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Council committee backs $8 million city contribution for Symphony Park overhaul
Summary
The Jobs & Economic Development Committee agreed to refer a proposed public‑private partnership for a multi‑phase Symphony Park renovation to full council with a recommendation to approve up to $8 million in city infrastructure reimbursement funding, pending final private fundraising and agreements.
The Jobs & Economic Development Committee voted May 5 to forward a plan to Charlotte City Council recommending approval of an infrastructure reimbursement agreement of up to $8 million to support a multi‑phase renovation of Symphony Park in South Park. The plan pairs the city contribution with $8 million in capital improvements committed by Simon Property Group and private fundraising led by South Park Community Partners.
Supporters said the project reflects years of planning work and community engagement and would preserve permanent public access to a significantly upgraded park, add programming and incubation space for small vendors and entrepreneurs, and leverage private funding to reduce the city's overall exposure. Adam Roo, CEO of South Park Community Partners, told the committee the group has spoken to more than two dozen prospective private donors and was confident of securing approximately $5 million in private philanthropic commitments to complete the capital stack.
The committee conversation emphasized preserving public access through easements, the private partner's commitment to fund construction cost overages on its portion of the project, and an operating model in which South Park Community Partners would program a portion of the park—helping convert it from a seasonally active site to a year‑round destination. Committee members also asked staff to make clear that the proposed $8 million would come from previously allocated community investment funds in the South Park area and not from newly requested general funds.
The committee vote moves the item to full council with a recommendation for approval, subject to final legal agreements, confirmation of private fundraising commitments and final site/real‑estate steps. City staff said any actual expenditures or property transactions would return to council for specific approvals; no city funds will be spent until those approvals occur.
Community context and next steps: the park project traces to South Park community planning (CIP/CNIP) discussions and the 2019 Loop/South Park Forward planning process. If council approves the referral and subsequent agreements, staff estimated design and permitting would proceed in 2025 with construction kickoff aimed for summer 2026 and re‑opening in 2027, contingent on private fundraising and construction timing.
