What’s going on at the old Eastland Mall site? Better question, why is nothing going on? First, we hear from the Whitewater Center’s executive director about their new regulations.
Part 1 U.S. National Whitewater Center
The U.S. National Whitewater Center turned 10 years old this August, but the celebrations were dampened before they even got started by the death of a teenage patron in June. She was exposed to an ameba in the water that caused a deadly brain infection. The whitewater operations paused for a time, and the center- and officials - have been working to make sure the water quality at the center was safe for patrons. Last week, Mecklenburg county officials adopted water quality regulations for the center, and today, we'll talk to executive director and founder of the White Water Center Jeff Wise about the regulations and more.
Guest
Jeff Wise - executive director of the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Part 2 Eastland Mall Still Waiting For Development
Charlotte’s development boom has yet to reach the empty lot that was once Eastland Mall. More than three years after the city, which holds the keys to the site, demolished the mall in hopes of priming the pump for revitalizing Charlotte’s east side, developers have yet to turn the dream into a reality. None of the ideas for the site – including a film studio and a Latin-themed market – have panned out. The only movement has been a sale of a portion of the Eastland site to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. But the city isn’t throwing in the towel. We check in on the city’s hopes for Eastland. What’s the holdup in bringing redevelopment to the site? What does the city see in Eastland that, so far, developers aren’t seeing? When can the east side expect to see some traction?
Guests
Pat Mumford - director, Neighborhood and Business Services, City of Charlotte
Astrid Chirinos - chief development executive, Latin American Economic Development Corporation
Mary Newsom - associate director, Urban and Regional Affairs, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute