Thursday, January 7th
Derita Business Association Meets
9am, Maria's Grill, West Sugar Creek Rd. Open to Everyone, business or not.
New name. Same group. Open to all businesses in the greater Derita area.
Find out about FREE Advertising, Cost-saving Cooperative Efforts, Local Networking
Opportunities. Together we are working to help local businesses grow despite the
tough economy. Got a business card? You'll want to pass some out and tell us
briefly about your business. Networking can lead to great referrals.
How long is this going take? We'll be done in under 60 minutes, that's the rule.
Even if you have to duck out early, it will be worth your time.
Guest Speaker this time: Simon Weber, Metrolina Speedway
"Our Goal is to Promote Local Businesses and Service Professionals Serving Our Area."
--- Bernie Samonds 704 806-3813 Leave Msg deritarep@aol.com
============================================
Thursday, January 7th
Penninger Circle Rezoning Community Meeting
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, West Sugar Creek Rd.
This meeting will be held in lieu of our usual January Board Meeting. We will meet,
as usual, on Thursday, Feb. 18th.
Responding to DSRCO & NorthEast Coalition concerns over Rezoning Petition
# 2009-068, developer David Rushing asked City Council to delay their decision on
his plan to change the 13 acres fronting Mallard Creek Rd. from R-3 residential to
Multifamily residential, allowing up to 17 units per acre.
In his most recent site plan, Mr. Rushing had already downsized his project from
238 to 224 units, and re-stipulated that it would be for residents 55 & older, with
some assisted living amenities. But that's still a far cry from the 108 units that
was to be allowed under the Northeast District Plan. The two community groups
also felt it was still important for neighbors to be able to see the project plans,
drawings, and be able to ask questions before he reached the bricks & mortar
stage.
What is approved or not approved by the City Council vote in February will likely
impact the future development & redevlopment of other nearby large tracts along
Mallard Creek Rd. Other concerns are the impact on traffic, types of building
materials to be used, likelihood of "Section 8" housing vouchers being used to fill
the vacancies.
DSRCO requested and will host the meeting. It is open to the public and local
residents who would like to know more about the project are invited to attend. To
view the most recent site plan on-line, go to:
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Planning/Rezoning/Rezoning+Petitions/2009+Petitions/2009-068.htm
Links to the site plans are down under Rezoning information, same page.
============================================
Sunday, Jan. 17th
Chief Monroe at NorthEast Coalition Meeting
3pm, University Region Library on WT Harris Blvd.
CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe is the guest speaker this month, followed by a question
& answer session. Refreshments will be served and everyone is invited.
Claire Fallon, President
============================================
Saturday, Jan. 23
Hike for Habitat fundraiser
Mecklenburg County Park & Rec invites you to take a “Hike for Habitats,” at
Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve, 4601 Nevin Road in Derita. A guided hike through the
nature preserve starts at 11 am. The program runs 11am-1pm. The Preserve is open
until dusk.
"Hike for Habitats" is a way to show your support for “wildlife and wild places” in
Mecklenburg County. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds go
to Partners for Parks, a program for nature education programs, trail improvements and
equipment to remove invasive plants. Donation checks should be made out to Partners
for Parks and are tax deductible for most donors.
Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve is a 186-acre property that includes old-growth trees and
mountain-like terrain in the Derita community and is one of the largest natural areas
near uptown Charlotte. Three walking trails are open daily. Fishing is not permitted in
the lakes.
For more information, visit www.parkandrec.com and click on Nature Preserves, or call
Reedy Creek Nature Center at 704-598-8857.
=============================================
What your Neighbors are saying
Petition 2009-68, Penniger Circle
Councilman Mitchell and I have spoken and he is aware that I oppose the project
for a number of reasons (area plan calls for R-8; the Electrolux announcement
confirms that we need more for sale housing in our area, even if it is for seniors;
the more "for rent" projects we allow, the less likely we are to attract higher quality
"for sale" projects (e.g., Amberleigh). --- Michael Barnes, District 4
These are several of the same concerns that were raised during our DSRCO
December Board Meeting, and why we insisted that the Community needed
an opportunity to review & discuss the plans for this project. It will Jan. 7th
=============================================================
Subject: Your Webshots Photos: 3,010 new views this week!
