A packed theater was on hand for the showing of indie hit "Little Pink House" at Davidson's Our Town Cinemas Wednesday night. The local showing was put on by Save Davidson as a special event.
The movie chronicles the fight of Susette Kelo to save her home in the "blighted" Fort Trumbull neighborhood in New London, Connecticut. When the Kelo case was ultimately decided 5-4 in favor of the city, it instantly became one of the most reviled cases in modern Supreme Court history. The decision allowed government to use eminent domain to take private property from one person and give it to another private party for economic development.
For residents of Davidson involved in 2017 fight to stop the Town from developing the Beaty Street property there were eerie parallels between that local effort and the story shown on the big screen.
From the perfectly suitable movie neighborhood being called a "blight" (remember Beaty Pond being called an "eyesore"?) to the justifications and excuses used to promote the projects both on screen and in Davidson Town Hall, the movie was a great example of art imitating life. Throughout the film there were audience reactions, often laughter, that weren't necessarily even at funny things on screen. Instead, the audience reactions were more like saying "Oh, wow! That happened here!!!" Character after character and scene after scene, audience members could point to people and events that matched almost exactly between New London, Connecticut and Davidson, North Carolina.
The only big difference was the outcome. The people in New London ultimately lost their fight, but in Davidson the people won.
If you missed the show Wednesday, make sure to catch this one on video. It will be time well spent.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Lock those doors! Davidson Police make arrest in mulit-theft spree (press release)
DAVIDSON, N.C. – On Monday, May 28, 2018, at 4:37 p.m., Davidson Police Officers responded to a call in the River Run neighborhood regarding a suspicious person entering a garage and taking golf clubs. A witness realized that this individual did not reside at this location and immediately called 911. The witness provided a detailed clothing and vehicle description. Responding officers were able to locate this individual on Wildcat Trail in possession of the stolen property. During the course of the investigation, it was also discovered that this individual allegedly committed the same crime in Huntersville before coming to Davidson.
“The Davidson Police Department would like to acknowledge this witness and remind residents to call 911 if anything looks or feels suspicious,” said Davidson Police Detective Jay Stokes. “Thanks to the quick action of the witness and detailed information provided to 911, Davidson officers were able to apprehend and arrest the suspect.”
These incidents serve to remind all residents, regardless of neighborhood, to lock their vehicles and all doors, including garage doors. The Davidson Police Department wants people to know that these types of crimes are preventable.
The suspect is facing several felony criminal charges in Davidson and Huntersville. If anyone has additional information regarding missing items from this part of town, please contact the Davidson Police Department at 704-892-5131 to file a report.
“The Davidson Police Department would like to acknowledge this witness and remind residents to call 911 if anything looks or feels suspicious,” said Davidson Police Detective Jay Stokes. “Thanks to the quick action of the witness and detailed information provided to 911, Davidson officers were able to apprehend and arrest the suspect.”
These incidents serve to remind all residents, regardless of neighborhood, to lock their vehicles and all doors, including garage doors. The Davidson Police Department wants people to know that these types of crimes are preventable.
The suspect is facing several felony criminal charges in Davidson and Huntersville. If anyone has additional information regarding missing items from this part of town, please contact the Davidson Police Department at 704-892-5131 to file a report.
Friday, May 25, 2018
BREAKING NEWS: Plaintiffs win motion in Griffith Hotel lawsuit
Friday afternoon, Judge William Bell delivered his decision on the motions heard on Tuesday.
Per information received here at aShortChronicle, Judge Bell granted the plaintiffs motion for judgment on their 1st and 3rd claims. As importantly, the judge denied the defendants' motion to dismiss and their motion for judgment on the other claims.
The plaintiffs 1st and 3rd claims were the claims where the plaintiffs alleged the town did not follow proper process as outlined in state law and the town planning ordinance including inadequate information on the signage and incorrect process by having the public hearing before the Planning Board decision.
For those who have been concerned for years in how the Town handles planning an zoning decisions, this is vindication that the Town plays loose and fast with the rules and must do better. It remains to be seen how these decisions will impact other in flight projects and if the same problems exist elsewhere, but
aShortChronicle is pursuing more information to see what if anything is still outstanding with this case, and of course the defendants could always appeal. Regardless, this is a huge step in correcting the problems facing the town with this project and projects in the future.
Per information received here at aShortChronicle, Judge Bell granted the plaintiffs motion for judgment on their 1st and 3rd claims. As importantly, the judge denied the defendants' motion to dismiss and their motion for judgment on the other claims.
The plaintiffs 1st and 3rd claims were the claims where the plaintiffs alleged the town did not follow proper process as outlined in state law and the town planning ordinance including inadequate information on the signage and incorrect process by having the public hearing before the Planning Board decision.
For those who have been concerned for years in how the Town handles planning an zoning decisions, this is vindication that the Town plays loose and fast with the rules and must do better. It remains to be seen how these decisions will impact other in flight projects and if the same problems exist elsewhere, but
aShortChronicle is pursuing more information to see what if anything is still outstanding with this case, and of course the defendants could always appeal. Regardless, this is a huge step in correcting the problems facing the town with this project and projects in the future.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Controversial Rural Area Plan wins award from Congress for the New Urbanism
This past week, the Town of Davidson Planning Department won an award for something that was highly controversial with the public when it was implemented. That would be the Rural Area Plan passed by the former Board in the Spring of 2017.
Readers will remember the swirl around implementation of the RAP. The implementation of that plan involved a mass rezoning of large swaths of land from Rural to other development designations. That rezoning drew packed meetings with the vast majority of citizens opposing the rezoning until development plans were presented. Over 700 online petition signatures were collected opposing the move before it was passed by the previous Board.
