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Potter's Place

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

As mentioned the CNIP will include safer pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between Kilborne Park and Evergreen Nature Preserve. The intersection at Kilborne Drive, Central Avenue, and Norland Road will be improved to make it more welcoming and safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Traffic calming and better lighting will be installed on Kilborne Drive and Norland Road. The goal is to create a more holistic and connected multi-modal network. So let's head along Kilborne Drive on the sidewalk to the future site of Potter Place Park at the corner of Kilborne Drive and Central Avenue.

Images

This is Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo's Latin Bakery. His business is adjacent to the planned Potter Place Park.

Smile, Sleeve, Wood, Asphalt

Manolo is standing on the site of the future Potter Place Park next to the remnant of Old Potter Road with a City poster about the history of Old Potter Road.

Cloud, Sky, Tire, Plant

Manolo is standing on the site of Potter Place Park with a City poster about the park plan.

Smile, Plant, Sky, Tree

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

As it is now the site is not exactly an inviting City pocket park. First, let's explore the history of this site. The site includes a remnant of Old Potter Road. Back in the 18th century, there were 2 main intersecting roads in what is now Mecklenburg County, the Great Wagon Road, and Old Potter Road. These roads intersected at Eastway Drive and North Tryon Street, not far from here. There is also a remnant of Old Potter Road in Evergreen Nature Preserve. The initial investigation into the history of the name is that it was thought to have been a commercial pottery route from Lincoln County, NC to markets in Charleston, SC. Later historical review by Jim Williams found the name existed prior to the pottery business and was named for 1780 settler Gordon Potter.

The City began conducting community meetings to plan the park in June 2017. From the meetings, a theme of "Memory Lane" developed. Historical information about the area will be displayed on colorful panels alone the Old Potter Road remnant. This area will include a walkway and seating. Community representatives ranked their top community destinations: (1) restaurants, (2) pharmacy, (3) nature preserve, and (4) park. There was also strong feedback to retain the local unique and diverse character of the surrounding neighborhoods.

In addition to the historical marker, the site will include space for outdoor dining, public art, and community events. This area between Kilborne Drive and Sharon Amity is home to over a dozen small independent international food establishments representing seven different countries.

The City is beginning the real estate acquisition phase and currently designing the electrical system that will include WiFi at the Potter Place Park. The construction is planned to begin in the Fall of 2022. This is going to be a great community place for neighbors and local businesses!

Please see the first attached picture of Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo's Bakery, whose bakery is adjacent to the future Potter Place Park. The second picture is Manolo standing on the site of the planned Potter Place Park with a poster of the history of Old Potter Road. The third picture is Manolo with a poster of the plans for Potter Place Park. In the below video Manolo shares his thoughts of what Potter Place Park means to the community and the surrounding businesses.

Additional Information