Transforming Nations Ford, a new Charlotte-area nonprofit, aims to increase environmental justice in the Nations Ford/Arrowood corridor — a south Charlotte neighborhood with a large minority population. This neighborhood is home to the 28273, 28277, 28217, and 28210 zip codes.

"We've seen a lot of growth in this area, just like most of Charlotte," said Joi Mayo, Board Chair of Transforming Nations Ford. "But we've not felt like we've seen the investment or support services."

Mayo, along with board members Lourdes Sanchez (with OurBridge for Kids), and Ricky Singh (an educator and activist), want to create a community where children can play and immigrant-owned businesses can thrive.

The work starts with a 15-acre parcel at at the corner of England Street and E. Arrowood Road. The organization hopes to build a new community center + provide work space for area nonprofits like OurBRIDGE for Kids.

TNF will speak at the City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m., calling on them to consider selling the land to Mecklenburg County for $1. A petition is available for signatures + the organization is asking for donations to help make that space a reality.

"On March 19, we had a community input session where 50 people told us what they wanted there," said Mayo. "People said basketball courts, soccer fields, a splash park. This would be a destination for young and old people."

Looking ahead, TNF hopes future investments will lead to increased access to green spaces, foot traffic for local business, and to create a regional rec center at Ramblewood Park.