion prior to the completion of the Finding of No Significant Impact
.(FONSI).
Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) Endangered
Family: Asteraceae
Federally Listed: December 9, 1991
Best Search Time: June - early July
Smooth coneflower is a perennial herb that grows from simple or branched
rhizomes. This herb has a smooth stem and few leaves. The basal leaves are the largest,
and these leaves are smooth to slightly rough, tapered to the base and elliptical to broadly
lanceolate. Mid-stem leaves have short or no petioles and are smaller than the basal leaves.
Flowers are light pink to purplish in color and solitary. The petal-like rays usually droop.
Fruits are gray-brown, oblong-prismatic and four-angled.
Habitat for the smooth coneflower is found in the area of meadows, open
woodlands, glades, cedar barrens, roadsides, power line rights of way, clearcuts, and dry
limestone bluffs. Plants usually grow in soil derived from calcareous parent material.
North Carolina populations are found in soils derived from Diabase, a circumneutral
igneous rock. Optimal sites are in areas with abundant sunlight and little competition from
other herbaceous plants.
Biological Conclusion No Effect
Habitat for smooth coneflower in the form of roadsides does exist within the
project study area. Road shoulders`in this project area were walked on July 11, 2002 and
no populations of smooth coneflower were found. The NC Natural Heritage Program
database of rare species and unique communities was checked on March 6, 2002 and
contains no records for any rare species in the project study area. This project will not
affect smooth coneflower.
Schweinitz's Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) Endangered
Plant Family. Asteraceae
Federally Listed: June 6,1991
- Flowers present: mid September--early October
51
Schweinitz's sunflower is a rhizomatous perennial herb that grows 1-2 m tall from
a cluster of carrot-like tubrous roots. The stems are deep red, solitary and only branch
above mid-stem. The leaves are rough feeling above and resin-dotted and loosely soft-
white-hairy beneath. Leaves of the sunflower are opposite on the lower part of the stem
and usually become alternate on the upper stem. The broad flowers are borne from
September until frost. These flowers are yellow in color and arranged in an open system
of upwardly arching heads. The fruit is a smooth, gray black achene.
Schweinitz's sunflower is endemic to North and South Carolina. These
sunflowers grow best in full sunlight or light shade in clearings and along the edges of
open'stands ofoak-pine-hickory upland woods. Common soils that this species are found
in are moist to dryish clays, clay-loams, or sandy clay-loams, often with high gravel
content and always moderately podzolized. Natural fires and large herbivores are
considered to be historically important in maintaining open habitat for these sunflowers.
Biological Conclusion No Effect
Habitat for Schweinitz's sunflower in the form of roadsides does not exist within
the project study area. A population was discovered along the road shoulder of NC 16
just north of the existing project. This population was relocated as a result of a previous
road widening project. Road shoulders in this project area were walked on October 3,
2002 and no populations of Schweinitz's sunflower were found. This project will not
affect Schweinitz's sunflower.
Michaux's Sumac (Rhos michauxit) Endangered
Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
Federally Listed: Endangered, September 28, 1989
Flowers Present: June
Michaux's sumac is a densely pubescent rhizomatous shrub. The bases of the
leaflets are rounded and their edges are simply or doubly serrate. The flowers of
Michaux's sumac are greenish to white in color. Fruits, which develop from August to
September on female plants, are a red densely short-pubescent drupe.
This plant occurs.in rocky or sandy open woods as well as areas that are artificially
disturbed including highwayand'railroad right-of-ways, edges of cultivated fields, and
other cleared land. Michaux's sumac is dependent on some sort of disturbance to maintain
the openness of its habitat.' It usually grows in association with basic soils and occurs on
sand or sandy loams. 1Vlichaux's sumac grows only in open habitat where it can get full
sunlight. Afichaux's sumac does not compete well with other species, such as Japanese
-honeysuckle, with which it is often associated. i,
Threats: This species is threatened.by loss of habitat. Since its discovery, 50 percent of
Michaux's sumac habitat has been lost due to its conversion to silvicultural and agricultural
purposes and development. Fire suppression and herbicide drift have also negatively .
impacted this species.