However, the plan was not without its supporters. Some of the largest landowners who stood to benefit from the rezoning did speak in favor of it.
The plan also gained supporters in the New Urbanism planning community. On Friday, the Congress for the New Urbanism bestowed its 2018 Charter Award on the RAP. In a press release from the Town, the award, which is coveted in planning circles, was described as recognizing:
"exemplary projects by local government, developers, architects, urban designers, and others engaged in revitalizing and creating coherent cities, neighborhoods, and metropolitan regions. Winners are chosen because they not only embody and advance the principles of the Charter of the New Urbanism , but also because they make a difference in people's lives."
It should come as no surprise that Davidson Planning Department efforts are looked upon favorably by those in the New Urbanism community. New Urbanism is the design philsophy that drives planning decisions in town. A search of the Congress for the New Urbanism membership list shows local membership representing the Town Planning department and consulting firms used by the Town in its planning efforts.
The often cited CVS on Main Street would be a good example of New Urbanist design. However, so would the controversial Catalyst Project, the Luminous Project pushed as part of the Beaty Street RFP, the Griffith Street Hotel, and the focus on high density multi-family development - as well as the RAP.
So, while winning awards may be nice for the recipients, another way to look at this one is the Town Planning Department just received an award for promoting an ideology that has been very divisive for the community over the past few years.
That should give Town Hall pause before patting itself on the back.
Readers will remember the swirl around implementation of the RAP. The implementation of that plan involved a mass rezoning of large swaths of land from Rural to other development designations. That rezoning drew packed meetings with the vast majority of citizens opposing the rezoning until development plans were presented. Over 700 online petition signatures were collected opposing the move before it was passed by the previous Board.
However, the plan was not without its supporters. Some of the largest landowners who stood to benefit from the rezoning did speak in favor of it.
The plan also gained supporters in the New Urbanism planning community. On Friday, the Congress for the New Urbanism bestowed its 2018 Charter Award on the RAP. In a press release from the Town, the award, which is coveted in planning circles, was described as recognizing:
"exemplary projects by local government, developers, architects, urban designers, and others engaged in revitalizing and creating coherent cities, neighborhoods, and metropolitan regions. Winners are chosen because they not only embody and advance the principles of the Charter of the New Urbanism , but also because they make a difference in people's lives."
It should come as no surprise that Davidson Planning Department efforts are looked upon favorably by those in the New Urbanism community. New Urbanism is the design philsophy that drives planning decisions in town. A search of the Congress for the New Urbanism membership list shows local membership representing the Town Planning department and consulting firms used by the Town in its planning efforts.
The often cited CVS on Main Street would be a good example of New Urbanist design. However, so would the controversial Catalyst Project, the Luminous Project pushed as part of the Beaty Street RFP, the Griffith Street Hotel, and the focus on high density multi-family development - as well as the RAP.
So, while winning awards may be nice for the recipients, another way to look at this one is the Town Planning Department just received an award for promoting an ideology that has been very divisive for the community over the past few years.
That should give Town Hall pause before patting itself on the back.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
CiC Lutheran Church Fundraiser BBQ & Blugrass at D9 Brewing Co, Sunday May 27th
Community in Christ Lutheran Church in Cornelius, NC in partnershipwith D9 Brewing is hosting a fundraiser with BBQ, D9 beer, and music. Local artists will perform starting at 5pm. The Barefoot Movement, a bluegrass band based in Nashville, performs as the headliner starting at 7pm. Mark your calendars now, and we hope to see you there as we support a good cause and enjoy the best of beer, BBQ, and bluegrass!
Our pitmasters specialize in eastern NC pork smoked, pulled, chopped, and seasoned to perfection. Plates will be sold for $5 at the event and include BBQ pork, bun, slaw, pickles, and chips. We’ll also have some BBQ sauce made from D9 beer just to make it complete.
A donation is requested for the concert in support of Community in Christ Lutheran Youth Music Ministry. Donations can be made at the event or online at Community In Christ's Donate Now page by entering your donation amount in the box next to Lake Norman MusicMission 2018-Benefit Concert.
For those interested in staying overnight, check out Comfort Suites in Huntersville and ask for the D9 concert rate.
Check out the Community in Christ and D9 Brewing Company Facebook event pages for updates.
Contact Justin Shingleton at jshingleton2013@gmail.com for more information.
Cheers!
Our pitmasters specialize in eastern NC pork smoked, pulled, chopped, and seasoned to perfection. Plates will be sold for $5 at the event and include BBQ pork, bun, slaw, pickles, and chips. We’ll also have some BBQ sauce made from D9 beer just to make it complete.
A donation is requested for the concert in support of Community in Christ Lutheran Youth Music Ministry. Donations can be made at the event or online at Community In Christ's Donate Now page by entering your donation amount in the box next to Lake Norman MusicMission 2018-Benefit Concert.
For those interested in staying overnight, check out Comfort Suites in Huntersville and ask for the D9 concert rate.
Check out the Community in Christ and D9 Brewing Company Facebook event pages for updates.
Contact Justin Shingleton at jshingleton2013@gmail.com for more information.
Cheers!
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Davidson Residents Mobilize Over Mobility
BY MELISSA ATHERTON
Rain did not stop residents of Potts, Catawba, Jetton and South Main from attending the Potts Walk on Friday. The neighborhood advocacy group was joined by Alta Vice President Wade Walker, Alta Planner Heather Seagle, Commissioner Autumn Michael, and Town of Davidson Planner Travis Johnson.
