tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198322002012-01-27T03:51:57.615-05:00Merry Oaks neighborhood informationAndriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.comBlogger2211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-40395908336765244172011-11-08T11:30:00.007-05:002011-11-08T11:39:14.081-05:00

You can get direct election results from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections from today's mayor, council and school board races later tonight. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. and results will start showing up almost immediately. Figuring out who to vote for in the 2011 elections is a little harder. You can check endorsements at The Charlotte Observer. The League of Women Voters has an extensive

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-67660111749907434182011-10-29T10:45:00.008-04:002011-10-29T11:22:19.352-04:00

Early voting is open in Mecklenburg County.You can vote in downtown Charlotte at the Hal Marshall Annex or at various libraries around Charlotte. Merry Oaks voters have choices for Charlotte City Council at large and Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board.HoursHal Marshall is open today, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Final early voting day at that location is

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-45211318961167025642011-09-28T11:07:00.004-04:002011-09-28T11:12:56.877-04:00

From an email from our friends in Coventry Woods, here are the details about Thursday night's candidate forum at Amity Presbyterian Church:WHAT: Charlotte’s mayoral and at-large City Council candidates in the general election will field questions before the leaders of 17 or more East Charlotte neighborhood and civic organizations.WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. WHERE:

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-83132349812320798122011-07-02T12:55:00.013-04:002011-07-02T13:34:54.247-04:00

The cropped photo at the top by the legendary Jeep Hunter shows the old Plaza movie theater on Central Avenue. It stood next to the First Union bank, now Wachovia, and in its place is a parking lot.The next image is part of an architect’s rendering of the primary sign at the new Harris Teeter at Central Avenue and the Plaza.The old photo is likely from about 1986. By that time, the theater was

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-74801726889297787492011-06-29T00:51:00.004-04:002011-06-29T00:59:29.269-04:00

Architects for the makeover of the Harris Teeter at 1704 Central Avenue met Tuesday with a small group of neighbors at Green Memorial Baptist Church The meeting was one of several community outreach efforts by Harris Teeter as the grocery chain seeks a rezoning of the store property at The Plaza and Central Avenue. The area has a pedestrian overlay zoning classification, and Harris Teeter seeks

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-59260327315958525162011-06-26T22:02:00.002-04:002011-06-26T22:09:09.568-04:00

A community meeting about the proposed new Harris Teeter at The Plaza and Central Avenue is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at Green Memorial Baptist Church, 1324 The Plaza.Harris Teeter has filed a rezoning request for the property to rebuild the existing store as a two-story building with a green roof and parking behind the building.The public hearing on the rezoning is scheduled for

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-2987130126586098452011-06-26T15:01:00.004-04:002011-06-26T15:10:26.138-04:00

The city of Charlotte and partners at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte are changing the way they rate neighborhoods.They're drawing new lines, including all of Mecklenburg County and adding more data that can help neighborhoods determine how environmentally sensitive they are, among other things.The new survey is scheduled to be published in December 2012. In the mean time, researchers

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-15732882201849896502011-06-21T11:52:00.007-04:002011-06-21T12:07:54.454-04:00

The rezoning application for the Harris Teeter grocery store at The Plaza and Central Avenue has been filed.Public hearing date is July 18.The revised site plan (PDF) includes a bike rack near the building, specific space dedicated to a CATS bus pad and specific trees to be preserved.Oh, and the rooftop seating area faces west, with a likely view of the skyline.Here's the background.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-14400324242687058752011-05-07T12:59:00.008-04:002011-05-07T15:14:40.795-04:00

Comments on an environmental assessment of Charlotte streetcar plans are due to planners on May 9.The full environmental assessment, available at a city of Charlotte planning site, is 58 megabytes in a PDF and rather dense. Karen Sullivan of The Charlotte Observer has written a summary of the streetcar environmental findings.The assessment concludes there are no significant negative effects on

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-80876570055648332872011-04-30T18:26:00.001-04:002011-04-30T18:27:39.896-04:00

From neighborhood advocate Nancy Pierce, through the Merry Oaks Google group:"As most of you may already know, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has definitely decide to pursue the Merry Oaks sites for their new Eastway Division facility. At the urging of many neighbors, they reconsidered other sites for redevelopment, including Little Saigon (formerly Kate's Skating Rink). According to

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-7266982824712222032011-04-29T22:38:00.006-04:002011-04-29T22:59:31.992-04:00

Charlotte’s Civic By Design forum plans a meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10 at the Levine Museum of the New South to talk about how people can work with government and developers to preserve trees.The event is free, with free parking at the Seventh Street parking garage.The meeting planners list a series of events that have focused attention on Charlotte’s tree canopy, including

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-80780914912484129912011-04-29T18:01:00.003-04:002011-04-29T18:14:31.712-04:00

Late notice, but what an opportunity.Merry Oaks gardener Meredith Hebden is divesting herself from some of her plants, with a plant sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30.She has accumulated 350 plants for sale and is charging $5 to $30. Come early for best selection; come late for best prices. Location: 1911 Graybark Avenue.She's also selling garden junque (yes, with a "que.") Here's a

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-59015312783454429352011-04-26T23:34:00.005-04:002011-04-26T23:47:09.524-04:00

Plans for a new Harris Teeter store in the heart of Plaza Midwood have been released, with sketches released Tuesday night on the Facebook page of the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association.From the Facebook page:The proposed new Harris Teeter will replace the current Harris Teeter at 1704 Central Avenue, with a required rezoning and expected decision on the rezoning by September. Demolition is

