A beer and wine tasting party will be held on Friday, June 29 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. to support Charlotte-based 24 Hours of Booty , which runs the Official 24-Hour Cycling Event of the Lance Armstrong Foundation in Myers Park on July 27-28. The "Hops & Vine" fundraiser will take place at Dillon Natural Health in Elizabeth at 406 Louise Avenue (near 7th and Hawthorne). Tickets cost $15 per person. Details: Christina Dekraay at 704-226-6580 or at christinadekraay AT yahoo.com.
The Merry Oaks Neighborhood Association board had a cybermeeting this month, via email, and agreed on a letter to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department about Merry Oaks connectivity with Duo at CBC:
The Merry Oaks neighborhood has a strong value around pedestrian, bicycle and public transit use. As evidence, please note that we have successfully lobbied the City and County for in-place ped/bike trails to the adjacent Plaza Midwood neighborhood and to the Merry Oaks School Campus. Many of our residents use the bike lanes and CATS buses on Central Avenue for commuting.
Consistent with this, we strongly support eventual public bicycle and pedestrian connectivity from Tuscan’s proposed development Duo @ BCB to the interior of the neighborhood (Cosby Place). This will allow current residents to more easily walk to CATS buses on Central Avenue. It will also allow Duo @ CBC residents to walk/bicycle to the Briar Creek Greenway/CDOT connector off Arnold Drive which takes them over the creek and through the woods to Plaza Midwood.
However, we do not support a full extension of Briar Creek Road for eventual vehicular access to the interior of the neighborhood.
Be aware that we fully understand and support the City’s connectivity policy with regard to new subdivisions. However, in the case of our existing very small neighborhood, we do not see compelling reasons to add additional vehicular connectivity to the interior of our neighborhood.
---We only have around 450 homes with no possibility for vehicular connectivity to any other neighborhood. Therefore, there is adequate ingress/egress from the neighborhood for our residents.
---Signalized ingress/egress at Briar Creek Road may encourage cut-through traffic from Eastway Drive. While we acknowledge that the connectivity policy exists precisely to provide this kind of option, in this case it could be devastating to the dead-end Cosby Place and other small neighborhood streets.
Tuscan’s plans call for minimizing impervious surface and significant tree save on this heavily forested parcel. We are concerned that a public street would compromise this intention.
Thank you for considering our concerns about this.
Two images here show the topography and an aerial view of the land at Briar Creek Road and Central Avenue, where two new developments are going. Briar Creek (the creek) is in the upper left corner of each image.
A third development is nearby, at the corner of Briar Creek Road and U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard).
Two highlights:
1. Road connectivity from the back of The Duo (outlined approximately in red) to Cosby Ave. in the Merry Oaks neighborhood would seem to require a heavy investment to cross a creek bed. It appears mostly dry this year, but a bike and walking path would live much more lightly on the land than a real road. The right of way is there already, for electrical lines serving the property. The developed area to the left on the aerial map is Birchcroft Apartments. Developer Rip Farris has reached an agreement with the owners of that property and says he'll announce plans for it later. It's lower in elevation than the Duo; the existing swimming pool there sits about where a pond was back in the day, old-timers say.
2. Specifications for The Vyne (outlined approximately in yellow) suggest sunbathing and picnics at the corner of Central Ave. and Briar Creek, within one's own fully secure gated, green community.
The development websites:
Industry 29 at Independence and Briar Creek. Slow-loading, Flash-heavy website. Large square footage compared to the other developments, close to a highway, relatively smallish parcel of land.
The Vyne, on the old Plummer property. Small condos, "green," gated community. High elevation in general.
Duo at CBC. Large parcel of land, heavily wooded and sloping. "Green" duplexes planned with more development later.
Images courtesy of Terraserver.
Renfrow property
Doug Smith of The Charlotte Observer updates what's happening at Briar Creek and Central Avenue here. The link won't last forever, so here are a few highlights, from his reporting, with some background from The Merry Oaks neighborhood newslettter and neighborhood discussions:
Ray "Rip" Farris III of Tuscan Development has come to terms with the owner of Birchcroft apartments at 3143 Central Ave. next to Tuscan's planned development on 8.5 acres on the northeast side of Central Avenue, backing up to the Merry Oaks neighborhood. The first phase of Tuscan’s $17 million development – Duo at CBC – will be 58 duplex condos. The 8.5-acre site’s second phase of condos will “push the architectural envelope," but details won’t be unveiled until duplexes sell out, he said.
Farris said it's too early to be specific about plans for the Birchcroft site, but “I can say our project is getting ready to triple in size and offer a diverse range of elements.”
