Hello Friday.
At a recent community forum, CATS leaders presented their 2030 Transit Plan Update. If you need to fall asleep, I’ll send you a copy of their dense, 29 slide PowerPoint. You know what I want? A clear and articulate vision on the future of transportation in our city. It’s complicated (I understand that), but it’s our city leaders’ responsibility to communicate their vision. Figure it out.
Without a comprehensive communication strategy, the average citizen looks at something like the streetcar in isolation and thinks “Am I financing this Disney trolley that hits cars?” Give me a freaking vision. Be clear. Tell us how much it’s likely to cost and how it’s an economic development tool. Even if it’s the smartest plan in the world, you don’t win public support with a 29 slide PowerPoint deck. Anyways.
VITALS
Today’s Weather: 90. Scattered t-storms. 50% chance of rain.
Today’s Stat: #14. Our ranking on the Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers List. Arrrgh, Raleigh ranked #2 and Asheville #12.
Today’s Job: Account Manager at growth company SnapAV. Apply.
Today’s Freelance Gig (bonus): Creative Designer at Bespoke Sports & Entertainment Agency. Apply.
Today’s Charlottean: Daniel Furr (20), a national masonry champion and Mount Pleasant High School Grad, for making it into the WorldSkills International Bricklaying Competition which begins on August 7th in Sao Paul, Brazil [Morris/Observer].
ORIGINALS
Op-Ed: Independence Boulevard looks like a war zone. Does anybody care?
After 30 years of half-baked plans to transform Independence into an expressway, what’s happening now? I agree with Tim that this road is a workhorse and the boarded up businesses lining the road stand in stark contrast to the development you see in all other parts of our city.
Do you speak Emoji? Charlotteans describe their love for our city through emoticons
Miller spent hours translating emoji responses from @OpsGuyNextDoor, @WeLoveCLT, @TheTrolleyWalk, @russellLburton, @annyaaa, @vtshrum, @SocialApeMktg, @grnktchn, @_ariail, @cecestronach, @thephilsandford, @Lleanzaa and @marygross. View emoji responses and grade Miller’s translation skills (poll).
Buying a house is like the Hunger Games
Five home buying tips and one horrifying bathroom photo from Dana (young, first time home buyer). I love her bitterness against HGTV shows. Do houses really exist for <$135,000 in SouthPark?
Tales from the #BartBandit, as we look through his Instagram account
Earlier this summer, the #BartBandits caused controversy when they painted images of Bart Simpson on the streetscapes of Plaza Midwood and NoDa. Liz scored an all access interview with one of the bandits, @axldlrg. Street art or graffiti? Debatable. View 5 of his other works and learn the story behind each.
Why you should be driving to Waxhaw, NC right now: My lunch at Provisions Food & Drink
Paul Verica, owner and executive chef of Heritage, joined forces with Walter Drozd, his sous chef from the Club at Longview, to launch this new joint (39 minutes away from Uptown). Amanda’s recommended dishes: The Dog ($8.50), Caesar salad ($7.50) and a side of their potato salad (complimentary with sandwiches).
Cupcrazed Cakery: They bake and they’re crazy
I didn’t realize that this cupcake spot in Baxter Village has been on the Food Network three times and that owner Heath McDonnell’s Sweet Tea Cupcake with lemon sweet tea frosting won the battle of butter and sugar in Season 3 of Cupcake Wars (earned her a spot on Cupcake Wars Champions in Season 6). Wow.
Livable Meck: Your chance to get involved and shape the future of Mecklenburg County
Marcus Carson (24 year-old Davidson grad) is working to answer the question, how should we grow? Learn more about Livable Meck from Jonathan and how to get involved.
August theatre picks: The Book of Liz to Motown the Musical
Ten reasons to get cultured. Collin’s picks: The Book of Liz at the Charlotte Art League (August 6-22, $22) and 4,000 Miles at Upstage (August 7-16, $16-$18). Live here.
TALKING POINTS
Plans for Crescent’s NoDa Station development released [Levans/Agenda]. View the rendering of this mixed-use development coming to the 36th Street stop on the Blue Line extension. It appears that Crescent is targeting Trader Joe’s as an anchor tenant and that they could be making some urban space for food trucks. Target completion date is early 2017.
Pure Barre will open its 3rd Charlotte studio close to the Williams-Sonoma in SouthPark [Peralta/Observer]. Classes aren’t cheap, but people dig this. Too hard for me.
PIZZERIA omaggio is currently hiring and will open on August 15th at the Metropolitan [Agenda Insta]. This location seems cursed, let’s hope they can overcome it.
Graper Cosmetic Surgery opens new location inside Ballantyne Spa and offers: Medical Skin Care ($75-$115+), Enhancements ($120+), Micro Needling ($150+), Injectables ($190+) and CoolSculpting ($750+) [Ballantyne Hotel]. Ahhh, I don’t think I’m the target market for this.
Zoe’s Kitchen is opening its 5th Charlotte area location at Carmel Commons (shopping center where Amelie’s recently added a location) and they’re targeting an August 13th open date [Thomas/CBJ]. I love crushing the Zoe’s Chicken Salad Sampler ($8.69) and even though it’s likely unhealthy, their vibe still makes me feel healthy.
Enjoy the weekend and you gotta love the advice from the signage at Carriage Fine Dry Cleaners on Park Road: “Because it is summer and the memories are just waiting to happen” [Agenda Insta].