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-21208470308513261662011-04-24T14:37:00.004-04:002011-04-24T14:44:54.402-04:00

Do you have great photos from visits to the mountains? Do they reach beyond the usual stereotypes of the mountain area? Check out a photo contest to broaden the images of the Appalachian region, from the Appalachian Regional Commission.You're responsible for photo release forms of people. Top prize: $500. Deadline: May 2. Photos must have been taken after May 1, 2008.Photo: Street troubadour in

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-84628839125141859532011-04-13T21:08:00.004-04:002011-04-13T21:16:30.003-04:00

Updates from a couple of other sources on discussions about transit and development along Independence Boulevard in East Charlotte:Background by Karen Sullivan of The Charlotte Observer before a Monday hearing in front of City Council:And a post from Larry Shaheen at CLTBlog after the hearing.If you have further updates, feel free to share in comments.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-25654089414367318442011-04-06T23:10:00.003-04:002011-04-06T23:24:37.939-04:00

The town of Mooresville allocates 12.5 percent of its revenues from its Alcohol Beverage Control Board to Iredell County for school purposes, 25 percent to the Mooresville General Fund for public parks and recreation and 27.5 directly to the Mooresville School Board.After giving the state-mandated 7 percent to substance abuse education and 5 percent to law enforcement, Mecklenburg County

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-75161979876970059142011-04-03T00:05:00.004-04:002011-04-03T00:21:43.391-04:00

About 25 people gathered in a circle in a meeting room Saturday at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Central Avenue in Charlotte.Some wore cowboy boots and hats; others wore purple tights and hair. All cheered icons from the past, like César Chávez and Martin Luther King Jr.They passed out papers that outlined 18 bills in the N.C. General Assembly that affect undocumented people and the businesses

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-439030776637379772011-03-05T17:53:00.000-05:002011-03-05T18:00:34.494-05:00

At least one person has suggested the site of the old Kate's Skating Rink as an alternative for a police station for the Charlotte Eastway division. The site already has an existing building and a large, cleared parking lot with no trees.In some ways, it fits the definition of "greyfields." Some neighbors have also suggested using cleared land at the site of the old Morningside Apartments along

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-68885950858204020082011-02-27T17:07:00.008-05:002011-02-28T21:39:52.166-05:00

Property on Central Avenue at Merry Oaks Road is being considered as a site for a police station for the Eastway division of the Charlotte Mecklenburg police department.The department is aiming to build visible new stations and parking lots for divisions. Work has begun on a new building for the Providence division, on Wendover Road next to the Grier Heights community, and city council member

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-25584788791667739392011-02-18T21:48:00.011-05:002011-02-19T09:20:26.355-05:00

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department wants to build a new Eastway division police station at the corner of Central Avenue and Merry Oaks Road.Maj. Diego Anselmo of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department outlined plans for the station to about 40 people at the Merry Oaks Neighborhood Association at its general meeting Feb. 17.Building the station would require a rezoning request to the

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-5540126322989271612010-12-09T22:46:00.004-05:002010-12-09T22:52:32.720-05:00

Passing along a lovely note from Cate Martin, president of the Merry Oaks Neighborhood Association and friend of furries:“Friends,Sasha, a dog that I have been fostering for North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue, will win you over quickly. She is looking for her forever home. Let me tell you about her. Sasha is a 2-and-a-half-year-old husky that has been with me for about eight weeks. She had a

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-46143817921468099132010-12-09T22:22:00.003-05:002010-12-09T22:25:36.977-05:00

The fourth annual Merry Oaks Holiday Sale and Studio Tour is this Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come shop really local and support your artist neighbors.Here’s a list of artists and studio locations:Beth Brown and Raed Al-Rawi3430 Draper Ave.Painting and drawingRebecca Jones and Alex Clark3430 Draper Ave.Encaustic and oil paintingsAdrienne Dellinger and Greg Scott2109 Arnold DriveCeramics

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-14269945809172393512010-12-06T00:08:00.005-05:002010-12-06T00:30:08.186-05:00

No, it's not too late to band your trees in Charlotte to fight damage from cankerworms in the spring.The banding, and smearing of the bands with Tanglefoot or some other sticky goo, prevents the female wingless moths from climbing up the trunks to lay eggs in the tops of the trees, primarily willow oaks. The moths make their climb in early winter after leaves have dropped. That leaf drop only

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-24087193284153193182010-11-21T17:44:00.004-05:002010-11-21T18:03:10.754-05:00

The Plaza Midwood business corridor on Central Avenue is holding its first-ever holiday event, Holiday Central, from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. this Friday.Highlights include carolers, elves, Santa at the Charlotte Fire Department’s Station 8 and a Christmas tree lighting at Zada Jane’s. The Plaza Midwood Merchants Association received a city of Charlotte neighborhood services grant to help with the

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-71613503170001175482010-11-15T21:27:00.003-05:002010-11-15T21:36:36.392-05:00

Charlotte’s Quality of Life neighborhood data gives people a chance to see how their neighborhoods are doing. The City of Charlotte is offering a series of sessions about the data, with one nearby meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Story Slam at 1401 Central Avenue.Speakers are from UNC Charlotte’s Metropolitan Studies and the City of Charlotte’s Neighborhood and Business