Of course, a Flash website has been created for the project. It just provides a form to sign up for email alerts.
Details: two-and three-bedroom duplex condos. Five have been sold. Price: $200,000 to $240,000, Building exteriors mainly in natural wood. Extensive use of sustainable materials, “rain chains” instead of gutters, optional upgrades of bamboo floors and carpet tile from recycled materials. Architect: BB+M Architecture. Tuscan will start building a model unit in two weeks and finish it in the third quarter. Buyers are to begin occupying condos in about 12 months, Farris said. Sales: My Townhome Realty. Reservations to be taken starting June 13. Sales event planned for June 21 at The Watermark, 1355 Greenwood Cliff.
Topography: the front part of the Renfrow property is high, offering possible skyline views, as the Plummer property across Central Avenue could have done. A small branch, barely a creek, runs through part of it. Birchcroft is low, and back in the day included a pond, before the apartments were built, long-time Merry Oaks residents have said. It appears the pond was near where the apartments' swimming pool now sits. How that will affect development remains to be seen, but one could hope that if the project is "green," runoff and topography will be considerations. Briar Creek is within a mile of the development, and has been getting cleaner because of past commitments from the residents of Merry Oaks.
Interested folks can look at the area with Google Maps.
Connectivity: Questions remain about Tuscan's plans for connectivity with the Merry Oaks neighborhood. A right-of-way called "Myrtlewood" street or avenue previously went through the Renfrow property, connecting to Cosby Avenue in the Merry Oaks neighborhood. With beautiful new biking and walking trails near Merry Oaks Elementary and at the Merry Oaks Greenway, the development offers opportunity to continue that focus, so residents across Central Avenue and in the new development can access existing trail investments. In addition, safe, walkable paths for children would enhance the attractiveness of the elementary school to nearby residents. Several of the new bikers and runners of the Merry Oaks trails have been from the other side of Central Avenue or from Plaza Midwood.
Update on The Vyne, a 99-unit project priced from the $120,000s to the $180,000s, across Central Avenue: Citiline Resortline Development and Construction has sold 20 of 66 first-phase condos, said Citiline’s Tim Crawford.
Almost-finished first-graders from several classes at Merry Oaks Elementary walked the neighborhood to learn about homes -- for people and creatures like birds, squirrels, rabbits and insects.
Along the way, they learned about magnolia trees, gardenias, rosemary, pine cones and how to navigate the sidewalks on trash day.
Magnolia leaves make good bunny ears, some decided.
Some classes also got lessons in how to pour and smooth concrete from a crew repairing a sidewalk.
Kudos to all the teachers and assistants for walking on a hot morning. And thanks to all the neighborhood residents and workers who took a minute or two to stop and talk with the kids.
Thanks too to the garbage and recycling truck drivers for tooting their horns, waving and watching out for the groups of youngster as they traveled the streets.
More pictures at Merry View.
Crime note, Arnold and Draper
This place is not a crime blotter. You can go to Crime in Charlotte for that. But other places have mentioned this incident, so for those curious and as a caution to others, here's what happened May 24:
Police blotter:
"17:36
Eastway Division
2432 Arnold Drive
Victim was in her front yard looking at her flowers. Victim turned around and was confronted by a B/M, 6', slender, young, black mask, and had a small gold gun. Suspect took her purse and ran. No injuries."
More information from WSOC, excerpted here:
"A woman living in one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods was checking on her garden after work Thursday when a masked man came out of the shadows, pointed a gun at her and stole her wallet....
“I had just gotten home. I’d gotten out of my car and I thought, ‘I’ll go take a look at the yard,” J.C. Honeycutt said.
Honeycutt was in her front yard in Merry Oaks, not far from the Charlotte Country Club in east Charlotte, when she saw the man in the shade.
“I saw first that somebody was standing in my yard; secondly that he was dressed in all black; third that he had a black mask on his face,” she said.
Then she saw the gun.
The man called her over and demanded her purse. He took her wallet with her cash and bank cards, and then took off....
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shows few incidents have been reported in Merry Oaks since the beginning of the year, although plenty have happened along Eastway Drive and Central Avenue outside the neighborhood.
Briar Creek-Independence rezoning update
Here's an update from our neighbors in the Commonwealth neighborhood Google group. This is from a posting by Ted Cleary, about the May 21 rezoning hearing for development at Briar Creek and Independence Boulevard:
"There were several Commonwealth Park neighbors in attendance; one
spoke at the podium to express our consensus that we approved of the
project and its style, as shown in their architectural rendering and
especially based on the specified materials and details shown in the
construction drawing set they shared with us (which should eliminate
any down-grading in details due to 'value-engineering' that often
occurs in projects once construction begins). No neighbors, if any,
opposing the project had come forward in any lead-up meetings with
the developer, or at the re-zoning hearing last night.
