Oct. 15. The first-ever park and ride facility in Cornelius has moved a step closer to reality. CATS, the Charlotte Area Transit System, purchased a 4.34 acre parcel of land for $1.75 million. The vacant site is along the south side of Sefton Park Road and east of the intersection of the Jetton Road Extension and One Norman Boulevard.

The land has been vacant for years, with stubbed in driveways and curbs.

“The site will accommodate approximately 350-400 vehicles and address current and future demand for park and ride spaces in Cornelius and surrounding areas,” said David J. Feltman, manager of project development for CATS.

The project will include “pedestrian linkages” to adjacent sidewalks and bicycle racks and lockers. The lot will be accessed from Sefton Park Road approximately 250 feet east of the intersection with One Norman Boulevard.

Feltman said that the final design and construction costs for the new lot are still being developed, but work should begin next year. The property went for about $391,000 an acre. It transacted at about the same price in 1988. The property goes off the tax rolls, with this deal.

It is unclear which CATS routes will use the park and ride facility. “The service design for the lot has not yet been initiated. It may be a variation of an existing route or a new route,” Feltman said.

The project is being developed in collaboration with the Town of Cornelius.

Ivan Toth Depeña, an artist who has designed numerous public transit projects, will be presenting his conceptual ideas at the Cornelius Arts Center Wednesday Oct. 28 beginning at 6:30 pm.

He will share concepts for the future Park and Ride Station. He has a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. The Cornelius project is part of the CATS Art-in-Transit initiative.

Citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments on the artist’s designs. Seats for this event will be available on a first-come, first-served basis