We, the undersigned residents of Charlotte and supporters of the Historic West End, strongly oppose the proposed $3.2 billion plan to extend I‑77 toll lanes through our city’s historic neighborhoods.

Highway expansion is not the solution to congestion. Research shows that widening highways only induces more traffic, worsens congestion, erodes community cohesion, and diminishes property values. Instead of pouring billions into toll lanes, we urge NCDOT to invest in expanding light rail and streetcar routes, which provide accessible, reliable transit options and reduce the need for driving and costly Uptown parking.

Charlotte has already suffered from highway expansion in the past. In the mid‑20th century, new highways displaced families, destroyed schools and businesses, and devastated property values in communities near Uptown. We cannot repeat these mistakes.

The proposed expansion threatens neighborhoods including Biddleville, Oaklawn Park, McCrorey Heights, Dalebrook, Wesley Heights, and Seversville—all of which are cultural and historic districts with ongoing preservation initiatives. Even more troubling, maps suggest the project could encroach on Frazier Park, a vital green space for Uptown residents.

We are not opposed to progress. We are opposed to progress that comes at the expense of our communities, our history, and our future.

This is urgent!  If the project moves forward, it will cause irreversible damage to Charlotte’s neighborhoods—destroying homes, erasing cultural history, and permanently altering the character of our city. Once these communities and green spaces are lost, they cannot be rebuilt.

We call on NCDOT to:

• Halt the I‑77 toll lane expansion project.
  Prioritize investment in light rail and streetcar routes.
• Protect Charlotte’s historic neighborhoods and green spaces.
• Commit to equitable, sustainable development that strengthens—not weakens—our communities.