Home Sales in Pineville
Bazin perserveres through injury to lead Sabres
page 7
page 15 Locally Owned & Operated www.thecharlotteweekly.com
Volume 3, Number 5 • May 2015
Storm water, sewer projects to begin in coming weeks by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com
ROss Coppley kicks off Rockin’ and Reelin’ The Lexington-born country musician shares about his life in Nashville and what he plans for his upcoming tour on page 10.
Photo courtesy of Ross Coppley
Pineville council hears proposed town budget New budget could mean tax increase by Courtney Schultz news@pinevillepilot.com
Pineville Town Manager Haynes Brigman presented a proposed $26.7 million budget to the Pineville Town Council at its May 12 meeting, which included adjustments to department budgets and potentially increased taxes and fees. The council went into budget discussions with a hefty
task of making up lost revenue from the county and state through shaving department budgets and determining revenue generators. Pineville is looking at $824,000 of lost revenue due to ad valorem (property and vehicle) tax collection, which is down due to Mecklenburg County’s still ongoing property tax reevaluations; sales tax collection, which could be reduced by $74,000 through state legislative action;
Pineville residents and businesses are likely to see some activity downtown in the coming weeks, as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) works to relieve drainage issues along the downtown stretch of N.C. 51. Downtown businesses have experienced storm water-related flooding for some time, according to Pineville Town Manager Haynes Brigman. The NCDOT project will install additional draining inlets, mainly between Johnston Drive and Dover Street along N.C. 51 (Main Street), which should alleviate the problem, he added. “(The project) is not intended to make any road improvements in the area,” Brigman said. “… The intent is to provide better storm water drainage in that core area (of downtown).” Crews completed the engineering portion of the project and spray-painted lines along the ground in the area last week, and work was expected to start in the evening hours on Monday, May 18. Brigman said the NCDOT hasn’t provided a definite timeline for the project, but he expects work to continue for at least a few weeks. The majority of work is expected to take place in the evening hours, Brigman said, but drivers and businesses should be prepared throughout the day for
(see Budget on page 11)
INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime, 7; Education, 12; Scores, 6; Home Sales, 7; Calendar, 14; Sports, 15
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News
Vietnam War remains alive for Pineville resident by Crystal O’Gorman crystal@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com
Sgt. Roberto Cruz stands inside his residence in the Danby neighborhood, where he houses one room dedicated to his time spent serving in the Vietnam War. From floor to ceiling, the guest bedroom holds honorary certificates of achievement, photographs with distinguished military commanders and politicians, figurines, flags, maps and coins. Cruz pointed out laminated, black-andwhite photos of young men holding guns and smiling for the camera. He is one of them – a mere 20 years old when he was reposted to Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps. “I was stationed in Puerto Rico and was supposed to go to Korea – after cold-weather training in Alaska – when they told me things had changed and I was going to Vietnam,” Cruz said. He recounted the 11 months, which he said felt more like years, where he spent most of his time working as the guardian of the Chu Lai International Airport from an observational tower with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, 37 ANGLICO Company. He remembers barely escaping death when a sniper came through the tower, just above his head and landed on the wall behind him. “It was a rough time,” he said. However, a light in the darkness came in
news@pinevillepilot.com
Crystal O’Gorman/PP photo
the form of letters; Cruz said he received letters from many pen pals back home. In his commemoratory room, he thumbed through a red wallet-sized photo album and showed pictures of 39 young women who wrote to him regularly. One in particular stood the test of time, as he met his wife of 47 years, Maria, through those written words. “After leaving Vietnam in August 1968, I went to visit some of the women to thank them for writing me,” he said. “One of the last women I decided to meet was Maria.” Three months later, they were married. They grew up five miles apart in the Bronx and found each other thousands of miles
apart on opposite ends of the world. She remained his rock as he overcame alcoholism, a side effect of the challenges of fighting in the war. “For the first ten years, I didn’t want anything to do with (the military); my wife helped me change and now I spend my time helping other veterans,” Roberto Cruz said, who has lived in Pineville for more than 13 years. He was awarded the 2013 Excellente Award from La Noticia for his service to veterans. Cruz is an active member of several military-focused organizations, including: Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Order of Purple Hearts, Marine Order of the Devil Dogs,
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Second Marine Division. He also volunteers with Toys for Tots and Disabled American Veterans. Cruz believes it’s important to stay connected with his fellow military members and to help guide the younger generation through the dark days when transitioning stateside. “Many young vets thank us and say ‘because of you guys, we are getting (help/services) what you didn’t get,’” Cruz said. While his Vietnam memories evoke pain at the thought of the friends he lost in the line of fire, he proudly displays his time there like a badge of courage. “It was hard,” he said. “Sometimes I wondered, ‘Why did I make it instead of them?’ but it’s important to keep the memory alive for the ones we lost.” Cruz plans to continue honoring fallen soldiers by visiting The Wall in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day. The Wall was built in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. He said he’s been there a dozen times and will continue to visit on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. “It’s a great way to reconnect,” he said, as he rubbed a commemorative Vietnam coin between his thumb and index finger, looking off into the distance. “I am going to pay my respects to the ones we brought home and the ones that are still out there.”