The neighborhood has been under significant development pressure over the past year. Residents say the long list of projects threaten their neighborhood’s rural vernacular: Crescent/Potts (246 apartments and nine townhouses with only one ingress/egress to Potts Street); NCDOT Project U-5873 (roundabout at the YMCA and redirection of Potts Street); Town of Davidson plans to use eminent domain to build a ten-foot path in the front yards of Potts Street residents; NCDOT Project U-5907 (connection of Potts and Sloan through a wetland and possible asbestos); Alexander’s Corner (mixed-use); Lake Cornelius Residential (demolition of one home to build sixteen homes at the lake end of Catawba); and the forthcoming redevelopment of Hoke Lumber (current zoning allows four-story commercial surrounded by a neighborhood of single-family homes and The Bungalows).
Residents presented their mobility ideas during the walk:
● The Mooresville to Charlotte Trail should come from the north along the Potts-Sloan-Beaty (PSB) to Catawba Avenue, where it should make a left turn to connect to the Greenway that runs behind Carrburrito’s to Antiquity.
● The Town of Davidson should require Crescent to build a five-foot sidewalk from the Potts-Summers House to the Lake Norman YMCA. Oak trees and crape myrtles should not be cut down and yards should not be encroached upon for a ten foot path in this historic district. This will save the Town money whereas Greenways cost $1.5 million per mile.
● Any multi-use trail to the YMCA should go through the Potts/Crescent property, not along Potts Street.
● A five-foot sidewalk should be constructed under the railroad bridge. There should be no use of eminent domain to take properties along South Main Street.
● Remove the redundant multi-use path on Twin Oaks Road.
● Town of Davidson Commissioners should speak out about “right-sizing” the roundabouts and insist on Town input on the process.
One resident at the Potts Walk suggested that the Town allow Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, like the Onward Golf Cart, on Davidson streets. He cited both social and environmental benefits.
Readers also sent in questions about the Mobility Plan process:
● Is the plan going to address vehicle growth and actually find a way to handle it besides asking people to walk, bike or ride the bus?
● Will they consider eminent domain in order to make connections?
● How will they prioritize pedestrian needs, biking needs, and roadway needs? How will they choose between ten-foot paths and vehicle needs to address significant traffic problems?
● How many more rooftops can be added to Davidson (based on current zoning) - including approved but not built plans until the town is "built out?" What is the high-low range? For example, rural area zoning allows for x, y and z types. If the lowest amount in each area was built and you added those together you would get the low range and then if the maximum amount was built and you added those together you would get the high end of the range. We need to know what the "built out" range could currently look like (even if it is 20-50 years away) and make sure our road infrastructure can accommodate the low end.
The Potts-Catawba advocacy group plans to have significant representation at the three-day charrette.
Here is the charrette schedule:
Tuesday, May 22
Drop-in session: Davidson Town Hall
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Summary session: Davidson United Methodist Church
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 23
Drop-in session: Davidson Town Hall
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Summary session: Davidson Town Hall
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Thursday, May 24
Drop-in session: Davidson Town Hall
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Final presentation based on entire charrette: Davidson Town Hall
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Rain did not stop residents of Potts, Catawba, Jetton and South Main from attending the Potts Walk on Friday. The neighborhood advocacy group was joined by Alta Vice President Wade Walker, Alta Planner Heather Seagle, Commissioner Autumn Michael, and Town of Davidson Planner Travis Johnson.
The neighborhood has been under significant development pressure over the past year. Residents say the long list of projects threaten their neighborhood’s rural vernacular: Crescent/Potts (246 apartments and nine townhouses with only one ingress/egress to Potts Street); NCDOT Project U-5873 (roundabout at the YMCA and redirection of Potts Street); Town of Davidson plans to use eminent domain to build a ten-foot path in the front yards of Potts Street residents; NCDOT Project U-5907 (connection of Potts and Sloan through a wetland and possible asbestos); Alexander’s Corner (mixed-use); Lake Cornelius Residential (demolition of one home to build sixteen homes at the lake end of Catawba); and the forthcoming redevelopment of Hoke Lumber (current zoning allows four-story commercial surrounded by a neighborhood of single-family homes and The Bungalows).
Residents presented their mobility ideas during the walk:
● The Mooresville to Charlotte Trail should come from the north along the Potts-Sloan-Beaty (PSB) to Catawba Avenue, where it should make a left turn to connect to the Greenway that runs behind Carrburrito’s to Antiquity.
● The Town of Davidson should require Crescent to build a five-foot sidewalk from the Potts-Summers House to the Lake Norman YMCA. Oak trees and crape myrtles should not be cut down and yards should not be encroached upon for a ten foot path in this historic district. This will save the Town money whereas Greenways cost $1.5 million per mile.
● Any multi-use trail to the YMCA should go through the Potts/Crescent property, not along Potts Street.
● A five-foot sidewalk should be constructed under the railroad bridge. There should be no use of eminent domain to take properties along South Main Street.
● Remove the redundant multi-use path on Twin Oaks Road.
● Town of Davidson Commissioners should speak out about “right-sizing” the roundabouts and insist on Town input on the process.
One resident at the Potts Walk suggested that the Town allow Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, like the Onward Golf Cart, on Davidson streets. He cited both social and environmental benefits.
Readers also sent in questions about the Mobility Plan process:
● Is the plan going to address vehicle growth and actually find a way to handle it besides asking people to walk, bike or ride the bus?
● Will they consider eminent domain in order to make connections?