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-64334898941574681592010-10-31T22:55:00.004-04:002010-11-02T18:50:58.404-04:00

For live election results for North Carolina and Mecklenburg County, here are a few direct links to the election results from the N.C. Board of Elections, with results Tuesday night.The election numbers include maps and precinct lists.Here are statewide election results, including the U.S. Senate race for North Carolina with Elaine Marshall (D) and Richard Burr (R) and Michael Beitler (L), as

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-58066966727042117082010-10-31T22:47:00.002-04:002010-10-31T22:51:16.072-04:00

The 8th District of North Carolina, sprawling from Charlotte center-city neighborhoods like Merry Oaks east to Fayetteville, is one of those watched to see how many House seats will switch from Democrats to Republicans nationally.Larry Kissell, a Democrat in his first term, faces Republican Harold Johnson, a former television sports anchor, and Libertarian Thomas Hill. Kissell narrowly unseated

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-12002626619347024622010-10-24T18:14:00.004-04:002010-10-24T18:23:18.310-04:00

The Great Pumpkin Wall has risen again in Elizabeth, at the corner of Clement Avenue and Eighth Street. As of today, it looks as if it needs some help from expert carvers.You can also carve at home and bring your pumpkin to the wall.Official lighting ceremony is at dusk on Friday, Oct. 29. Trick-or-treating at the wall is Saturday, Oct. 30.Note: The Merry Oaks neighborhood is trick-or-treating on

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-3969403645171240892010-10-23T00:50:00.005-04:002010-10-23T01:01:14.112-04:00

Here's a Google gadget to help you find out where and how to vote on Nov. 2.Let me know how it works for you. Information about early voting locations is available separately from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, in a PDF document.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-61718146027875365122010-06-21T00:44:00.005-04:002010-06-21T17:14:23.003-04:00

For Tuesday evening runoff election results in North Carolina and Charlotte, see the Mecklenburg Board of Elections site. This link takes you directly to the results page.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-62442225677116168352010-06-20T23:54:00.008-04:002010-06-21T00:44:30.923-04:00

Tuesday's election runoff in Charlotte gives voters the chance to be heard, loudly, because turnout is expected to be very low. Your vote will count.Democrats and Republicans each have one race on the runoff ballot, and unaffiliated voters can vote in one of those races as well.Your options:DemocratsFor U.S. Senate: Cal CunninghamElaine MarshallRepublicansFor U.S. House, District 8, candidates

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-63177603107310368892010-06-16T08:28:00.004-04:002010-06-16T10:51:44.196-04:00

(Edited: 10:50 a.m. Wednesday)Power went out for thousands of residents in east and central Charlotte about 5 p.m. Tuesday and was restored for most people by 10:45 a.m. Wednesday.The outage is a good reminder of the need to plan ahead and make sure you have supplies and backup plans for outages.Wednesday morning, about six bucket trucks were working the lines along Briar Creek just south of

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-38007974567538777202010-06-12T16:51:00.007-04:002010-06-12T17:26:32.062-04:00

When a site is too painful to see, we often turn away.I know many people who can't bear to look at the photos coming out of Gulf Coast states.I know many neighbors closer to home who can't bear to look at this once-treed space at 3223 Central Avenue, at the intersection of Briar Creek Road.Sometimes, it's important to look.Background and earlier photos of the tumbling trees on Under Oak.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-23432187985847235822010-06-02T23:18:00.003-04:002010-06-02T23:39:36.043-04:00

Here's a quick slideshow of some of the construction at 3223 Central Avenue, at the intersection of Briar Creek Road. The wooded property, once owned by the Renfrow family, will become a nursing home. No rezoning was required. The photos are from June 1.It's important to take a good look as the Charlotte City Council considers a new tree ordinance. The property across the street, once heavily

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-86680981158633673162010-05-08T00:02:00.004-04:002010-05-08T00:20:24.647-04:00

Doing a little spring cleaning on the computer, I ran into a screenshot of this old map of Merry Oaks and nearby Plaza Midwood, from about 1950 or 1955.The map gives some clues to topography and the effects of urban development in the years since it was made.It also confirms some neighborhood tales. See the oval just below Cosby Street in Merry Oaks? That's a lake, now Birchcroft Apartments,

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-43821867358150204132010-03-28T16:45:00.004-04:002010-03-29T20:39:37.275-04:00

Leaders in the nearby Villa Heights community have started a neighborhood news site, “Villa Heights Voice,” as part of a partnership with The Charlotte Observer.It’s a great place to check for nearby news you won’t get anywhere else. It’s also part of a national trend of big, traditional news organizations partnering with smaller sites to provide local information. Other sites working with The

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-36843354719611319432010-03-24T13:09:00.006-04:002010-03-24T14:04:52.917-04:00

As news of closings and layoffs because of budget woes hits staffers and users of schools and libraries in Mecklenburg County, reporter April Bethea of The Charlotte Observer wrote a post asking residents to help cut money elsewhere.This money talk on the surface is not sexy stuff, but money for everyone will continue to tighten in the next fiscal year, endangering county services and the

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-72902560321765092172010-03-23T13:35:00.003-04:002010-03-23T13:39:27.386-04:00

Here's a quick slideshow of Eastland Mall, with photos taken March 17, just a few days before one of the largest remaining anchors, Burlington Coat Factory, was scheduled to close. In some pockets, the mall still has life.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-27165238465184761902010-03-22T14:01:00.001-04:002010-03-22T14:06:24.043-04:00

