Earlier, I discussed TTA’s potential deal with Cherokee Partners and how economic development takings would have been a centerpiece of the plan. It turns out that Cherokee also was having a fling with the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
Jeff Taylor wrote extensively in 2007 on the relationship between CATS and Cherokee in trying to develop train lines. Their goal was to use tax increment financing (TIF). BTW: Economic development takings and TIF often go together–I’m not sure though if property was seized by CATS in order to promote development around train lines.
Read about the whole CATS/Cherokee relationship (in order): here, here, here, and here.
Things aren’t going so well for Cherokee.