● How will they prioritize pedestrian needs, biking needs, and roadway needs? How will they choose between ten-foot paths and vehicle needs to address significant traffic problems?
● How many more rooftops can be added to Davidson (based on current zoning) - including approved but not built plans until the town is "built out?" What is the high-low range? For example, rural area zoning allows for x, y and z types. If the lowest amount in each area was built and you added those together you would get the low range and then if the maximum amount was built and you added those together you would get the high end of the range. We need to know what the "built out" range could currently look like (even if it is 20-50 years away) and make sure our road infrastructure can accommodate the low end.
The Potts-Catawba advocacy group plans to have significant representation at the three-day charrette.
Here is the charrette schedule:
Tuesday, May 22
Drop-in session: Davidson Town Hall
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Summary session: Davidson United Methodist Church
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 23
Drop-in session: Davidson Town Hall
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Summary session: Davidson Town Hall
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Thursday, May 24
Drop-in session: Davidson Town Hall
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Final presentation based on entire charrette: Davidson Town Hall
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Davidson Board discussing joining Municipal Charter School bill on Tuesday
Davidson's Board has the possibility of requesting town inclusion on H514 on its agenda this coming Tuesday.
H514 has created a lot of swirl in Mecklenburg County in recent weeks as the bill has gained traction. Originally a bill that would allow Matthews and Mint Hill to start municipal charter schools, both Cornelius and Huntersville asked to be added to the bill a couple of weeks ago. Those moves garnered a response from CMS which held a public meeting last week in North Mecklenburg to discuss the issue. The agenda item for Davidson's Tuesday meeting includes a copy of the resolution Cornelius passed asking to be added.
According to the staff memo included with the agenda item...
It is recommended that, should the town board want to ask our legislators to add Davidson to this bill, that the town board take action to do that at this May 22nd board meeting, so that the state legislature could potentially approve it in this current short legislative session. Otherwise, if the town wanted to ask for this authority, and it was not considered at this short legislative session, the next opportunity would be the long legislative session starting in January 2019.
This means that if you as a citizen want your input heard on this issue, the only opportunity (unless the Board adds a public comment section for the Tuesday meeting) would be to email the Board at Board@townofdavidson.org before the meeting.
It will be interesting to see how the Board looks at this one.
On the one hand, Davidson residents already have proximity to two excellent charter schools in Community School of Davidson and Pine Lake Prep. Also, Davidson Elementary is undergoing a conversion to a K-8 school. On the other hand, the explosive growth on the horizon with the already underway development in new large neighborhoods like Westbranch and Davidson East as well as numerous infill projects, could lead to overcrowding in the near future. With no CMS bond money coming to the area in the next several years, municipal charters could be an option to relieve that. However, on the other hand executing on that takes money and Davidson already has plans in the works for other projects that will jack up the tax bills of residents. Adding a school would be a hefty expense the Town likely couldn't afford even if it did have permission to do so. Finally, on the other hand the Town is currently negotiating with CMS to use the old Davidson IB building as Town and CMS office space. Asking to be added to a bill that CMS opposes would be counterproductive to those goals.
As you can see this one is complicated - having more "hands" than seems manageable to decide in a single Board meeting.
H514 has created a lot of swirl in Mecklenburg County in recent weeks as the bill has gained traction. Originally a bill that would allow Matthews and Mint Hill to start municipal charter schools, both Cornelius and Huntersville asked to be added to the bill a couple of weeks ago. Those moves garnered a response from CMS which held a public meeting last week in North Mecklenburg to discuss the issue. The agenda item for Davidson's Tuesday meeting includes a copy of the resolution Cornelius passed asking to be added.
According to the staff memo included with the agenda item...
It is recommended that, should the town board want to ask our legislators to add Davidson to this bill, that the town board take action to do that at this May 22nd board meeting, so that the state legislature could potentially approve it in this current short legislative session. Otherwise, if the town wanted to ask for this authority, and it was not considered at this short legislative session, the next opportunity would be the long legislative session starting in January 2019.
This means that if you as a citizen want your input heard on this issue, the only opportunity (unless the Board adds a public comment section for the Tuesday meeting) would be to email the Board at Board@townofdavidson.org before the meeting.
It will be interesting to see how the Board looks at this one.
On the one hand, Davidson residents already have proximity to two excellent charter schools in Community School of Davidson and Pine Lake Prep. Also, Davidson Elementary is undergoing a conversion to a K-8 school. On the other hand, the explosive growth on the horizon with the already underway development in new large neighborhoods like Westbranch and Davidson East as well as numerous infill projects, could lead to overcrowding in the near future. With no CMS bond money coming to the area in the next several years, municipal charters could be an option to relieve that. However, on the other hand executing on that takes money and Davidson already has plans in the works for other projects that will jack up the tax bills of residents. Adding a school would be a hefty expense the Town likely couldn't afford even if it did have permission to do so. Finally, on the other hand the Town is currently negotiating with CMS to use the old Davidson IB building as Town and CMS office space. Asking to be added to a bill that CMS opposes would be counterproductive to those goals.
As you can see this one is complicated - having more "hands" than seems manageable to decide in a single Board meeting.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Davidson Hotel...the wait continues...
Yesterday's court date came and went with no action.
After a brief hearing, a continuance was granted and now the decision is back to next week on Tuesday 5/22 at 2pm.
The wheels of justice turn slow sometimes, but they are turning.
After a brief hearing, a continuance was granted and now the decision is back to next week on Tuesday 5/22 at 2pm.