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, who represents Merry Oaks and the 8th District, voted against the health care measure on Sunday evening.Links for more information: The Charlotte Observer Kissell’s words, in The Fayetteville ObserverBackground at UnderOak

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-62874273483523575582010-03-18T14:33:00.005-04:002010-03-18T14:55:06.132-04:00

Thursday’s county budget drama focused on libraries, with the news that about half the Charlotte library branches will close in two weeks and 140 people will be laid off. The branch closest to Merry Oaks, Plaza Midwood, has been spared, but the ripple effects of layoffs will affect us all.Outrage from book lovers on Twitter ran strong, and library staffers immediately pointed reading fans to a

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-18809760943047539152010-03-15T23:42:00.002-04:002010-03-15T23:51:44.429-04:00

The battle for the health care vote for U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, who represents Merry Oaks and the sprawling 8th District, still seems up in the air.Television ads from the Employers for a Health Economy are airing regularly during evening newscasts asking people to call Kissell’s office and urge a vote against the health care bill, and emails from Democratic organizations continue to hit

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-53597847450811207952010-03-12T13:18:00.008-05:002010-03-12T13:53:19.676-05:00

In Merry Oaks, we love our dogs and dog neighbors.So here’s a chance to win a year’s supply of dog food from Pedigree and Food Lion, a gift basket, a painting and unending fame for your four-legged companions.Send a photo of your dog and $12 to Mecklenburg County’s Top Dog contest, and your pet could become the grand marshal of the parade at Bark in the Park, a dog festival on April 24 at

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-11801948689397482742010-03-03T16:19:00.005-05:002010-03-03T17:18:02.559-05:00

Now circulating through the center-city neighborhood email groups:A petition supporting Charlotte’s street trees.The petition asks city council members to put a line item of $500,000 in next year’s budget to fund street-tree maintenance and replanting.Charlotte used to be called “The City of Trees,” and apparently some residents still want it that way.Discussions about strengthening the city’s

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-71064470900987924182010-03-03T02:04:00.005-05:002010-03-03T02:22:10.002-05:00

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, who represents Merry Oaks and other areas in the 8th District of North Carolina, was one of a few Democrats who in November voted against a House bill to change health care.As the health-care issue hits prime time this week, it’s possible Kissell will vote against it again, writes Jim Morrill of The Charlotte Observer.Kissell faces one Democratic challenger in the May 4

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-36438480092121346292010-03-02T23:20:00.004-05:002010-03-02T23:30:46.025-05:00

Here’s an updated photo of Booth 3651 created by Civic By Design for the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show. at the nearby Park Expo and Conference Center (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart).About 20 architects, landscape architects, interior designers, construction designers and a graphic designer plan to staff the booth during the show, which starts Wednesday (today!). The show lasts

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-91760214277497120312010-03-02T12:07:00.004-05:002010-03-02T12:27:32.193-05:00

Designers who are unemployed or underemployed are invited to sign up for a free booth at the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show from March 3 through March 9 at the nearby Park Expo and Conference Center (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart).The idea arose from a discussion in early February at the Civic By Design Forum in Charlotte. Discussion was spurred by a story of an unemployed Seattle

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-5894930261006930802010-02-22T23:52:00.009-05:002010-02-23T00:53:57.937-05:00

Ballantyne residents are fighting a rezoning request that could bring low-income housing to their Charlotte neighborhood. A meeting with the developer of the property at Providence Road West and Johnston Road got quite heated on Feb. 22. A hearing on the rezoning petition goes before the Charlotte City Council on March 18.You can read or watch plenty more about issue elsewhere with links below.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-84606035118365777992010-02-22T00:11:00.002-05:002010-02-22T00:19:33.650-05:00

View Larger MapThe former Renfrow property at 3223 Central Avenue has changed hands again.A city representative at the Merry Oaks Neighborhood Association meeting on Feb. 18 said a nursing home company had bought the property. The company plans to relocate its facility from Hawthorne Lane to Central Avenue, the city representative said.Charlotte property records from Polaris show the 8.89-acre

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-3965747786445716152010-02-15T14:27:00.003-05:002010-02-15T14:46:47.077-05:00

Mecklenburg County is conducting a survey on whether it should remove the ability to search by name for property owners in the county. And officials are also looking for feedback from "power users" of the online property records system for future development of the county's property records search tool.For background, check a story in the The Charlotte Business Journal.My personal opinion on the

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-29656681728055842010-02-14T15:17:00.003-05:002010-02-14T18:16:10.046-05:00

There be dragons. And tigers.Dancers and drummers celebrated Chinese New Year at Dim Sum and nearby businesses Sunday along Central Avenue on Sunday.The event is one of at least two celebrations in Charlotte, filled with traditions like firecrackers, giant dragon puppets and gifts to the dragons and gods for luck and prosperity in the new year. This new year is the Year of the Tiger.The event

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-45188888322160489412010-02-14T04:34:00.005-05:002010-02-14T04:54:55.533-05:00

City council members will meet Monday to consider several rezoning requests, including one that could allow expansion of CATS bus facilities into land once set aside for park and greenway space near uptown Charlotte.No hearings affecting land immediately near Merry Oaks are planned for this month.The rezoning decision for the CATS expansion could allow an office building and garage to be built on

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-18703794496026579492010-02-11T21:16:00.002-05:002010-02-11T21:35:14.826-05:00

