‘World class’ Charlotte? Let’s try to be a decent city instead

[313WX]

This is an interesting editorial related to Charlotte's failed Amazon HQ2 bid.

Basically, what they're getting at is they need to adjust their expectations and accept that it may not be meant for Charlotte to become this world class city they envision by landing events such as Olympics or massive corporate investments such as Amazon HQ2. They should instead remain focused on improving the fundamental things that make a city attractive for the residents who already call it home and let the chips fall where they may.

I think, in many ways, this same perspective can be applied to Detroit. Its best days are behind it and not coming back, but that doesn't mean it can't become an OK city again that people want to live / work / play in.

Your thoughts?

[313WX]

IMO, part of Charlotte's problem is that it suffers from an identity crisis.

It's a big city that's now beginning to come of age, yet it really has no "IT" factor that's uniquely Charlotte. It has spent much of its time in Atlanta's shadow and trying to mimic it. But unfortunately for Charlotte, there can only be one Atlanta.

[Wesley Mouch]

Focus on being a great place to live, and a great place to do business is best. [[note to Detroit's vs. AirBnB thread... this means stop trying to kill entrepreneurship and different ways of doing things. Do you think Detroit would have become the auto capital if we'd fought the automobile?)

[Richard]

Meh,I am not really sure a company that allows foreign countries to buy products on their site,in order to copy them and manufacture them,in order to undercut the original sellers and force them out of business,patent or no patent should be the supreme judge of how a city should operate.

There is a common core aspect of every city but after that they are all individually unique with their own identities.Detroit should be itself and be the best it can be for its residents and not try and mimic a set blueprint of a perfect city the rest will come.

i guess we agree on that.

[wolverine]

Focus on being a great place to live, and a great place to do business is best. [[note to Detroit's vs. AirBnB thread... this means stop trying to kill entrepreneurship and different ways of doing things. Do you think Detroit would have become the auto capital if we'd fought the automobile?)

You make a good point on the Airbnb thing. As homeownership becomes more difficult for a younger generation, there needs to be creative ways of providing supplemental income, but still have government regulation that is sensible and not overbearing. This can also bring tourism to the neighborhoods.

My agency allows Airbnb in all districts in the zoning code but we just require a registration and it’s about $40 renewed every two years. It’s under the same policy that allows home based business that don’t create a nuisance to the surrounding homes.