The wheels of justice turn slow sometimes, but they are turning.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Potts Street Walking Tour Friday, May 18
BY MELISSA ATHERTON
The Town of Davidson Mobility Plan Walking Tour of Potts Street will meet at the Davidson Community Garden this Friday, May 18th, at 1:00 pm. Join Town of Davidson planning staff, elected officials, representatives from Alta Planning, and concerned residents.
Potts Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Davidson. The street is lined with 100 year-old oak trees and crape myrtles. Residents say the rural vernacular is threatened by NCDOT projects U-5873 (roundabout at the YMCA and redirection of Potts Street) and U-5907 (connection of Potts to Sloan). The Town of Davidson/NCDOT/Kimley Horn project may use eminent domain to build a ten-foot path in the front yards of Potts Street homeowners. Some residents are concerned about disturbing asbestos.
Citizens of both Davidson and Cornelius are also concerned about traffic, safety and quality of life issues related to Crescent’s proposal for 246 apartments and nine townhouses. The plan has only one ingress/egress to Potts Street. Other concerns include high-density and large impervious (concrete) surface in the Class IV Critical Watershed (drinking water). The fifteen acres are bound by the railroad, Lake Cornelius, and private property. Crescent withdrew the project from the seven-acre Cornelius side of the Potts Property in September 2017.
Put on your walking shoes, grab a friend, and bring your concerns or suggestions.
Here is the complete list of tours:
1. North Main Street Walking Tour:
Date: Friday, May 18
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting point: Corner of Jackson and North Main St.
2. Potts Street Walking Tour
Date: Friday, May 18
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Davidson Community Garden
3. West Side Walking Tour
Date: Saturday, May 19
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Roosevelt Wilson Park
4. Circles @ 30 Walking Tour
Date: Monday, May 21
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Community School of Davidson on Griffith Street
5. Loop of Davidson Biking Tour
Date: Tuesday, May 22
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Town Green/Library
The Town of Davidson Mobility Plan Walking Tour of Potts Street will meet at the Davidson Community Garden this Friday, May 18th, at 1:00 pm. Join Town of Davidson planning staff, elected officials, representatives from Alta Planning, and concerned residents.
Potts Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Davidson. The street is lined with 100 year-old oak trees and crape myrtles. Residents say the rural vernacular is threatened by NCDOT projects U-5873 (roundabout at the YMCA and redirection of Potts Street) and U-5907 (connection of Potts to Sloan). The Town of Davidson/NCDOT/Kimley Horn project may use eminent domain to build a ten-foot path in the front yards of Potts Street homeowners. Some residents are concerned about disturbing asbestos.
Citizens of both Davidson and Cornelius are also concerned about traffic, safety and quality of life issues related to Crescent’s proposal for 246 apartments and nine townhouses. The plan has only one ingress/egress to Potts Street. Other concerns include high-density and large impervious (concrete) surface in the Class IV Critical Watershed (drinking water). The fifteen acres are bound by the railroad, Lake Cornelius, and private property. Crescent withdrew the project from the seven-acre Cornelius side of the Potts Property in September 2017.
Put on your walking shoes, grab a friend, and bring your concerns or suggestions.
Here is the complete list of tours:
1. North Main Street Walking Tour:
Date: Friday, May 18
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting point: Corner of Jackson and North Main St.
2. Potts Street Walking Tour
Date: Friday, May 18
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Davidson Community Garden
3. West Side Walking Tour
Date: Saturday, May 19
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Roosevelt Wilson Park
4. Circles @ 30 Walking Tour
Date: Monday, May 21
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Community School of Davidson on Griffith Street
5. Loop of Davidson Biking Tour
Date: Tuesday, May 22
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Town Green/Library
Monday, May 14, 2018
Next court date on Wednesday in Davidson Hotel lawsuit
aShortChronicle has learned that the next court date has been set in the lawsuit seeking to overturn the zoning approval of the proposed Griffith Street Hotel.
Plaintiffs are asking for a judgement on the pleadings regarding claims of procedural violations and noncomplince with the Davidson Planning Ordinance. A successful judgement would negate the need for further legal action.
This will be heard on this Wednesday, May 16th, at 11am in room 6310 at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
(This next hearing is a week earlier than originally expected. aShortChronicle had previously reported the next action would not take place until May 22nd. However, that is not longer correct.)
The original request for such a judgement was submitted by the attorney for the landowner and developer defendants. However, that request was submitted prior to the Town of Davidson even submitting its response to the plaintiffs claims. Requests for judgements like this must be sumitted once all the responses are subitted to the court.
Now that all of the responses are in place, the plaintiffs are the ones asking for a judge to make a decision.
Court hearings are open to the public. If this issue is important to you, citizens are welcome to attend.
Plaintiffs are asking for a judgement on the pleadings regarding claims of procedural violations and noncomplince with the Davidson Planning Ordinance. A successful judgement would negate the need for further legal action.
This will be heard on this Wednesday, May 16th, at 11am in room 6310 at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
(This next hearing is a week earlier than originally expected. aShortChronicle had previously reported the next action would not take place until May 22nd. However, that is not longer correct.)
The original request for such a judgement was submitted by the attorney for the landowner and developer defendants. However, that request was submitted prior to the Town of Davidson even submitting its response to the plaintiffs claims. Requests for judgements like this must be sumitted once all the responses are subitted to the court.
Now that all of the responses are in place, the plaintiffs are the ones asking for a judge to make a decision.
Court hearings are open to the public. If this issue is important to you, citizens are welcome to attend.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Food Truck Jam at Beaver Dam TONIGHT! 3-10pm
Following on the successful inaugural event there will be another food truck rally Saturday evening at the Beaver Dam House owned by the Town of Davidson off of Davidson-Concord Road. The initial event on April 13th drew hundreds to this unique location. Come on out and help cement another community event for the town.