A streetcar shelter design workshop is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 in Room 267 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center at 600 East Fourth Street.City officials are looking for design ideas for the stops on a planned 10-mile route for streetcars. Part of that route passes near the Merry Oaks neighborhood, with one planned stop near Arnold Drive and Central Avenue.The workshop is

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-63453993547945099932010-02-07T15:38:00.004-05:002010-02-07T16:12:54.006-05:00

I visited a nearby neighborhood's beautiful garden on Saturday and marveled at the luscious winter crops amid receding floodwaters from nearby Briar Creek. The Country Club Heights community garden is in the 2900 block of Dunlavin Way, and Briar Creek runs next to it, with some open land created when homes in the floodplain were bought out by Mecklenburg County's Stormwater Services.A neighbor

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-24605198567222581462010-02-03T02:01:00.003-05:002010-02-03T02:05:35.327-05:00

Yeah, yeah, I know most of the snow is melted or turned into a muddy mess.But more snow could arrive this weekend, so here's a quick look at the beauty of the snow when it first fell.And these photos reflect the garden in winter, something Elizabeth Lawrence wrote about poignantly in her book, "A Southern Garden."More snapshots soon, of kids and families and dogs playing in the snow on

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-25444472894702987002010-02-02T18:43:00.003-05:002010-02-02T18:55:39.703-05:00

The following development report is from Nancy Pierce, neighborhood advocate for Merry Oaks, in the winter newsletter:The Renfrow property at 3200 block of Central Ave., across from Briar Creek Road intersection: The former Renfrow property, 8.9 acres across Briar Creek Road from Central Avenue, is being held after foreclosure by New Dominion Bank. A bank spokesman says there is an interested

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-23560600420158184662010-01-25T11:54:00.006-05:002010-01-25T12:16:39.723-05:00

The waves of heavy rain that hit Charlotte late Sunday night and early Monday overloaded drains and creeks and washed debris down the creek beds.A small blue dumpster is stuck on the Central Avenue bridge over Briar Creek at the moment. A Charlotte Special Services truck was parked nearby.Debris also clogged the edges of the pedestrian bridge over Briar Creek connecting Merry Oaks and nearby

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-79823809127301582712010-01-03T23:27:00.004-05:002010-01-03T23:35:21.910-05:00

This Easter Bunny in the 3400 block of Draper Avenue in Merry Oaks put on a hat and added some sparkling accessories to get through the winter holidays.Why completely redecorate when you can just accessorize?For a closeup, click on the photo and check out the tasteful small white Christmas lights around the bunny's chair.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-2694722679104913472010-01-03T21:46:00.006-05:002010-01-03T23:27:15.576-05:00

Pink ribbons and a few pink dots have appeared on trees of various sizes on the former Tuscan property at 3223 Central Avenue, at the intersection with Briar Creek Road.The 9-acre property once belonged to developer Rip Farris, who planned a 58-unit condominium complex at the site. After a foreclosure, the land is now owned by New Dominion Bank, with an address of 1111 Metropolitan Avenue, Suite

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-50721106171271302342010-01-02T18:18:00.007-05:002010-01-03T00:03:08.798-05:00

Clearly, the Bechtler Museum’s opening on Saturday is much more than neighborhood news.But what makes this museum of modern art so exciting for people in central Charlotte is its accessibility. It’s hard to imagine: Works by Picasso, le Corbusier, Miro and more are only four miles away, with easy parking, in a beautiful building that presents the art in proportions that soar without overwhelming.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-6972057677764343702009-12-29T12:45:00.009-05:002009-12-29T19:59:20.026-05:00

This is Sampson. Or Shadowfax.He was hungry, cold and alone in Chantilly Park near 135 Wyanoke Ave., off Seventh Street at Firefighter Place.A family found him, made friends and took him home, then called Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control to pick him up and try to find his owner, in case he had just wandered from home nearby.Is he yours? You can check with animal control to find out how to get

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-14987410105216874422009-12-20T23:41:00.004-05:002009-12-20T23:57:44.114-05:00

The neighborhood art crawl for Merry Oaks generated visitors, sales and a Youtube video and story by Tanya Jameson on Crossroads Charlotte, a site that highlights people working across cultures in Charlotte.The video is embedded above, but do yourself a favor and check out the full story on the art crawl and the rest of the Crossroads Charlotte site.And here is background on the artists.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-44701493844541054382009-12-06T16:51:00.008-05:002009-12-06T17:25:46.445-05:00

It's back!As part of a full day of holiday celebrations in Merry Oaks, neighborhood artists are offering their wares during an art crawl from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.It's a great chance to shop really locally and support neighborhood talent.Here are the artists, with links to their web pages when available:Adrienne Dellinger and Greg Scott Pots with Purpose2109 Arnold

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-74519376670465280722009-11-22T22:23:00.006-05:002009-11-22T22:45:27.582-05:00

A couple of years ago, neighbors from Plaza Midwood invited my daughter and a large group of friends to a mountain house weekend, with the goal of building gingerbread houses for the National Gingerbread House Competition, held in the Asheville area. The competition continues this year, with houses on display through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Grove Park Inn at 290 Macon Ave. in Asheville.This team had

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-37246983442253189452009-11-18T16:05:00.003-05:002009-11-18T16:14:30.747-05:00

