North Meck Has Gotten a Raw Deal for Decades
For years, residents across Mecklenburg County, especially in North Meck, have been told to wait their turn for real transit options. But with the proposed 1% sales tax increase on the ballot this year, many longtime community members are drawing a firm line.
Among them is John Aneralla, former Mayor of Huntersville (2015–2021) and a 28-year resident who’s seen firsthand how promises get made… and broken. Former Mayor Aneralla wrote an op-ed recently that clearly outlines why everyone must be an AGAINST vote on this referendum.
Let’s be clear: this tax hike is not a transit plan, it’s a blank check. One that will cost working families hundreds of dollars every year with no guarantee of service, infrastructure, or accountability in return.
Who Pays? You Do.
Under this proposal:
- A median-income family of four will pay nearly $1,000 more per year.
- Low-income residents already relying on food assistance will pay about $132 per person annually.
- 70% of the tax burden will fall on Mecklenburg residents, not visitors.
Meanwhile, if you live in North Meck, you’re being asked to foot the bill for a diesel Red Line that might never be built and even if it is, would only operate a couple of times during rush hour.
But What About the Red Line?
Let’s talk about the Red Line fantasy.
- There is no funding commitment from the state or federal government.
- There is no sunset provision, so the tax continues indefinitely.
- There are no specific projects guaranteed, only vague promises.
In fact, bus rapid transit using existing toll lanes is already faster, more flexible, and cheaper but it’s not flashy enough for the politicians who want ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
More Density, Less Voice
Proponents say this is about economic opportunity. But who gets that opportunity?
What’s really coming is high-density development, not equitable infrastructure. North Meck is already seeing rezonings and apartment expansions based solely on the idea of future train stations. Locals are being priced out and crowded out, not invited in.
And under the new governance model? Your town’s voice on transportation planning shrinks from 1 of 9 votes to 1 of 27. That’s not equity, that’s erasure. Moreover, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance gets 2 appointments, twice that of any one town.
Roads? Sorry, Not Included.
You might think this tax helps traffic, but most of the roads you use daily are state-owned and ineligible for these funds.
In fact, the towns have to maintain or increase their existing road budgets just to keep up, while the sales tax sits unused, building up in fund balances instead of being spent on your commute.