Housing
Can Charlotte Rise Again?
The mayor's ambitious redevelopment plan faces steep hurdles in gaining support from a politically divided city.
This is the third part in a three-part series on the recent history of Charlotte. Part one explored Charlotte's rapid rise. Part two explored the city's recession-era collapse.
CHARLOTTE – In 2014, work on a $5.25 billion project to double the size of the Panama Canal should at last be completed. When it's done, the world’s largest cargo vessels – known as post-Panamax ships – will finally be able to pass through it. Right now, the largest ships that can navigate the canal carry 5,000 cargo containers. When the expansion is complete, ships that can carry 13,000 containers will be able to pass through.