Mark your calendars for Dec. 12.That’s a day of local holiday celebrations planned in Merry Oaks, with a possible neighborhood arts crawl, caroling and luminaries designed to light up the neighborhood.Several years back, about 10 neighbors caroled along Arnold Drive, Flynnwood Drive and other streets in the neighborhood. Walking the whole 'hood on a cold night can be a bit much, but neighbors are

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-41813210624358830022009-11-15T14:20:00.006-05:002009-11-15T14:47:39.463-05:00

It’s tree banding season in Charlotte, part of an annual effort to combat cankerworms, which exploded in 2008, leaving weakened and dying trees in their path.The city spent more than $1 million that year to fight the infestation.Trees in the spring of 2009 showed little damage from the pests; still, people are banding trees now to prevent a repeat of spring 2008.But in many Charlotte

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-524781798171483922009-11-11T10:41:00.005-05:002009-11-11T11:01:36.883-05:00

Here’s why you shouldn’t pour grease down the drain.In heavy rains, the large sewer lines can back up from road and yard runoff, and then water backs up into the smaller tributary lines. If those lines are clogged with grease, the sewers can back up through the manholes into streets and elsewhere. (Yeah. "Elsewhere" could be nasty.)This manhole at 2920 Central Avenue at the intersection of Arnold

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-76304145276100740922009-11-09T23:37:00.004-05:002009-11-09T23:48:09.240-05:00

“The ultimate proactivity (against crime) is assuming everyone is guilty and making them prove their innocence.”– City Council member Warren Cooksey, or some character from “The Matrix”The Charlotte City Council passed a property rental ordinance Monday night designed to target property owners who fail to take responsibility for crime on their properties.The final ordinance that was passed was a

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-44461869483515440532009-11-09T13:56:00.007-05:002009-11-09T15:17:30.875-05:00

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, who represents Merry Oaks and other areas in the 8th District of North Carolina, was one of a few Democrats who voted against the House bill to change health care.Because Kissell's vote broke with his party, and the issue is so important to so many, here are a few links to give background on his decision. Kissell has said that he could not support the bill’s $399 billion

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-41074840585822499842009-11-07T02:19:00.005-05:002009-11-07T12:46:43.734-05:00

After the Charlotte mayor and council election frenzy has died down, here's a deeper look at the mayoral election results for a few precincts in the Merry Oaks area, including central and East Charlotte. Democratic candidate Anthony Foxx defeated Republican John Lassiter.The precincts included here cover Merry Oaks, Commonwealth Park, most of Plaza Midwood and Country Club Heights, including

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-67818394705655306132009-11-03T12:32:00.003-05:002009-11-03T12:41:15.881-05:00

For live results of tonight’s mayor and city council election results in Charlotte, your best bet is the results page linked from the Mecklenburg Board of Elections.The link takes you to a spot that has tabs for a summary, precinct–by–precinct results, turnout maps and live reports with precinct details in comma–separated–values and XML, for the truly geeky. The turnout maps are just plain

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-2618223983165402922009-11-01T16:45:00.010-05:002009-11-02T11:47:04.502-05:00

Tuesday's Election Day and research ahead of time should be easy for voters in Merry Oaks and many parts of central and East Charlotte.Essentially, voters in those areas have only two races to study: mayor and city council at large.You're choosing one of two candidates for mayor and four out of nine candidates for at–large city council.Most people in central to East Charlotte live in city council

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-61755158507019142372009-11-01T13:45:00.008-05:002009-11-06T21:08:45.596-05:00

(Updated Nov. 6 with added resources in the list.)Fall commitments come fast and furious: Halloween, elections, Thanksgiving and a busy holiday season.Somewhere in there in Charlotte, you have to squeeze in consideration of the evil cankerworms, Alsophila pometaria, which can munch through millions of fresh, green leaves in the spring, leaving sad, defoliated weakened trees.Timing is crucial.

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-11619528552753990252009-10-28T22:29:00.006-04:002009-10-29T09:58:23.507-04:00

This post is because one can never have enough pumpkin pictures in one's life.The images are from the official lighting ceremony of the Elizabeth neighborhood's pumpkin wall at 525 Clement Ave.More Charlotte Halloween details and activities.Note: These photos are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works license. Details. I'd appreciate being contacted before

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-37729272410630340622009-10-27T18:12:00.002-04:002009-10-27T18:17:46.489-04:00

The traditional pumpkin wall lighting ceremony in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood is this Wednesday, and it appears at this point that weather will cooperate.The wall is at 525 Clement Ave.The photo here shows how the wall was shaping up as of Saturday, Oct. 24, this year. And see more historical pictures from earlier years at the wall.Other nearby Halloween festivities: Elizabeth’s Trunk or

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-43885459324982391362009-10-24T14:12:00.004-04:002009-10-24T14:33:38.838-04:00

About 10 neighbors plus three workers with the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department showed up with loppers, clippers, gloves and rain jackets in the rain Saturday at the Briar Creek Greenway to liberate some trees from invasive vines.Invasive plants were strangling some valuable trees of various ages and species at the Briar Creek Greenway between Arnold Drive and Masonic Drive. The

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-65348943977462326172009-10-18T21:55:00.010-04:002009-10-18T22:16:23.098-04:00

It’s Pumpkin Wall time.Scaffolding for the the traditional Elizabeth pumpkin wall is up on Clement Avenue in the Elizabeth neighborhood.Nightly pumpkin carving starts Friday, Oct. 23. Neighbors are also invited to carve their own pumpkin at home and bring it to the wall.The wall lighting ceremony will be at dusk on Wednesday, Oct. 28.The wall has been a tradition sinced 2004 and has often

