Mecklenburg County leaders to accelerate creating greenways

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County commissioners approved a plan Tuesday night that would accelerate the creation of more greenways in Charlotte.

The Parks and Recreation Department has a goal to add 30 miles of greenways by 2023.

To reach that goal, leaders need to start five new projects next year that require $37 million extra in the budget.

[PAST COVERAGE: Residents pushing Mecklenburg County leaders for more greenways]

“This is extremely important,” Commissioner Mark D. Jerrell said. “I will continue to say, while it may be a want in some areas, it's a need in others.”

It is part of the department's master plan to have 308 miles of greenway trails.

There have been 52 miles completed.