Latest news with #HornetsSports
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Stein signs P.A.V.E. Act into law, paving the way for transit transformation in Mecklenburg County
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Governor Stein officially signed six new bills into law on Tuesday morning, including one that could reshape transportation in Mecklenburg County for years to come. One of the most talked-about measures is , short for Public Access to Valuable Equity. This legislation opens the door for a November ballot referendum, where Mecklenburg County voters will decide whether to approve a one-cent local sales tax to invest in a more modern, accessible, and sustainable transportation system. MORE: NC Gov. Stein hosts news conference to sign 6 bills into law 'Today is a game-changer for our region,' Shannon Binns, Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte, said in a written statement. 'For years, we've dreamed of giving residents the chance to fund more frequent buses and trains, safer bike lanes, sidewalks, and safer streets for all. With Governor Stein's signature, that dream moves from the advocacy stage to the ballot box. When Mecklenburg County prospers with better mobility, every family, no matter their zip code or income, gains access to opportunity, cleaner air, and a higher quality of life.' 'This is more than a transportation bill, it's a generational opportunity to shape how ourregion grows and connects,' Shelly Cayette-Weston, President of Business Operations forCharlotte Hornets/Hornets Sports and Entertainment said in a written statement. 'This is a powerful example of how local and state leaders can work together to create bold solutions.' The P.A.V.E. Act gives Mecklenburg County the authority to: Put a one-cent sales tax proposal before voters this November Use funds to improve roads, expand public transit, and enhance bike/pedestrian infrastructure Tackle traffic congestion while reducing air pollution from vehicles It also makes changes to local tax laws, including updates to the county's 'U-Drive-It' vehicle tax and existing transportation-related sales tax rules, to support this effort. MORE: After Mecklenburg County's transportation bill passes Senate, do Charlotte residents support the tax hike? The measure was and earned bipartisan support in the General Assembly before arriving on Governor Stein's desk. If voters say yes this fall, the new tax could generate hundreds of millions of dollars for projects aimed at: Expanding bus and light rail service Building sidewalks and protected bike lanes Supporting Vision Zero initiatives to make streets safer Reducing tailpipe emissions, the leading source of local climate pollution For Mecklenburg County residents, that means shorter commutes, cleaner air, and more transportation options, especially in underserved neighborhoods. MORE: Officials detail plans to improve Mecklenburg County bus stops, but they need a one-cent sales tax to do it Now that the P.A.V.E. Act is law, it's up to the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners to place the referendum on the November 2025 ballot. If they do, voters will have the final say on whether to approve the sales tax and launch what advocates call a 'transformational investment.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hornets in final phase of Spectrum Center's $250 million renovation
The Charlotte Hornets aren't just rebuilding the roster, but also upgrading the very place they play in. The Spectrum Center is in the second and final phase of a near $250 million renovation. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hornets Sports and Entertainment releases renovation update at Spectrum Center Advertisement You can get a sense of the changes through drawings and renderings, but the Hornets have now set up an entire preview center for fans to get a sneak peak. 'One of the most challenging things when you do a project like this is how do you tell the story and paint the picture before fans can walk in and experience it,' Hornets chief business and revenue officer Mike Behan said. 'It was really focused on how do you create the best experience for fans when they come out to games.' The preview center is set up in the Fifth Third Center in Uptown. 'What you're seeing today in facilities is creating more authenticity. Bringing the community into the building,' Behan said. 'And really allowing that to be the story you're telling.' Advertisement The upgrades include complete overhauls to the concourse, founders level and new seats throughout the bowl. They are also adding 1,400 more seats to the lower bowl. ALSO READ: Promising Pages joins Charlotte Hornets Foundation, dozens others in health, wellness fair 'Really, what we're seeing across the facility space, the arena space, fans want an opportunity to spend more time socializing,' Behan said. 'And we're excited that this renovation speaks to that and creates those types of experiences for fans.' Behan says the new updates are also a platform to share Hornets history and what's to come. Advertisement 'There's a lot of excitement and energy around the organization right now,' Behan said. The project is expected to be done this fall. (WATCH BELOW: Brandon Miller talks rehab, Hornets future and giving back through youth basketball camp)