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-55652691017712058132009-10-13T10:03:00.003-04:002009-10-13T10:23:53.605-04:00

A candidates' forum for mayor and city council candidates is tonight, Oct. 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Amity Presbyterian Church, 2831 N. Sharon Amity Rd.An informal meet-and-greet begins at 6 p.m.Both Anthony Foxx and John Lassiter, mayor candidates, will be at the forum, as well as the eight candidates for at large seats on city council. (On your ballot, you get to vote for four.)In the first

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-47819009450977870262009-10-09T01:14:00.004-04:002009-10-09T12:38:49.335-04:00

Late notice, but at least it's notice:The sixth annual Plaza Midwood Chantilly Chili Cookoff is from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, with hot food and hot sounds from a variety of bands. Location is 1318-D Central Avenue, otherwise known as MMR Racing (Goose's Shop), at the historic buildings in the back of the Family Dollar lot.Host is Chris "Goose" Mcelhattan.The event is a fundraiser for Hospice and

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-76080722746922993572009-10-05T19:55:00.004-04:002009-10-05T20:00:41.964-04:00

The Community Safety Committee of the Charlotte City Council unanimously agreed Monday to move a revised rental ordinance aimed at reducing crime to the full council on Oct. 12.Committee members hope to give the full council time to consider the plan and vote on it Nov. 9 instead of passing the issue to a newly elected council in December.The plan focuses on registration and fees for owners whose

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-57838820501113355882009-10-05T11:19:00.009-04:002009-10-23T08:39:11.083-04:00

Merry Oaks celebrates fall with a vine-fighting, tree-saving project, followed by a potluck and general meeting on Saturday, Oct. 24.Invasive plants are strangling some valuable trees of various ages and species at the Briar Creek Greenway between Arnold Drive and Masonic Drive. Workers from the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation department will work with neighbors and volunteers to liberate

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-11900937784038240962009-10-05T00:09:00.003-04:002009-10-05T00:59:24.704-04:00

The Community Safety Committee of the Charlotte City Council plans a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, in Room 280 of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center to discuss a revised plan for a rental ordinance aimed at reducing crime.The plan requires statistical analysis in order to aim only at those properties that are giving police and nearby residents headaches. It also estimates

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-67346372858558772562009-09-26T10:53:00.005-04:002009-09-26T13:48:06.329-04:00

The Eastside Political Action Committee this week sent an email about the proposed Charlotte rental ordinance with a letter from Paul Paskoff, director of the research and planning division for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.Charlotte's rental property ordinance has been cussed and discussed for months now, and meanwhile police and the neighbors of troubled properties have had to

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-56408531785589581152009-09-15T22:32:00.006-04:002009-09-15T23:18:05.671-04:00

For official results of the Sept. 15 primary, check the Mecklenburg Board of Elections.For District 1 City Council, which covers Merry Oaks, Patsy Kinsey had 67.02 percent of the votes with all precincts reporting.For District 5 City Council, which covers areas just east of Merry Oaks, Nancy Carter had 60.97% percent of the votes with all precincts reporting.For District 2 City Council, James (

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-58412681786731425032009-09-11T23:39:00.004-04:002009-09-26T10:29:52.769-04:00

Mark your calendars and buy tickets to a great international food experience.Taste of the World is Oct. 8. The event is a guided tour by bus to sample international dishes at three East Charlotte restaurants, with an opening reception starting at 5:15 p.m. at SMS Catering at 1764 Norland Rd., plus dessert and coffee at the Van Landingham Estate at 2010 The Plaza.This year, the event is sponsored

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-65362655662535645212009-09-09T17:21:00.007-04:002009-09-10T08:51:40.674-04:00

Primary Day for Charlotte City Council and Mayor is Tuesday.This vote settles the races for Districts 1, 2 and 5, determining three seats on the 11–member board that governs the city of Charlotte. The districts only have Democratic candidates running, and those who win the primary face no Republican opposition in November.Turnout in these small municipal races has generally hovered around 5

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-1983396325849050622009-09-01T12:17:00.007-04:002009-09-01T13:19:12.556-04:00

From Under the Water Tower comes a heads up on a rezoning in the Elizabeth neighborhood. Deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 2, to email comments to neighborhood organizers about the rezoning request along Seventh Street. The public hearing is Sept. 21.The developer is seeking rezoning from R-22 to MUDD (mixed use development) to build up to 390 residential units along Weddington Avenue and Seventh

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-43062923360224693222009-08-26T21:46:00.003-04:002009-08-26T22:01:49.214-04:00

The announcement Wednesday that Wal-Mart will build a 155,000-square-foot supercenter on Independence to replace the Eastway Drive store could have far-reaching implications for nearby neighbors of both sites.The new store between Eastway and Albemarle roads is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011, according to The Charlotte Observer.That sounds like ages away, but it’s not really. The

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-52900837369669116212009-08-19T22:17:00.008-04:002009-08-20T00:04:24.998-04:00

Pundits spent lots of words last year saying increased voter turnout among young people and first-time voters signaled an increase in civic engagement.This year’s tiny local elections will test that theory.Charlotte’s primary is Tuesday, Sept. 15, and absentee voting is available now until Tuesday, Sept. 8, if you’re mailing in your ballot. Races with primaries include the Republican Party’s

