The CPNI Virtual Workshop with the Village of Marvin, NC was completed June 11th & 12th 2020. The CPNI team met with officials, residents, and community members from the Village of Marvin for a two-day virtual workshop. CPNI and NCGrowth conducted this workshop virtually in order to maintain social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marvin is a village in Union County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 5,579 at the 2010 census. It is a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Village of Marvin incorporated in 1994 to prevent future annexation into Charlotte. Village residents have expressed a desire to maintain the existing rural character of Marvin while fostering a sense of community. As such, the Village is now examining the possibility of creating a central communal space where residents can gather.

NCGROWTH WORKSHOP VOLUNTEERS:

• Austin Amandolia,  NCGrowth Economic Development Analyst
• Demetrius Cox, NCGrowth Economic Development Analyst
• Jess Wilkinson, NCGrowth Economic Development Manager
• Rachel Taylor, NCGrowth Economic Development Analyst

CPNI TEAM:

• Michael Cole, team leader – ColeJenest & Stone
• Doug Burns, SGA | Narmour Wright Design
• Carl Burchette, Rosenwood Rose
• Julie McLaurin, Little
• Mike Barnes, Thomas & Hutton
• Phil Jones, Retired UNCC
• Pat Fogleman, CPN of NC

The workshop opened with a brief overview of the goals and process for the workshop and by discussing the possibility of developing a Village Center. During the workshop, the discussion focused on the current built assets and potential sites for commercial, residential, and municipal development. Marvin has several private owners, including local religious institutions and residents, located near the proposed Village Center, who are interested in thoughtful development. Potential development includes locally-owned commercial space, greenways, a lake park, and limited residential properties.

Additional concerns raised by Marvin officials and local residents include high traffic volumes, the need for more affordable housing options, and strategies for ensuring homegrown, context-sensitive, commercial development as opposed to development of large chains. Town staff also expressed the need for advice around economic development considerations, such as the potential impact on jobs, population, traffic, and school systems.

Based on the workshop discussion, conversations with Village staff, experience from field experts, and examples from other towns, the CPNI/NCGrowth team provides recommendations in three broad categories: 1) Strategies for successfully meeting Village Center goals, 2) Strategies for fostering stakeholder engagement, and 3) Village Center: strategies for development, thoughtful planning, and leveraging assets.

The CPNI/NCGrowth Recommendation Report provides the following information:

• • • Strategies for Successfully Meeting Village Center Goals
      • Strategic Planning for Village Center District
      • Community and Economic Development Strategies
    • Strategies for Fostering Stakeholder Engagement
    • Village Center: Strategies for Development, Thoughtful Planning, and Leveraging Assets
      • Village Hall: Location Options
      • Village Center: Design
      • Village Center: Built Design
    • Case studies to spark design ideas
    • Resources