The DCDA is involved in a number of ongoing projects, the most important of which are listed below. We urge you to attend the monthly neighborhood meetings to find out more about these and other projects and how you can become involved.

Revision of the Small Area Plan

In June, 2006, climaxing two and a half years of effort by the DCDA working together with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission and a stakeholders group representing the community, City Council formally adopted the Dilworth Land Use & Streescape Plan (a.k.a. the Dilworth Small Area Plan). The Plan examines the land use potential and requirements for all the areas of Dilworth and now incorporates other planning initiatives such as the East Boulevard Pedscape and Station Area Plan overlay zoning districts. The DCDA requested-- and City Council approved-- specific modifications to the staff report to comply with future goals stated by the organization.

TOD/TS Zoning Category

The DCDA has been extremely active in studying, understanding, and responding to the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Transit Supportive (TS) zoning categories slated to be utilized in much of the South Boulevard corridor and elsewhere. As probably the Charlotte neighborhood that has been the most aggressive in informing itself about these issues, the DCDA has worked closely with City Council and Planning Commission Staff to point out issues and concerns that affected Dilworth. Neighborhood concerns subsequently led to the hiring of a consultant to study possible changes to the TOD zoning ordinance before its application becomes more widespread.

Pedscape Plans

The DCDA and neighborhood/business stakeholders have been involved in developing the East Boulevard Pedscape Plan creating a Pedestrian (PED) zoning overlay district along much of the length of East Boulevard. Having gained experience in the various applications of zoning by studying projects submitted by developers, DCDA has been able to approach City Council and the Planning Commission with credible concerns and issues, leading to the hiring of a consultant to review this zoning ordinance as well.

Rezoning Requests

An ongoing activity, the DCDA is often asked by the Planning Commission and City Council to comment on rezoning petitions that potentially impact the neighborhood. Developers frequently make presentations to the group in hopes of winning its support prior to going before City Council. The DCDA has developed a specific procedure for fact-finding and public debate prior to a formal vote to support or oppose. The intent of this process is to ensure that both neighbors and petitioners receive a thorough and fair hearing and that discussions continue throughout the process so that a consensus about what is best for Dilworth and the City of Charlotte can emerge.

"Conquer the Canker" Campaign

Charlotte is practically the only major city in the United States where a cankerworm infestation is creating a serious threat to its tree canopy. In 2006, the DCDA led the fight to "Conquer the Canker" with publicity, the supplying of protective banding materials to neighbors, and the enlisting of volunteers to wrap trees in Latta Park and on the Dilworth School property. As more neighborhoods join the fight, the worm count could be reduced significantly, allowing the natural cankerworm/wasp balance to be restored and ultimately making banding less necessary.

Traffic Calming

Working with CDOT and City Planners, DCDA has developed a documented, easy-to-follow process which groups of neighbors can use to request traffic flow changes or traffic calming devices where they perceive problems to exist. By following the process, groups of concerned neighbors can win DCDA support for bringing these problem areas to the attention of city government.

Jubilee and Home Tour

As they have every year since their founding in 1973, the Dilworth Jubilee and Home Tour provide a window into the community of Dilworth for our fellow citizens. The DCDA organizes and runs both events on behalf of the neighborhood. While activities have varied and the weather has not always cooperated, both events are cherished Dilworth traditions and much anticipated in the life of Dilworth.