Actually, that was only on our 1970's Derita Scouts photo page, which has had over
281,913 views. You'll find other Scouting pages from 1960-2003, by decades, hundreds
more community photos at our DeritaReporterArchive page, RibbonWalk Forest
photos & more at our DeritaDSRCO webshots page. We're talking thousands of
Derita photos all together.
But the best news is that we would like to add some of your photos, as well.
We're planning to add some Reader Photo's albums, so that all of our neighbors can
view your photos when the Church Youth Group has a Car Wash, cooks a Spaghetti
Supper. When the Scouts go camping or hiking in the mountains. What folks are
creating in the Ceramics Workshop or the at the Scrapbooking Club. Maybe a photo
of that 25th or 50th Anniversary Couple, or the Newlyweds with an accompanying
article on their wedding.
Yes, we can do that. We can post the photos (and notes or an article) on one of our
Webshots pages and post a one-line link to it in our Newsletter.
Got a photo (or photos) to share? Email me @ deritarep@aol.com
==============================================================
Chilly Moose Restaurant
Do you know who bought the Chilly Moose, we were surprised about this?
Haven't stopped by The Chicken King Restaurant yet. Now that the
holidays are winding down, maybe I can tear myself away from the big
meal leftovers and see what's on their menu. --- Bernie
==============================================================
Walgreens?
Have you heard when the new Walgreens Drug Store at N Graham & W Sugar
Creek will open for business?
Workers seem to be making steady progress, but there are still final bldg.
inspections to be met, shelves to be stocked and employees to be hired.
I had heard they were looking for a February Grand Opening, but watch for
the signs.
=============================================
A Holiday Season Update Message
from Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx
I hope you and your family are enjoying a well-deserved rest and an enjoyable
holiday season.
On behalf of our family, Samara and I want to thank you for your support
and friendship. We could not have made it through this past year without you.
As we turn the page from 2009 to 2010, we wish you and your family health,
happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
Since the November 4, 2009 election, things have been moving at a whirlwind
pace. After the December 7, 2009 oath of office ceremony, I have been working
to move Charlotte forward:
Jobs Summit.
During my Oath of Office, I promised to put together a Jobs Summit to focus
discussion among employers about how to improve job growth. As a first step,
I met two weeks ago with a number of business leaders, workforce development
specialists and nonprofit leaders to begin planning this summit. The summit will
occur in the first quarter of 2010.
Efficient and Effective Government Task Force.
We will have to be proactive to avoid property tax increases now and in the future.
Next week, I will name a task force of citizens to help review the city budget and
recommend budget adjustments that improve efficiency and effectiveness, and
I am in final stages of selecting members of this task force. Just as families and
businesses are pouring over their budgets to find savings, city government should
do the same thing. The new City Council deserves credit for embracing this effort,
which has not been undertaken in 20 years.
Small Business Opportunity Task Force.
The City of Charlotte Small Business Opportunity Program has been maligned
for several years by concerns about its effectiveness in promoting small business.
Because small businesses create an estimated 96% of the jobs within
Mecklenburg County, helping small businesses will also help job growth, which is
why I am also forming a task force to review this program.
Small Business Loan Program.
On December 14, 2009, the City Council approved taking a look at an extension
of the city small business loan program. After many discussions with small business
owners, I know that one major barrier to increasing jobs is obtaining credit.
For nearly 10 years, the City of Charlotte has supported small businesses through
a loan program, which has yielded generally good results. The idea here is to
promote new and growing businesses in key growth sectors. For the next 60 days,
city staff will be reaching out to lenders and small business owners to identify
specific gaps in the credit markets that an expanded loan program could address.
Criminal Justice Improvements.
On December 8, I met with Police Chief Rodney Monroe to begin working on a
strategy to push broader criminal justice system reforms through in Raleigh.
I strongly believe that court system technology is a key to improved efficiency
and effectiveness in the criminal justice system, and I am going to press for
innovation here in Mecklenburg County.
Joint City-State Staff Working Group on Independence Boulevard.
I have met with N.C. Secretary of Transportation Gene Conti to discuss
Highway 74 (Independence Boulevard). For decades, city planners and state
transportation officials have been working in isolation from each other, which
has played a significant role in the decline of that corridor.