Friday, May 11, 2018
HB514 expansion for Cornelius and Huntersville has support from local legislators
Earlier this week, the Boards of Cornelius and Huntersville voted to have their towns added to a local bill working its way through the NCGA that would allow select municipalities to start their own charter schools. So called "local bills" only impact specific jurisdictions rather than having statewide impact. Up until Huntersville and Cornelius asked to be added this bill, if passed as-is HB514 would only impact Matthews and Mint Hill.
Friday morning the inclusion of the two North Mecklenburg towns received public endorsement from the area's members of the General assembly. This came in a press release from Senator Jeff Tarte's office.
"House Bill 514 provides the municipalities of Matthews and Mint Hill legislative authority to operate charter schools, if they so choose. HB514 has already passed the House and is currently waiting to be considered by the Senate.
The Town boards of Cornelius and Huntersville have passed formal resolutions requesting that their respective municipality be added to HB514.
The four specific municipalities that are requesting this legislation are in my current Senate district, and the Towns of Cornelius and Huntersville are in Representative Bradford’s House district. We both offer our full support of the recently passed resolutions and respectfully request the bill sponsor and NCGA leadership to amend HB514 to include the municipalities of Cornelius and Huntersville."
aShortChronicle has been following this story since the beginning - wondering if HB514 would eventually gain support beyond its initial focus. See this post from April 2017 when the bill was first filed. It is interesting to see how this bill has progressed since its introduction - gathering aupport from other parts of Mecklenburg County. In addition to this press release, County Commissioner Jim Puckett stated his support for the bill in an email received today at aShortChronicle saying "adding choice and opportunity to the public is NEVER a bad idea". Puckett represents North Mecklenburg on the county commission. With Town, County, and State representatives supporting the addition of more municipalities to HB514 it would seem likely that very well may happen when the General Assembly reconvenes next week.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Election 2018: Mecklenburg incumbents take a beating in the primaries
In today's divided political world most elections in November are decided prior to election day. Between districts at all levepls of government drawn to favor one party over the other and the general partisan tilt of large parts of the country with Democrats clustering in the cities and Republicans controlling the rural areas, there's not a lot of competition and surprises in most races come November. That often leaves the real action and potential for change among incumbents to the primaries, and yesterday's races in Mecklenburg showed how true that can be.
After the primaries Mecklenburg is assured....
While these races other than Sheriff did not directly impact North Mecklenburg, there was a Democratic primary competing for the opportunity to challenge Republican John Bradford for the NC House 98 seat in November. In this race Democrats rallied strongly around candidate Christy Clark. Clark received over 90% of the vote. Of all the primaries held on Tuesday, Clark received the highest percentage of the vote of any candidate.
The general election is November 6th.
After the primaries Mecklenburg is assured....
- a new NC9 Congressman as incumbent Republican Rep Robert Pittenger lost to Reverend Mark Harris. Pittenger was first elected to Congress in the old NC9 that used to include North Mecklenburg.
- a new Sheriff as incumbent Democrat Irvin Carmichael lost handily in a three way race to Garry McFadden. No Republican is running in November, so this was the deciding vote for Sheriff.
- a new NC Senate 39 Senator as incumbent Democrat Joel Ford lost to Mujtaba Mohammed.
- a new NC House 99 Representative as incumbent Democrat Rodney Moore was ousted by Sasif Majeed.
While these races other than Sheriff did not directly impact North Mecklenburg, there was a Democratic primary competing for the opportunity to challenge Republican John Bradford for the NC House 98 seat in November. In this race Democrats rallied strongly around candidate Christy Clark. Clark received over 90% of the vote. Of all the primaries held on Tuesday, Clark received the highest percentage of the vote of any candidate.
The general election is November 6th.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Tricky Text Amendments...and Other Hocus Pocus
By Melissa Atherton
Staff attempted to convince West Side residents that the approximately 30 watershed text amendments were harmless. Staff also tried to justify having the Board of Commissioners vote on all 30 amendments as a “package deal” rather than picking each amendment apart. Comically, staff provided two patronizing “cons” to the text amendments that were really “pros”:
1. We should have passed these text amendments a long time ago.
2. This will encourage YOU to be more “thoughtful” in your home design.
Planning staff’s magic tricks were foiled earlier this year by the commissioners’ ability to see through the “Missing Middle” text amendment agenda: force people into building 40-60% apartments, but call the apartments cute euphemisms like “Village Courtyard” or “Village Walk-up.”
This time, planning staff are pursuing anti-single-family/pro-high-density text amendments in the noble name of “DRINKING WATER.”
Residents did not succumb to the planners’ spell. They asked the big questions:
1. Who requested the text amendments?
2. Why now and why the rush?
3. Are there specific projects that will benefit from the amendments?
4. What will “density averaging” do to our rapidly diminishing tree canopy? How is it beneficial for our “drinking water” to clear-cut one parcel next to the lake and save another, undesirable parcel elsewhere?
5. Why can you expand on an additional 24% of your property, but you cannot demolish and rebuild on the current footprint plus the additional 24%?
6. Why did the requirement for wet detention ponds get omitted, other than to make it easier for high-density developers to build more and profit more?
7. Why are you trying to use the watershed ordinance to address public policy on historic preservation? Is this even legal?
8. What will happen to the devalued properties on the West Side? Will a developer swoop in and purchase the land at a low cost, then build Village Courtyards and Village Walk-ups?