Biological, Conclusion No Effect
52
Suitable habitat for Michaux's sumac is present along the irregularly maintained
roadside shoulder, powerline corridor and forest/maintained ecotone. The project study
area was visited on July 11, 2002. A plant-by-plant survey was conducted during the site
visit. No populations of Michaux's sumac were observed during the site visit. A review
of the NHP rare species and unique habitat database was checked on March 6, 2000 and
did not contain records of Michaux's sumac within the project area. Impacts to
Michaux's sumac will not occur from project construction.
Federal Species of Concern and State Listed Species
Besides the federally listed endangered species, there are 9 federal species of
concern listed by the FWS between Mecklenburg and Union Counties. Federal species of
concern are not afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and are not
subject of any of it's provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or
listed as Threatened or Endangered. However, the staus of these species is subject to
change, and so should be included for consideration. A Federal Species of Concern
(FSC) is defined as a species that is under consideration for listing for which there is
insufficient information to support listing. In addition, organisms which are listed as
Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program list of Rare Plant and Animal Species are afforded state protection under the NC
State Endangered Species Act and the NC Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979.
Table 31. Federal Species of Concern.
Common Name Scientific Name NC Status Habitat
Carolina darter Etheostoma collis lepidinion SC Yes
Carolina creekshell Villosa vaughaninan SC (PE) Yes
Georgia aster Aster gergianus C (PE) No
Tall larkspur Delphinium exaltatum E (SC) No
Virginia quillwort Isoetes virginica C No
Heller's trefoil Lotus helleri C Yes
SC - A Special Concern species is one which requires monitoring but may be taken or collected and sold under regulations adopted
under the provisions of Article 25 of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes (animals) and the Plant Protection and Conservation Act
(plants). Only propagated material may be sold of Special Concern plants that are also listed as Threatened or Endangered.
W3 - A watch Category 3 species is a rare to uncommon species in North Carolina, but is not-necessarily declining or in trouble.
T - A Threatened species is one which is likely to become endangered species within the forseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range.
E - An Endangered species is one whose continued existence as a viable component of the State's flora is determined to be in
jeopardy.
C - A Candidate species is one which is very rare in North Carolina, generally with 1-20 populations in the state, generally
substantially reduced in numbers by habitat destruction, direct exploitation or disease. The species is also either rare throughout its
range or disjunct in North Carolina from a main range in a different part of the country or the world.
(PE) - A species that is currently under review to be listed as Endangered.
2. Physical Resources
Soils and availability of water directly influence composition and distribution of
flora and fauna in any biotic community. Soil and water resources, which occur in the
study area, are discussed in detail in following sections.
53
a. . Topography and Soils
The project area lies within the Southern Piedmont Physiographic Region. The
project study area is found within the Charlotte Belt which is characterized by dominantly
massive igneous or metaigneous rock. The topography in this section of Mecklenburg
County is characterized by broad, gently rolling interstream areas and steeper slopes
along drainageways. Project elevation is approximately 750 feet (229 meters) above
mean sea level.
Five soil series, are present within project study area. The project area soils are:
Cecil sandy clay loam with 8 to 15 percent slopes, Enon sandy loam with 2 to 8 percent
slopes, Enon sandy loams with 8 to 15 percent slopes, and wilkes loam. Soil phase
description information was obtained from the Soil Survey of Mecklenburg County,
North Carolina (1980). It is as follows:
Table 32
Proiect Area Soil Phases and Characteristics
Specific
Ma Unit Percent `
Sloe Drainage
Class Hydric
Class*
Cecil Sandy Clay
Loam 2-8 well Non-hydric
Cecil Sandy Clay
Loam 8-15 well Non-hydric
Enon Sandy Loam 2-8 well Non-hydric
Enon Sandy Loam 8-15 well Non-hydric
Wilkes Loam 15-25 well Non-hydric
Cecil sandy loam soils are found on smooth ridges within uplands. Permeability
is moderate and the seasonal high water table occurs below 6.00 ft (1.83 m) of the
surface. The clayey subsoil is the main limitation, for this soil type. This soil type has the
potential productivity for loblolly pine, short-leaf pine, and Virginia pine.
E non sandy loam is found on slopes within uplands. Permeability is moderate and
the seasonal high water table occurs below 6.00 ft (1.83 m) of the surface. The clayey
subsoil is the main limitation for this soil type. This soil type has the potential
productivity for loblolly pine, short-leaf pine, and Virginia pine.
Wilkes loam is found on side slopes adjacent to drainageways. Permeability is
moderate slow and the seasonal high water table occurs below 6.00 ft (1:83 m) of the
54