The next mile is slated for construction in 2011. Before that work begins,
we are putting together a joint city-state work team to explore ways to
construct future portions that take into account transportation, economic
development and neighborhood challenges and opportunities. The work team
will look at whether a better design can be achieved and is slated complete
its work in 90 days or less – not impacting the construction schedule.
I-485 Completion.
I have been in constant contact with state leaders on I-485. You may recall
that Governor Beverly Perdue has put together a proposal to complete the
remaining loop portion of I-485 by 2014 -- one year before it was slated to start
construction. In proposing a novel way to fund this project, it is not surprising
that questions have been raised about it. I remain highly confident that, in the end,
the accelerated schedule will remain in place.
U. S. Conference of Mayor's Climate Change Agreement.
More than 1000 mayors across the United States have signed the U.S.
Conference of Mayor's Climate Change Agreement. With a stroke of a pen,
Charlotte has now joined them.
As we close out 2009, things are clearly looking up. Just consider the following
encouraging signs surrounding our economy and the spirit of civic activism that
has kept Charlotte moving forward:
The Bank of America Board of Directors has selected Brian Moynihan as the
company’s new CEO. While much has been speculated about the future of
Bank of America’s headquarters, the new leadership has made clear that
Charlotte will remain as the corporate headquarters.
Electrolux announced that it will relocate its headquarters to Charlotte and
grow 700 new jobs here.
Two weeks later, Zenta announced that it will bring its headquarters to
Charlotte and grow 1000 new back office financial services jobs.
Wells Fargo/Wachovia has donated $6 million to the Charlotte community,
making critical investments in education, arts, human services, business corridor
improvements and combating homelessness.
The Spangler Family Foundation donated millions of dollars to public education,
including a $2 million scholarship to my alma mater, West Charlotte High School.
I am grateful to serve the City of Charlotte as Mayor, and I thank you for the
vital role you have played in making it all happen.
I love hearing from you, so please never hesitate to call or write.
The best way to reach me is as follows:
Anthony Foxx
Mayor’s Office
600 East 4th Street
15th Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-336-2241
afoxx@ci.charlotte.nc.us
We are already overwhelmed by the number of scheduling requests that have
come to our office -- many more requests than I could possibly make. However,
if you have such a request, I urge you to contact Pam Young directly. She
handles my schedule and reaching her is the most efficient way to get a
scheduling request processed. Her contact information is 704-336-2064 or
pyoung@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Sara Forman will continue supporting the campaign as our Finance Director.
Any campaign-related questions should be directed to her (sara@anthonyfoxx.com).
Best to you and your family for a Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Anthony.
============================================
The Derita Lions Club
meets the 2nd & 4th Monday of most months
Visitors & New Members Welcome
6:30 - 8 pm Maria’s Grill in Derita 2801 West Sugar Creek Rd.
"Your Vision is An Important Gift, The Lions Help People See"
What Can You Do When Small Print Begins to Get Fuzzy?
When your arms seem to be too short and the print blurry, blink gently to refresh
your eyes, or close and relax them.
Change focus often to keep the muscles flexible and strong.
Read small print every day as close as you can, to keep the ability to do so.
Don't strain! Relax and see.
Getting the health of your eyes checked is important but so is only wearing glasses
if you feel you are straining. Reading glasses do the work of the eye muscles for us.
When we don't use muscles they become weaker and it is even harder to focus.
Rest your eyes frequently. Losing our near vision after a lifetime of seeing well may
occur after or during a period of stress, such as the death of a loved one, returning to
school or a serious illness. Often there is a reduction in sleep and an increase in
anxiety. The little muscles that change our focus from far to near are susceptible to
both physical and emotional stress and they need to recover.
Palming: This is a way to deeply rest your eyes. First, find a position where you
can support your elbows, breathe fully and relax your body. You might do this at
a desk, or with pillows on the couch or lying down in bed. Then, gently cover your
closed eyes with your cupped hands. Avoid touching your eyes or putting much
pressure on your face. In order to relax the eyes we need to relax the mind and find
an alternative to our usual planning and worrying thoughts. Be aware of what you are
focusing on. Enjoying the deep, velvety, black spaciousness that you "see" when
you cover and close your eyes
Blinking: Blinking is for the eyes what breathing is for the body. The blink spreads
the tears over the eyes to wash them, nourish them and to keep them moist.