Readers should review the Wag the Dog & Grab the Land post. Homeowners and landowners on the West Side of Davidson are in the critical watershed. An ordinance was passed in 1993 that prohibits building beyond 24% impervious (concrete) in the critical watershed (west of Main Street).
Many of the existing West Side homes are already well beyond the 24% rule that was passed in 1993. One of the proposed watershed text amendments will no longer exclude pre-1993 homeowners and lot owners from the 24% maximum impervious limit.
Ironically, the text amendments will allow West Side property owners to expand on an additional 24% of their remaining land (creating an enormous footprint), but they cannot demolish and rebuild the EXACT SAME FOOTPRINT with a driveway and small garage. Residents repeatedly pointed out that this makes absolutely no sense.
Outlandishly ironic is that a developer can purchase multiple lots and build a 50% impervious, high-density project. Better yet, with a wave of their magic wand, planning staff identified certain commercial areas where developers can exceed 50% impervious in the name of “creativity.”
How in the world is this about drinking water? Crescent can build nearly 300 apartments next to the lake, but a single-family homeowner can no longer build a concrete patio, pool or driveway?
The text amendments are a big problem for West Side property owners. Many of the mill homes are approximately 800 square-feet and they need more work than what would make financial sense. Most were not designed to last over 100 years. Some would likely be condemned and therefore demolished, as was the home on the corner of Catawba and Hamilton last year. Yet planning staff wants owners to put additions on these homes? Picture an 800 square-foot mill home with asbestos siding, termites, and a cracked foundation...Now add a fancy new addition. It may be time for a West Side field trip!
Many West Side owners have dreamed of building modest new homes on their property for a long time. Under the proposed ordinance, all they can build is a tiny home with an attached garage and stubby driveway. The silly design would not fit the early 1900s architecture in the neighborhood.
Developers get to be “creative” and build well beyond 50% impervious, but single-family homeowners need to come up with “creative” solutions for building two-story, 1,000 square foot tiny homes?
Planners have repeatedly, publicly said the text amendments are to “protect our drinking water” and that the county told them to “tighten up” the ordinance. Ironically, Cornelius is in the same state and same county as Davidson, yet their ordinance allows you to demolish and rebuild your home:
“Reconstruction of Buildings or Built-upon Areas. Any existing building or built-upon area not in conformance with the restrictions of this ordinance that has been damaged or removed may be repaired and/or reconstructed, except that there are no restrictions on single family residential development, provided: Repair or reconstruction is initiated within twelve (12) months and completed within two (2) years of such damage. The total amount of space devoted to built-upon area may not be increased unless stormwater control that equals or exceeds the previous development is provided.”
https://www.cornelius.org/DocumentCenter/View/1609
A resident pointed out the discrepancy between Cornelius and Davidson. Staff responded: “Cornelius does different things.”
If you live or own property on the West Side, you should be very concerned about the text amendments. Planning staff has them on the fast track: the public hearing is May 8th and the board will potentially vote on June 12th. Plan to attend the meetings and advocate for your property value, your neighborhood, and your community.
Plan to ask the commissioners if they truly understand the myriad consequences of each and every text amendment before they vote. Ask them if they have reached out to the UNC School of Government. Ask them if they have personally spoken to anyone at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services or the Town of Cornelius.
Let’s be under no illusion!
"Hey Davidson! Watch me pull high density out of a hat!"
Just when property owners thought the Davidson planning staff would run out of tricky ways to prohibit the construction of single family homes while encouraging high density…Poof! The magician planning team took citizens on a Magic Carpet Ride during the Watershed Text Amendment meeting Monday. Staff attempted to convince West Side residents that the approximately 30 watershed text amendments were harmless. Staff also tried to justify having the Board of Commissioners vote on all 30 amendments as a “package deal” rather than picking each amendment apart. Comically, staff provided two patronizing “cons” to the text amendments that were really “pros”:
1. We should have passed these text amendments a long time ago.
2. This will encourage YOU to be more “thoughtful” in your home design.
Planning staff’s magic tricks were foiled earlier this year by the commissioners’ ability to see through the “Missing Middle” text amendment agenda: force people into building 40-60% apartments, but call the apartments cute euphemisms like “Village Courtyard” or “Village Walk-up.”
This time, planning staff are pursuing anti-single-family/pro-high-density text amendments in the noble name of “DRINKING WATER.”
Residents did not succumb to the planners’ spell. They asked the big questions:
1. Who requested the text amendments?
2. Why now and why the rush?
3. Are there specific projects that will benefit from the amendments?
4. What will “density averaging” do to our rapidly diminishing tree canopy? How is it beneficial for our “drinking water” to clear-cut one parcel next to the lake and save another, undesirable parcel elsewhere?
5. Why can you expand on an additional 24% of your property, but you cannot demolish and rebuild on the current footprint plus the additional 24%?
6. Why did the requirement for wet detention ponds get omitted, other than to make it easier for high-density developers to build more and profit more?
7. Why are you trying to use the watershed ordinance to address public policy on historic preservation? Is this even legal?
8. What will happen to the devalued properties on the West Side? Will a developer swoop in and purchase the land at a low cost, then build Village Courtyards and Village Walk-ups?
Readers should review the Wag the Dog & Grab the Land post. Homeowners and landowners on the West Side of Davidson are in the critical watershed. An ordinance was passed in 1993 that prohibits building beyond 24% impervious (concrete) in the critical watershed (west of Main Street).
Many of the existing West Side homes are already well beyond the 24% rule that was passed in 1993. One of the proposed watershed text amendments will no longer exclude pre-1993 homeowners and lot owners from the 24% maximum impervious limit.
