development not displacement
Smithville Residents Renewal Plan
In 2022, the median income in Cornelius, NC was $107,969 (northcarolina-demographics.com)
Smithville is a historic black neighborhood in Cornelius and was annexed in 1972. Prior to annexation, the neighborhood was segregated and redlined. Today, Smithville continues to be a low-income community with a majority of African American reside
In 2022, the median income in Cornelius, NC was $107,969 (northcarolina-demographics.com)
Smithville is a historic black neighborhood in Cornelius and was annexed in 1972. Prior to annexation, the neighborhood was segregated and redlined. Today, Smithville continues to be a low-income community with a majority of African American residents. The purpose of this Plan is to educate and empower the residents, to protect their property and to offer essential services.
The Renewal Plan will be administered by two non-profits (501c3s), Live and Give Project & Ausie and Martin Rivens Scholarship Foundation. Both organizations are founded and operated by Smithville natives. The Plan, implemented in four stages, benefits all residents and allows them to identify their needs. It creates a healthy and sustainable community. Different groups that focus on shared interests and common struggles are also involved. Other identified partners include Ada Jenkins, Lake Norman YMCA, Town of Cornelius, Mecklenburg County and U2U.
The first stage requires an estimated $1.2 million to construct a community resource center. The Town of Cornelius will be asked to donate the lot at 19415 Smithville Lane.
Additional funding will be requested from Mecklenburg County, Town of Cornelius, United Way of Greater Charlotte and Atrium Health.
The resource center will offer after school tutoring, home buying classes for first time homeowners. Additional workshops will include financial literacy, estate planning, health care education, mental wellness education, digital education for elders, healthy eating sessions, and additional wrap around services. Exercise classes and food distribution will also be offered from this location.
Additional stages of our Plan include cost effective housing, upfitting of homes belonging to current residents (interior and exterior), preservation of the Rosenwald school and job readiness/entrepreneur workshops.
The Smithville Residents Renewal Plan focuses on responsible development without displacement, preserves the legacy of the community and provides services that have been identified by the residents.
Let's talk
Please join us!
upcoming meeting
About Us
Smithville residents: important conversation. Please register to attend #keepingourcharacter #community It's Election season: Primary Election Day is March 5th. Please VOTE for the candidates of your choice and not according to who others feel are your best options. Disregard preprinted handouts. Do your own research or speak with others who have your best interests in mind.
From the Smithville Community Coalition newsletter: New Board members: Elaine Withers, Charmaine Nephew, Thomas Marsh, Ray McKinnon, and Richard (Dick) Dandurand. We've only met three of them. Apparently, attendance is not a requirement. Smithville residents were denied the opportunity to serve, again. Home Repairs - (8) Completed homes, (6) in progress, (5) in the pipeline Lead Pipe Replacement - (10) completed homes (9) remaining Demolition - Funded, will start before the February Community Meeting. SCC needs a mowing and clean up contractor for the spring. Email info@scc-nc.org if interested Homeownership Case Management - Grants and funding being sought for continuation of this program
About Us
Smithville Community Coalition's most recent plan, which was provided by the Town of Cornelius. Feel free to email the Smithville Residents Coalition with your comments and concerns.
From the Smithville Community Coalition newsletter: "Please check the SCC website for job opportunities and information for potential Board of Directors members." EMAIL: info@SCC-NC.org (if interested)
upcoming event
Photo Gallery
Smithville residents deserve to be heard
Residents of Smithville have organized the Smithville Residents Coalition, SRC, to have their voices heard during the proposed changes to their beloved community.
Media Coverage
https://youtu.be/hffvzB1AlBU
https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/mecklenburg-county/cornelius-residents-concerned-revitalization-plan-will-lead-to-gentrification/--
https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/mecklenburg-county/cornelius-residents-concerned-revitalization-plan-will-lead-to-gentrification/--
WCNC TV coverage of Smithville residents' concerns 3/2023
https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/mecklenburg-county/cornelius-residents-concerned-revitalization-plan-will-lead-to-gentrification/--
https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/mecklenburg-county/cornelius-residents-concerned-revitalization-plan-will-lead-to-gentrification/--
https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/mecklenburg-county/cornelius-residents-concerned-revitalization-plan-will-lead-to-gentrification/--
Queen City TV news coverage of Smithville residents' concerns 3/2023
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article272883380.html
https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/mecklenburg-county/cornelius-residents-concerned-revitalization-plan-will-lead-to-gentrification/--
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article272883380.html
Charlotte Observer media coverage 3/2023
Contact Us
Contact us
The stakeholders, SRC, are thankful for the work of the SCC and acknowledge that changes are inevitable. Provide changes that will preserve the neighborhood. It's time for the SCC to stop telling the residents that ‘they don’t know what is best for them.’ Smithville needs revitalization. The current method of doing business, putting profits before people, and using the term ‘revitalization’ is a glorified plan for gentrification