Changing Focus: When you are doing any task for a while, give your eyes little
breaks by looking at something at a different distance. When reading, sewing,
drawing or working at the computer look at something at least 20 feet away every
five minutes or so. Staring intensely at road while driving? Glance down to check
the speedometer. If can help relax your eye muscles.
Persistent problems may indicate something more than eyestrain. Protect your
eyesight and see an eyecare specialist.
============================================
Bargains Galore
Why wait until you can hold a Yard Sale? If you've got stuff filling up your garage,
something you're no longer using, furniture that doesn't go with the "new look" ??
You can list it for FREE in our weekly Bargains Galore email that goes out each
Wednesday night. . . In fact, you can list up to 6 items free every week. We've had
computers, printers, TV's, lawn & yard equipment, scooters, trucks, stereo & radio
equipment, wedding items, collectibles . . . the list goes on!
Some of it sells, some doesn't. But the list is constantly changing and the list of
folks requesting this FREE Email continues to grow. Write deritarep@aol.com to
receive a sample copy.
============================================
As I Recall . . . memories of a growing up in Derita
A Got A Favorite Derita Memory?
A few posts from the "I Grew Up in Derita Facebook Page"
One of mine was riding my bicycle to Derita Drug Store (back when the lunch
counter was inside the store). I'd order a cherry milkshake and watch the ladies
scoop up several scoops of vanilla ice cream, a scoop of real red cherries in
thick syrup, and then a splash of milk. . . The result was a delicious pink shake
so thick that you had to eat it with a spoon (the cherries wouldn't fit through a
straw).
Yeah, I got "brain freeze" over and over again. I was addicted. I couldn't stop
until I reached the bottom of the cup. --- Bernie Samonds
=====================================================
"Derita Drugstore, Mr.Mac with his white pharmacist's shirt, and great ice cream
sodas there..." --- Cindy Parsell Kennedy
=====================================================
"I grew up in Derita and lived on Cedarhurst Drive. I used to fish in Hunter
Acres pond with Chris Fitch. You can not mention Derita without mentioning
Puckett`s. There was a pool at the end of the street we used to swim in before
Tanglewoods apartments. When it snowed, we always sledded down Dalecrest
Drive. A lot of my friends lived in the Woodstone apartments and on Pineleaf,
Monmouth, and Kenmont Drive.
"Most sports were played at Cheshire ballfield besides the Tadlock's. It is now
mostly apartments and not farmland. I remember my dad taking me to Gibson's
Grocery Store and The Cubbyhole. The Cubbyhole had the best comic books
and candy in Derita. Barbara always took my money back bottles. --- Kelly Hutto
=======================================================
"I lived on the corner of Allen Road South and Alpine Lane. We had seven boys,
my kids played ball at Cheshire Ball Field, swim team Allen Hills. I owned the
Natural Difference Tanning Center on Graham St,. anyone remember?
"My sons were John, Sam, Jeff, Jerry and Jack Jr. We moved in 1994. It was
a great place to raise kids and a wonderful place to make friends. We miss the
old Derita and all the wonderful people. --- Bobbie Taylor
======================================================
"I sure miss Derita, the way it use to be. A kid could ride his bike anywhere
back then and not have to worry about to much. We lived all over: Derita Woods,
Allen Hills, Mallard Creek. I remember riding my bike to the Mini Mart.to get
a Yohoo, Swimming on the swim team at Allen Hills, the parties on Hubbard
Road. Man those were simpler times. --- Larry Peedin
======================================================
"Allen Hills swim team! I spent every available moment in the pool or at the park!
My family moved to the burbs, but I still miss those summers.... --- Pamela Dellinger
=======================================================
"I remember going to Allen Hills Pool and friends from Ranson in a band, playing
there. Stairway to Heaven. Good Times --- Linda Guin Bell
=======================================================
"I used to live in the last house on the left on Starmount..when it was a dead end
road in Hunters Acres. Now it's crazy all the houses they have/are building out
there. We had motorcycle trails all thru those woods! Fun times! The lake in
Hunter Acres used to scare the heck out of me. . I'd ride my bike as fast as I
could to get home before dark. And yep, the bonfire and sled riding down the hill!