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-28650462454806625992009-08-18T20:25:00.004-04:002009-08-18T21:03:24.757-04:00

A car that resembled the Ghost Busters vehicle from the 1984 movie showed up at The Penguin restaurant at 1921 Commonwealth Ave. on a recent Saturday evening.A waitress said the car's owner was inside eating. She said it was fine to gawk and shoot pictures. I took a couple of shots, and then I took my warm, greasy sweet-potato fries home without stalking the owner.But a few clues exist on who the

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-55763253434923477232009-07-27T11:17:00.005-04:002009-07-27T11:34:36.369-04:00

Charlotte East Community Partners is holding a candidates’ forum for city council candidates from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hickory Grove Recreation Center Gymnasium, 6709 Pence Road in Charlotte.All six District 1, District 4 and District 5 Candidates, and 14 of the 15 at-large Candidates are confirmed. This forum is the only East Charlotte forum before the primary on Sept. 15.Council

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-20953791474489122562009-07-25T22:55:00.005-04:002009-07-25T23:00:17.505-04:00

St. John’s Baptist Church at 300 Hawthorne Lane in Elizabeth held a farmers’ market on July 19 to raise money for the hungry.The sale included vegetables from backyard gardens and plants. Rumor has it that some of the veggies came from Caldwell Memorial Church’s garden as well.The sale raised a whopping $661.46, said organizer Betty Harkey. The church is considering another sale in mid-August.A

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-22500161480078783242009-07-22T13:44:00.005-04:002009-07-22T14:29:39.839-04:00

"See there's a highway to the right of us I took it years ago.”Distraction #74, Avett BrothersCircuit City.Toys R Us.Service Merchandise.Barnes and Noble.Wolfe Camera.Target.When I moved into a neighborhood off Idlewild Road on Charlotte’s east side in 1993, I moved minutes away from big-box land along Independence Boulevard ( U.S. 74.) For the parent of a toddler, it was perfect, except in

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-78841271426679879732009-07-12T19:40:00.004-04:002009-07-12T20:09:50.377-04:00

Summer brings out all kinds of critters. Now, in July in Merry Oaks, the visitors appear to be mainly cute and harmless, like the rabbit that hangs out in my front yard. But earlier in the spring, the neighborhood had its share of raccoons, which often carry rabies and wreak havoc in garbage cans. And friends in the mountains have had larger visitors this summer, as bears wander beyond

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-23884893186513604252009-06-28T22:54:00.005-04:002009-06-29T12:22:25.679-04:00

From the Merry Oaks neighborhood newsletter, here's a list of restaurants and bars that Merry Oaks neighbors nominated as best–kept neighborhood secrets. The spots range from NoDa to South Boulevard, but they're all easy to reach from Merry Oaks and other nearby neighborhoods.This list is alphabetical, with details on why people nominated each place, in their words. Because the list is about

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-47580885341232876152009-06-22T14:13:00.003-04:002009-06-22T14:17:06.383-04:00

At-large Charlotte City Council member Susan Burgess is hosting a town meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday in Room 267 at City Hall, with featured speaker Police Chief Rodney Monroe.Details from an email to community leaders:The meeting will focus on public safety and will include updates on the impact of the economic stimulus plan on public safety, presentations on the three top

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-41842168496012918862009-06-21T15:13:00.007-04:002009-07-12T17:34:05.324-04:00

The wet spring has brought a bounty of peas and beans at my house this year.We're not sick of eating them yet. But when the overwhelming bounty of any garden crop arrives, we have solutions that can help the broader community. Loaves and Fishes pantries take fresh fruit and vegetables, to add a little extra to the basic nonperishable groceries given away to the hungry in Charlotte. Generally, the

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-87225882442711609842009-06-11T15:31:00.002-04:002009-06-11T15:34:43.470-04:00

Plaza Midwood's Art Krawl is Saturday, June 13 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.Music, artists and stores will hold special events.Here's a sample of what's happening, based on the event's Facebook page, administered by Jonathan Winn and Teresa Hernandez:PLAZA-MIDWOOD LIBRARY - Live music with Lunch Money, indie-rock for children, will get children and parents dancing, thinking and laughing. Lunch Money

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-77660358385039987272009-06-01T23:07:00.009-04:002009-06-02T14:05:23.934-04:00

It's hard to imagine that this rural-like scene is less than three miles from downtown Charlotte.Pictures tell the story better than words for an urban area that once housed Morningside Apartments, brick buildings from the World War II era, with hardwood floors, large rooms and a multicultural community.The apartments were torn down in August 2007 to make way for new development, which has since

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-74725264527636466612009-05-26T17:10:00.004-04:002009-05-26T17:33:53.109-04:00

Charlotte has a group of guerrilla gardeners, whose goal is “fighting filth with flowers. We adopt wasted urban land and plant fabulous gardens.”The group has a Twitter account to spread the word about their efforts and to organize meetings to plant a little beauty in ugly areas of Charlotte.The group also has plans for making seed bombs, globs of dirt packed with seeds that can be hurled or

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19832200.post-8937181333712218862009-05-18T13:51:00.001-04:002009-05-18T13:54:40.961-04:00

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police representatives are pitching the idea of a new Charlotte city ordinance intended to help find absentee property owners and hold them accountable for actions of renters.The initial plan requires property owners to register rental property with the police department, providing clear details on how the property owner can be reached if renters engage in illegal or

Andriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14611584722138503167noreply@blogger.com1