Board endorses CRTPO grant applications for Hargett Road realignment and Monroe Road multiuse path

The board authorized the interim town manager Oct. 27 to submit letters of support for two Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) grant applications: a Hargett Road realignment at Samuel Knoll (near Crown Point Elementary School) and a Monroe Road 10‑foot side path to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along a busy corridor.

Dana Stuczynski, senior town staff, said the Hargett Road project would realign an offset intersection and improve pedestrian amenities at a location that is part of the county’s high‑injury network. The Monroe Road proposal would create a multiuse side path between the town limit near Bojangles and the signal at Gander Cove/Family Dollar, with an upgraded signalized crossing to connect pedestrians and bicyclists across a high‑volume corridor.

Stuczynski explained that CRTPO scoring is competitive and staff recommended a 35% local match in applications to be competitive; the program’s traditional match is 20% but average recent submittals have been higher. If awarded, CRTPO and NCDOT funding would be reimbursed across a multi‑year schedule (preliminary engineering in FY27 and further phases through FY31 depending on programming and NCDOT scheduling). Projects are reimbursement grants and require town match when engineering or construction work is initiated.

The board authorized staff to submit the letters of support and proceed with applications. Commissioners discussed match levels, timing relative to potential sales‑tax revenues for transportation, and the ability to withdraw or decline a funded project before contracting if town priorities change.

Speakers quoted: Dana Stuczynski (project overview).