Good times indeed! --- Sherri Chandler Miller
=======================================================
"Hunter Acres, Freddy Gibbon's Farm. The shortcut from Hunter Acres to Derita
by going up Creek Hill through the woods. The lake in Hunter Acres. J&Js Grocery
on Old Statesville Road. The Mini-Market in Derita. Crater Park. Allen Hills,
Chuck's Grill, JRs Dairy Bar. --- Michael Vanhoy
=====================================================
"I grew up on Sugar Creek and remember walking to Griffins Fish Camp for
candy and the Derita ball field for Cheerleading and hanging out with friends
(mostly boy watching :)= ). --- Linda Raborn Puckett
======================================================
"Griffin's Fish Camp, man that brings back memories. I used to ride my dirt bike
from Mallard Creek Rd to Griffin's in the dark with no head lights. Jeff Goode..
Eddie Osborne..Scott Lewis..Tad Tadlock..Little Man Jean. We all rode dirt
bikes back then...parties on Hubbard Rd Field..man that was the life --- Larry Peedin
========================================================
"I grew up in Derita, and man has it changed over the yrs. There where the
(old) Food Lion is, It used to be a corn field. And old man Bill had a little stand
there. I would work for him in the summer picking corn. Look at it now!!!
--- Dennis Hagan
=======================================================
"The (old) Food Lion sets where there use to be a farm, and in the middle of the
farm under a huge oak tree there was a produce stand owned and operated by
a nice old man all the kids called Uncle Bill.....He would always give the kids
free fruit.... --- Billyjack Bruton
-======================================================
"I'm a virgin to Facebook, but saw Lake road (listed), so though I'd jump in. I
haven't been to Allen Hills in years. I remember the park and the field, Twin lanes,
bus 259, the Rusher bothers, the Carpenters, Brad Allen and all the neighborhood
girls. I think everyone in the neighborhood was the same age...what a great time to
grow up. Has it changed much??? --- Keith Donahue
=======================================================
I remember walking to the Cubbyhole with Meg and Lynn Pouncy, picking up
bottles along the way to have money to buy candy and stewart sandwiches!
When bottle money could buy candy! --- Malinda Sharpe Logothetis
=====================================================
To Rev. Paul Thompson: Must have been awfully hard to run out of Gas on
a date, if you stopped in 1000 X. But it was also a good place to stop for an
Icee, if you played Church softball at the park on Sunday afternoon.
I remember when Derita Baptist used to have a fleet of buses to pickup folks
for their Sunday Services. The drivers would fill them up at The Cubbyhole
every Saturday because my Dad gave them a "Church" Discount and they
could get gas even when it in short supply and practically rationed. My older
brother went to Derita Baptist . . . not so much because he was a Baptist, but
because his girl friend was. I wound up at the Methodist Church because they
had a Boy Scouting program. --- Bernie Samonds
=====================================================
I was one of those mentioned below by Joey Rusher - terrorized is probably a
mild term when thinking of a few of the acts we committed - is Frank Gadsen
still in Allen Hills? And yes, I remember well the field where we partied many
a night - what a spot that was!!! My parents still live in the home I grew up in
in Derita. And I surely remember The Derita Reporter, Mr. Samonds.
I appreciate the page here, and thank you Joey for sending me the link.
-- Andrew Thomas
=====================================================
I grew up in Allen Hills on Tewkesbury Rd. My brothers, sister and I, and many,
many friends terrorized the entire Derita area for more than 20 years. From the
60’s into the 80’s. I ran with Carlton Kinard, Ritchie West, Brad Allen, Brian Webb,
Keith Donahue, Andy Thomas, Billy Deflice and many drifters. Melinda, the Pouncy
sisters, Shelly, Diana, the Webb sisters, Peggy ... we had an absolutely fantastic
childhood. I reminisce all the time about them. The Cubbyhole, the Gook, Derita
Drugstore, Chilly Moose, the pool and park in the summer and sledding Lake Rd
in the Winter . Wow I miss those days! Would not have changed a thing. Does
anyone remember the airport? Not the airport on Statesville Rd. But the secret
“airport” way down in the field where we would meet every weekend and have
parties like never seen before or since. The younger crowd wouldn’t understand.
