Morehead West
Morehead West Area Plan
Harrisburg, NC
Harrisburg, NC

Located near Charlotte, Harrisburg is a growing suburban community. It is in close proximity to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the recently completed I-485 beltway around Charlotte. It is, therefore, an ideal location for people of all ages and a variety of businesses. The western edge of the town is relatively undeveloped due primarily to the lack of infrastructure. As growth pressures increased, the Town chose to study the area to define a vision for the future. The resulting plan had to identify areas to accommodate development the community desires while conserving some natural resources; take into account the preferences of property owners as well as market conditions; and inform Town leaders’ decisions about public infrastructure investments. Laying the groundwork to create an attractive gateway into the town was also a key objective of effort. In addition, the Morehead West Area Plan also describes ways to ensure long-term economic viability of the area, encouraging uses that complement the Speedway to make it a year-round destination, that facilitate partnerships between private business and UNC-Charlotte, and that build the tax base. The Area Plan also promotes quality development punctuated by natural areas to retain native vegetation, support wildlife, protect water quality, and function as passive recreational amenities.
As project lead, Nealon’s role included project management, land use analysis, directing GIS analysis and conceptual design, land use recommendations and implementation strategies, plan preparation, and presentations to the public and elected and appointed boards. Subconsultants: LandDesign, VHB, Noell Consulting Group, Zanetta Illustration, and Tyler Holman. |