What We Do

SPAN works with neighborhood leaders, elected officials, city staff, businesses, developers, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality of life in the SouthPark area and strengthen connections between residential neighborhoods and the commercial district.

Our work focuses on the following areas:

Communication

 

  • Keep members informed about ongoing projects, rezoning applications, transportation initiatives, public policy issues, and planning efforts affecting the SouthPark area.
  • Coordinate educational programs, workshops, meetings, and presentations for neighborhood leaders, board members, and community volunteers.
  • Facilitate the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices among member organizations.
  • Serve as a forum for discussing community issues and identifying opportunities for collaboration.

Planning and Land Use

  • Work with city staff and elected officials to review and improve long-range planning documents, including the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and the South Middle Community Area plan.
  • Advocate for policies that encourage smart growth while protecting the character and livability of established neighborhoods.
  • Promote development standards that address transportation, infrastructure, environmental, and quality-of-life impacts associated with increased density and redevelopment.
  • Encourage planning decisions that create stronger connections between residential neighborhoods and the SouthPark commercial district.

Rezoning and Development Review

  • Inform residents of proposed rezoning petitions and opportunities to participate in the public review process.
  • Review rezoning applications, site plans, and development proposals to identify potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Meet with developers, petitioners, city staff, and elected officials to discuss community concerns and recommend project improvements.
  • Advocate for community benefits that enhance pedestrian connectivity, transportation options, public spaces, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood accessibility.
  • Communicate member concerns and recommendations during public hearings and throughout the development review process.

Transportation and Infrastructure

  • Identify transportation and infrastructure projects that improve mobility, safety, and connectivity throughout the SouthPark area.
  • Advocate for funding and implementation of projects that strengthen connections between neighborhoods, commercial destinations, parks, and public spaces.
  • Support initiatives such as the SouthPark Loop, Backlot Trail, Symphony Park improvements, and other projects that enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and multimodal transportation options.
  • Work with public agencies and community partners to advance infrastructure investments that improve quality of life and support SouthPark’s continued growth and vitality.

Community Partnerships and Placemaking

  • Collaborate with community organizations, public agencies, businesses, and property owners on projects that enhance SouthPark’s sense of place.
  • Support initiatives that create attractive public spaces, public art, parks, trails, and community gathering areas.
  • Advocate for investments that strengthen SouthPark’s identity as a vibrant and connected community.
  • Foster partnerships that help implement projects and programs benefiting residents throughout the area.
  • Apply for grants or solicit private donations to fund identified projects.