It's all developed now. Thanks to Sissy for inviting me to this Group.--- Joey Rusher
==============================================================
I remember every time it snowed , we had huge Bonfire parties on the big hill in
Hunter Acres , so everyone could sled down the hill all night long & awesome softball
games on the dirt field with boys & girls playing --girls of course were better :)
---- Sherri Young Smith
=============================================================
I grew up in Allen Hills on Alpine Lane; went to Ranson Jr. High and North Meck
High; graduated in 82. --- Joanne Gurganus Parillo
==============================================================
For a Great Trip down Memory Lane, Visit
Derita Reporter photo archive.
http://community.webshots.com/user/DeritaReporterArchive
Derita Demons Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=62450135238
Allen Hills Swim Club Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48889849214
I grew up in Derita Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48889849214
Derita Historical Archive Blog
http://deritahistoricalarchive.blogspot.com/
RibbonWalk Forest Photos
http://community.webshots.com/user/deritadsrco
=================================================
"Watch Night" Service on New Year's Eve
One of my favorite childhood memories was a "Watch Night" service on
New Year's Eve one year in Greenville, SC. Being a grocer's kid, getting
away for much more than a family day trip was a special occasion for my
family. This particular New Year's came on a weekend, so we headed out
for my Aunt & Uncle's house early on Sunday Morning.
The combined families were meeting for a big covered dish lunch. Afterwards,
We boys played some football in the backyard despite the cold. Their dad was
a mill worker at the Union Bleachery, so I didn't get to see them often. The day
was a lot of fun.
There was a filling "Leftovers Supper," and about a quarter of Eleven, we headed
to the small Baptist Church they attended, just down the lane. The pews were
filled and the place was packed. Hope you'll catch the double meaning when I tell
you the tiny church just radiated warmth.
There were familiar songs sung that I knew; Others I was able to follow out of the
well worn hymnals. Holy Communion was shared and after a the benediction, we
all bundled up for a cold, brisk walk back to my Aunt's house. There was something
so special about that night. I could feel it in the air as we first headed out for the
Church about an hour before. But as they opened the outer doors, you could hear
the Ooooh's & Ahhhhh's as each succeeding group of folks exited the church into
the crisp night air filled with tiny snowflakes falling. Oh man, it's snowing!
The flakes had grown to quarter or maybe even half-dollar size by the time we
reached the house and you know I must have had a terrible time sleeping that
night. The old quilt pallet I shared with my cousins (they were short of beds back
then with 3 kids of their own & so many guests) was comfortable and warm, but
I had to get up every so often to assure myself that the flakes were still falling.
They were and they did, all night long.
The cousins and I were up at first light and there was a snowball fight well in progress
before we were called in for a big country breakfast. My Uncle Elzie was well known
to offer a humble and all-encompassing prayer before every meal, but this
New Year's morning, he outdid himself. Still, as excited as I was over the big
snowfall and being there with kids so close to my own age, I have to admit his
words gave me such an inner glow that I remember that wonderful weekend
well over a half century later.
Can't promise you a surprise snowfall like mine this New year's Eve, but I'll
wish you all of the joy and happiness I have found through the years, and
I'll wish you each and every one --- May God's richest Blessings be yours
during the coming New Year.
--- Bernie Samonds
============================================
Returning January 7th
HOT DOGS EVERY THURSDAY
Oak Grove United Methodist Church
6440 Old Statesville Road, 11am - 2pm
Fix'em the way you like'em, Eat In or Take Out
Not a Hot Dog fan?
Skip the dogs, choose the Homemade Soup & muffin
or Pinto Beans and cornbread (ketchup & onions available)
Warm friendly atmosphere. Wonderful conversation readily available
============================================
Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. I read the article in Sunday's Observer. Why is DSRCO opposed to the
Penninger Circle re-zoning? Residents over 55, assisted living facilities, a
pool, cabana. A reduction in the over all number of rental units from 238 to 224
There's even a waiting list for this type accommodations in our area?
