Ed Driggs Idea of a "Tree Save" Endhaven

The phrase "Tree Save" we hear a lot. Charlotte City Council and others within our local government are worried about our "Tree City" status.

We have boards, commissions, and even a Tree Czar and two dozen staffers.

But when it comes to development not so much.

Case in point Endhaven and Elm Lane.

Councilman Ed Driggs described the project as good land use. 

“I will note that there are concerns on Endhaven about traffic safety at the junction with Elm and in general about the growth of traffic because of school development along there. CDOT is working on that. I will continue to follow it but this is a good petition. It should pass.” 

Ed Driggs might as well told a group of "angry termites" to have at it because that was all it took to wipe out nearly 10 acres of old growth forest.

This is what his yes vote did to the once thick stand of trees at the corner of Elm Lane and Endhaven.

Elm Lane at Endhaven May of 2022

Elm Lane at Endhaven February 20, 2024

But it is not just about the trees.

As one neighbor said:

Despite what this short piece states, and what Ed "Rubber Stamp" Driggs posts, wouldn't it be interesting to find out what the actual traffic congestion situation is on Endhaven Lane before they go and jam even more unaffordable development into the area.

Six dense neighborhoods feed exclusively onto mile-long, two-lane Endhaven, as do two huge schools (a third one is being built now also). Endhaven connects two busy local thoroughfares, with two huge apartment complexes and two hotels.

The idea that this newly approved development will add only 355 "vehicle trips" and twelve students is borderline silly.

What, exactly, is CDOT "working on"? And now that the new development is approved by the city council and the zoning committee, what difference will it make?

Maybe you could serve the local population by reporting on the effects of "cumulative traffic congestion" on Charlotte streets, or the lack of affordable housing being built into these over-dense, high-priced new developments. Or, the ineffectual city council and zoning committee.

Thank about it next time you're stuck in traffic.

C, Mukkigan May 31, 2022