Ironically, the text amendments will allow West Side property owners to expand on an additional 24% of their remaining land (creating an enormous footprint), but they cannot demolish and rebuild the EXACT SAME FOOTPRINT with a driveway and small garage. Residents repeatedly pointed out that this makes absolutely no sense.
Outlandishly ironic is that a developer can purchase multiple lots and build a 50% impervious, high-density project. Better yet, with a wave of their magic wand, planning staff identified certain commercial areas where developers can exceed 50% impervious in the name of “creativity.”
How in the world is this about drinking water? Crescent can build nearly 300 apartments next to the lake, but a single-family homeowner can no longer build a concrete patio, pool or driveway?
The text amendments are a big problem for West Side property owners. Many of the mill homes are approximately 800 square-feet and they need more work than what would make financial sense. Most were not designed to last over 100 years. Some would likely be condemned and therefore demolished, as was the home on the corner of Catawba and Hamilton last year. Yet planning staff wants owners to put additions on these homes? Picture an 800 square-foot mill home with asbestos siding, termites, and a cracked foundation...Now add a fancy new addition. It may be time for a West Side field trip!
Many West Side owners have dreamed of building modest new homes on their property for a long time. Under the proposed ordinance, all they can build is a tiny home with an attached garage and stubby driveway. The silly design would not fit the early 1900s architecture in the neighborhood.
Developers get to be “creative” and build well beyond 50% impervious, but single-family homeowners need to come up with “creative” solutions for building two-story, 1,000 square foot tiny homes?
Planners have repeatedly, publicly said the text amendments are to “protect our drinking water” and that the county told them to “tighten up” the ordinance. Ironically, Cornelius is in the same state and same county as Davidson, yet their ordinance allows you to demolish and rebuild your home:
“Reconstruction of Buildings or Built-upon Areas. Any existing building or built-upon area not in conformance with the restrictions of this ordinance that has been damaged or removed may be repaired and/or reconstructed, except that there are no restrictions on single family residential development, provided: Repair or reconstruction is initiated within twelve (12) months and completed within two (2) years of such damage. The total amount of space devoted to built-upon area may not be increased unless stormwater control that equals or exceeds the previous development is provided.”
https://www.cornelius.org/DocumentCenter/View/1609
A resident pointed out the discrepancy between Cornelius and Davidson. Staff responded: “Cornelius does different things.”
If you live or own property on the West Side, you should be very concerned about the text amendments. Planning staff has them on the fast track: the public hearing is May 8th and the board will potentially vote on June 12th. Plan to attend the meetings and advocate for your property value, your neighborhood, and your community.
Plan to ask the commissioners if they truly understand the myriad consequences of each and every text amendment before they vote. Ask them if they have reached out to the UNC School of Government. Ask them if they have personally spoken to anyone at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services or the Town of Cornelius.
Let’s be under no illusion!
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Westbranch getting ready for home sales
A half dozen detached homes are currently being built with a few more foundations on the ground on the southernmost end of the project. That part of the development will also contain townhomes, but none of those appear to be under construction yet.
While no pricing information is posted on the Lennar website for the project, sales information is posted on realtor.com. Here's what to expect based on that.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Davidson Town Day - Saturday, May 5 from 10:00am to 3:00pm (press release)
DAVIDSON, N.C. – Join us for Town Day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 on the town green. We encourage all citizens to walk or ride a bike to the green (May is National Bike Month). We’ll have police officers stationed at key intersections to ensure safety. Ride your bike and park it in the “Bike Corral” near the Town of Davidson’s booth.
Town Day was originally started as a day of service followed by a town picture. This year we are incorporating the service component and the town picture into our festivities. Citizens will have the opportunity to bring items for a food drive and/or help the Davidson Housing Coalition (DHC) with a hands-on volunteer project. To sign-up for the DHC service project, visit https://www.volunteersignup.org/9L3T9 . Please consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food or canned goods when you come to Town Day. Collection baskets will be located at the Town of Davidson’s booth, and food will be delivered to families in need following the event.
The town picture will take place at 10:00 a.m. Please meet on the patio in front of the library. We will also offer a series of ‘Minute to Win It’ games located by our town booth, so bring your friends and neighbors to compete for a prize.
Once at the green you’ll enjoy:
- a cake walk,
- yard games,
- a native plant sale,
- green screen performances,
- face painting,
- puzzles and memory games,
- a pinewood derby,
- creating wildflower seed-packets,
- the Davidson Athletics’ prize wheel,
- the monkey bridge,
- pollinator activities,
- skill building activities,
- the Lake Norman Currents Canine Cover Dog Competition Finals,
- music, entertainment, and food, and
- many booths featuring Davidson organizations.
Visit the Town of Davidson’s booth to:
- see the E.L.F. (the parks and recreation vehicle),
- safely dispose of expired and unused pharmaceuticals,
- register for our Vial of Life program (ensure that first responders receive your medical information during an emergency)
- learn about the town’s pedestrian and bicyclist safety campaign, Watch For Me NC,
- learn about child safety and anti-bullying,
- meet McGruff the crime dog,
- register for the CharMeck Alerts system, and
- get information on the programs and summer camps offered by the parks and recreation department.
The Davidson Fire Department will display a fire truck on Main Street.
“The focus on community and caring for our community is where the roots of Town Day started,” said Mayor Rusty Knox. “We should all remember that we are not only neighbors and residents, but stewards of this town that is so special to all of us.”
For more information, please contact the Davidson Parks and Recreation Department at 704-892-3349 or lwillis@townofdavidson.org.