Sometimes a news story doesn't give you the full background. Yes, it's over 55 now,
the number of units has been reduced to better conform with the Northeast Plan (calls
for only 108 units), and at least 11 sticking points have been resolved. This project has
now undergone 3 site plan revisions and may be revised again after neighbors meet
with the developer and review plans & drawings at the Community Meeting (January 7th,
7pm, at Derita Presbyterian Church).
Developers don't spend extra money or downsize a project willy-nilly. It's up residents to
make sure a project is the right fit for their community, and to make sure that all of the
oral promises made by a developer are recorded properly in writing on the site plan.
Whatever is built can very likely set the tone for future development in the area.
We do not know this developer, who his builder will be; have not seen his drawings of
the proposed structures, discussed building materials (brick vs vinyl) etc. --- So this is
merely an opportunity to discuss those things. This is what it sometimes takes to reach
the point where talking points become fact. You are invited to participate, if you would
like.
====================================================================
Q. What’s going on with the Metrolina property and all those plans?
--- Jane Duncan, Kelsey Glen
Can't really get into this in detail, other than to say that there were some early delays in
transfer of land ownership and permitting. I have been assured that funding is in place
and the focus will be on getting the New Track built, ready and buffered to open this
Spring in the same time frame as the Hall of Fame Museum.
A few of the previously announced amenities have been sidetracked (but not dropped
or forgotten) as the co-sponsors have tightened their coffers. But Simon Weber tells me
that he has lined up several large corporate sponsors who will also be involved and
participating in the development as the economy improves.
I think this is probably true of a lot of construction projects right now. Everyone is waiting
to see how well the economy rebounds. The Government predicts a slow, but slow, 2 -2.5%
growth throughout 2010. But how far did the economy actually fall? How many years will it
take to get back where we were before? I just looked at the City Re-zoning Petitions to be
heard in January. Two were private requests, the other four were government-related.
Typically, there would be 20-25 petitions in that packet.
Meanwhile, Metrolina Expo, which still owns the bulk of the property surrounding the
Speedway, and will continue business as usual. They remain committed to being a part
of the overall development and will probably be announcing some new additions this Spring,
as well, I think.
Several DSRCO Officers and Community Leaders will be meeting with Simon Weber this
coming week for an update on the Speedway project and he has promised us some
"Good News."
=======================================================================
Q. Bernie, Can you send this out to all of the other neighborhoods, that have
Crime Watch groups?
"Last night, someone rummaged through two of my dad's cars (in his driveway) that were
not locked. He lives off Prosperity Church Rd (5 miles from our neighborhood). Luckily,
he did not have anything of any value and the intruders went on their way. However, several
of his neighbors had the misfortune to have GPS and Sirius radios stolen from their
unlocked cars.
"Several of his neighbors also had the doorbell ring at approximately 2 am and when they
did not answer the intruders proceeded to go around the back and enter the homes
through the back door.
"The police have offered this advise
• Do not leave valuables in the car.
• Keep your car doors locked at all times when not in it.
• If the door bell rings at an inappropriate hour, DO NOT ANSWER THE DOOR,
• But make it known that you are home by turning on all lights in the house, and DIAL 911.
"With the state of the economy still in bad shape and unemployment still up. People are
getting desperate and I want to make sure all of the neighbors get this to ensure, we all
have a safe, and Happy Holidays. --- Joe Smith
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Q. Wondering if anyone ever bought the old plant nursery on Graham St. at the
auction that was held.?
I was told be someone who attended the Auction that no qualifying bids were received
and that it was not sold. Of course, money was especially this summer and I'm not sure
that a lot of folks were looking to make an investment until they see improvement in the
economy.
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Today's Funny
People don't always believe everything they hear, but often repeat it
just to be on the safe side.
My husband is the most unlucky man I've ever known. He's the only man
alive that reported for jury duty and was found guilty.
The Preacher was really rocking in the pulpit, and as the Revival came
to a close. He really wanted to drive his point home. "Can anyone tell
me, he said gazing across the congregation, "what you must do
before you can obtain forgiveness?"
There was dead silence. The Minister began to grow impatient. And
then a small voice from the back of the room spoke up, "Sin?"
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