The developer's attorney asked that Council approve the project last
night (rather than the normal procedure of a vote at next month's
meeting), due to delays already forced on him by incorrect
information from the Planning Dept.; one Councilmember expressed
concern about this break from procedure (perhaps because he wanted to
make sure nothing was being 'slipped by' them with a project he was
not fully familiar with); therefore, Council will vote next month
(approval is expected). You may begin to see marketing start before
then, but not construction till it's official."
Notes: Zoning committee is scheduled to meet at 4:30 on May 30 on the 8th floor of the Government Center to make a recommendation on the petition. That is not a public hearing, but the meeting is public. Full city coucil meets June 18 at 6 p.m. at the Government Center to vote on the petition, though that could always be delayed. Rezoning petition is at the rezoning site and it's Petition No. 2007-059.
Keeping connections strong
Listening to neighbors talking with neighbors through Google Groups is an amazing way to keep in touch with what's going on nearby.
It's almost as good as chatting with Mr. Bookout during his daily walks in Merry Oaks.
Smart politicians are active in these groups as well -- reading and posting as a way of staying in touch with local voters.
So the update: a German shepherd is roaming the Merry Oaks greenway, and neighbors are helping each other figure out whether the dog has an owner.
A zoning hearing on development at Briar Creek and Independence was scheduled Monday, May 21. At least one resident had signed up to speak in favor of residential condo development, but several residents are keeping an eye on the quality of the building plans.
Details at the Google groups for Merry Oaks and Commonwealth Park. The links were broken for awhile, but should be fixed. Please let me know if something does not work -- the tools can be hinky, to use a technical term.
And if you want to travel further away, check out a newsy blog by David Boraks for Davidson.
Closer to home, it's always good to check in periodically with John McBride at Under the Water Tower for Elizabeth news. You might find some local ice cream.
More places to walk
The trails at Merry Oaks Elementary School are finished and open to walkers.
One trail loops around the field, dipping briefly into the woods. Six trail markers help keep track of your distance: one loop is .31 miles, or 550 yards.
Another trail connects Merry Oaks Road with the community woodland garden area of school property. It ends in a water spigot, a great place for dogs and people to take a break.
The project was a partnership of Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and the school system. Community residents are welcome to take advantage of the planting space in the woodland garden area.
For more photos, go to Flickr.
Briar Creek condo update
From a neighborhood Google Group member, who attended the open house for the condos at Briar Creek:
The condos are 3 story walk-ups, ranging in size from about 700 sq. ft to 975 sq. ft., and ranging in price from $120,000 and up. And, it has one of the ugliest roof lines I've ever seen.
Briar Creek condos:
Community meeting with developers to discuss site plan for the rezoning of the
property at Briar Creek Road and Independence Boulevard.
Wednesday, May 2, 7 p.m., at WTVI, 3242 Commonwealth Ave.
The site is on your right when you're on Briar Creek, traveling from Central Avenue and before you hit the entrance ramp to go downtown.
Developers plan to build 28 residential condos. Current zoning
is for 16,000 feet of commercial use.
Site plan and other info available at Charlotte rezoning website.
Wild school at Merry Oaks
Merry Oaks Elementary received its designation as a wildlife habitat from the National Wildlife Federation.
The designation certifies that the school provides wildlife habitats on school grounds, provides educational material and encouragement to students. The Merry Oaks Neighborhood Association helped with planting and cleaning up during the April Hands on Merry Oaks Day.
If anyone wants to build and hang bluebird houses, send a message to the Merry Oaks Google group.
A week after a 69-year-old pedestrian was killed while trying to cross Central Avenue, area residents have a chance to learn about how we can redesign our area to make it easier to age in place.
Two opportunities:
Civic By Design Forum
Tuesday, March 13, 2007, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Levine Museum of the New South
200 East Seventh Street
Free parking at 7th street parking garage
Invited speakers:
Dr. Bill McCoy, Retired Director of UNC Charlotte Urban Institute
John Highfilll, Steering Committee Member
The Status of Seniors Initiative (SOSI)
Gayla Woody, Director, Area Agency on Aging
Rhonda Deitch, Associate State Director, AARP
Marsha Ghent, Caregiver Specialist, Services For Adults Division, DSS
Second opportunity:
Wednesday evening, March 14, St. John's Baptist Church on Hawthorne Lane. 6:45 p.m. McCoy, Highfill and others speak on the same topic. Details by calling church office, 704.333.5428.
Aging in place
A new Wednesday night series on aging in place and school design alternatives is planned at St. John's Baptist on Hawthorne Lane at Fifth Street. Program at 6:45 p.m. Details by calling church office, 704.333.5428.
Schedule:
March 7 - PREPARING FOR THE AGE WAVE
Fostering a senior-friendly community that values dignity and independence for all older adults
Speaker
Gayla Woody, Director, Area Agency on Aging
Rhonda Deitch, Associate State Director, AARP
Marsha Ghent, Caregiver Specialist, Services For Adults Division, DSS
March 14 - AGING IN PLACE
Physical Environment Implementation Workshop
Development principles to support “aging in place” for seniors and baby boomers (our future seniors).
Information:
--Maps showing neighborhoods with projected high concentrations of seniors and how they are useful to private and public decision makers.
* Recommendations, although directed toward the senior populations, serve to also preserve and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
--Recommendations may serve the goal of bringing about changes to residential, commercial and infrastructure construction by educating the broader community about development that is more "senior-friendly" - for seniors and baby boomers.
Speakers:
Dr. Bill McCoy, Retired Director of UNC Charlotte Urban Institute
John Highfilll, Steering Committee Member
The Status of Seniors Initiative (SOSI)
March 21 - SCHOOL DESIGN
Inspiration from Katrina
Learn about the pilot program being launched by Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) system to test the Hurricane Katrina-inspired Learning Cottage as an alternative to the mobile trailer-style classroom and a new approach to school campus design.
Speaker
Tom Low, Director
DPZ Architects and Town Planners
Loving The Penguin
People in the know loved The Penguin long before "Happy Feet."
The greasy spoon (and glass) in Plaza Midwood has a loyal following.
For a history lesson on one of the people behind a Charlotte landmark, see an obituary of Jim Ballentine at charlotte.com
For a look at the Penguin's brand and sign, see this.
DSL or wireless in the 'hood
Some neighbors on the Merry Oaks Google group had questions about cable and DSL access.
Two notes:
1. Lots of political attention nationally has been on providing rural high-speed access, but the flip side could be reliable convenient urban access in not-so-wealthy areas, just where students need it most;
2. David Mildenberg of the Charlotte Business Journal seems to follow news about this issue closely.
Some background links:
A wireless alternative? Mildenberg in the Business Journal in November 2006
An alternative involving Duke Power
Rivalries, from Mildenberg
Taking care of suburban institutions
Access nationally, with diversity implications. Go to "Research and reports" on the right and click on "Are We Really A Nation Online?" for an in-depth .pdf document.
The fancy cankerworm traps done by professionals are catching the wingless moths that crawl into the trees and lay cankerworm eggs.
If you don't have fancy traps already, drag out something sticky -- holiday packing tape, duct tape, whatever -- and please wrap your trees. There's still time to catch more of these lovely bugs.
The moths are climbing wild cherry trees in addition to willow oaks. No sign of them climbing dogwoods or a maple. How about your trees? And has anyone heard official counts of the number of bugs this year compared to prior years?
Try this new toy for local information here . It was featured in the new Time issue about the person of the year being you.
I think it still has some issues, beyond bugs. Mainly, any aggregator is only as good as the information it aggregates, and Charlotte's bloggers haven't reached critical mass yet when it comes to information. You can get plenty of opinions everywhere, but actual news and information are hard to come by, except from charlotte.com
And if the Observer doesn't cover it, did it really happen? Of course it did, but only if someone reports it, and someone "tags" it so it can be found. And will people really do that well, for free?
Merry Oaks residents on their Google group are sharing sitings of blue herons and even a deer!
Two people spotted a deer with antlers near the 2600 block of Arnold Drive the morning of Dec. 13.
From Tom Poston: "It skittered across Arnold down to the wild area along
the tributary running into the country club and off into the woods.
In fifteen years of living here I've never seen a deer in the
neighborhood, although I could see how one or more could survive in
the woods along the edge of the school and in the country club
property."
The heron or herons are visiting Briar Creek Greenway and Covington Oaks. One was hunting in my front yard about a month ago.
Drive, walk or bike with eyes wide open. Tell your neighbors -- even those in Country Club, Plaza Midwood and Commonwealth Park -- to do the same.
Photo credits: little blue heron courtesy of William Klos via Flickr.com with Creative Commons licensing.
deer courtesy of Aileen via Flickr.com with Creative Commons licensing.