Pineville Pilot • May 2015 • Page 3
News
Projects (continued from page 1)
potential lane closures or traffic delays. “We hope … a lot of work will take place in the evening hours, but (crews) may be working throughout the day, so drivers are going to want to be aware of that,” he said. Though the project might be a shortterm inconvenience for businesses along the corridor, Brigman said the long-term effects of the project will significantly benefit many of the shops, especially a currently vacant building located on the north side of Main Street, just east of the railroad crossing. “We hope they see (the project) as positive, especially those who experience flooding or puddling along the sidewalks,” he said. Because the project might generate a temporary loss of some on-street parking spaces, Brigman said shoppers visiting downtown businesses should plan to use public parking areas behind the buildings, especially on the north side of Main Street. Pineville residents also should be aware of an upcoming Charlotte Water project in the Cone Avenue/Eden Circle/Hill Street area. Charlotte Water, previously known as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department (CMUD), is expected to
Page 4 • May 2015 • Pineville Pilot
begin work in early June, replacing some of the old sanitary sewer lines and ground infrastructure in the area. Brigman said residents in the area have been experiencing sewer backups and have reported them to Charlotte Water. “A big reason why they’re doing the infrastructure improvements is as (the infrastructure has aged), some of it’s clogged up and some of it’s failing, so we’re excited to be improving that area,” Brigman said. The town hopes to receive a schedule from Charlotte Water in the coming weeks so town staff can let affected residents know when and where to anticipate work. Brigman said work is expected to begin along Cone Avenue on part of the Cone Mill property, and crews would continue working their way south into what is often called “old town.” An additional benefit of the project for residents is it will involve moving some of the sewer lines, currently located at the rear of residential properties, to the right of way in front of the property. “There will be no sewer lines in the backyards – that now will be moved to the right of way, so a lot of (residents) will see improvements in that regard, as well,” Brigman said. Pineville also plans to begin asphalt and sidewalk work along a number of streets this summer. Brigman said the
specific roads haven’t been chosen yet, but added the town will avoid work in the downtown area for the time being. “We’re going to see if any road improvements are needed in areas all across town (along) some residential roads, as well as some commercial properties,” he said. “We’re going to have a good split of what they’re going to be; we’re going to address some of the more severe issues … (such as) where the asphalt is higher than the curb, etc.” Call town hall at 704-889-2291 for more information about these projects.
PIneville residents can expect construction in the Cone Avenue/Eden Circle/Hill Street area to alleviate sewer backups and other sewage complications in the area. Josh Whitener/PP photo
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News
Pineville strikes down cell tower increase, but issue might not be over by Courtney Schultz news@pinevillepilot.com
The Pineville Town Council continued a March 10 public hearing regarding a height increase to an existing cell tower at its May 12 meeting and denied the request. However, a newly-enforced Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule might mean the petitioner doesn’t need a permit from the town. Crown Castle requested a 20-foot increase to the existing tower, located at 12109 Lancaster Hwy. next to the Waldhorn Restaurant, to allow co-locates for T-Mobile. At the March 10 public hearing, town staff voiced concerns regarding the increased “fall zone� the height increase would create. Council also requested more information from Crown Castle, as well as an improved third party engineering report. The applicant provided a new structural analysis from FHD Engineering, Inc., a certificate of liability insurance and a third party structural opinion
letter from Tower Engineering Professionals. The structural analysis from FHD rated the structure at 96.3 percent capacity. The previous analysis showed a 106.1 percent capacity. The most recent analysis also hinges on assumptions that the tower was built to manufactures’ specifications, the tower has been maintained to specifications, the configuration of antennas is as specified and strengthening modifications will be performed as specified. The applicant did not submit documentation showing the tower was properly maintained through age and corrosion, and the burden of proof falls on the applicant to do so, according to Pineville Planning Director Travis Morgan. The proposal also requests an expansion area of 10 by 12 feet outside of the existing fences area to accommodate additional electrical equipment. FHD Engineering also added steel plates to the bottom and at 90 feet high of the
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Pineville Pilot â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 5
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The Pineville Pilot
10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-849-2261 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 704-849-2504 news@pinevillepilot.com
EDITORIAL
News Briefs Cone Mill case moves into mediation
Pineville Town Manager Haynes Brigman announced at the May 12 town council meeting the judge ruled on Monday, May 11, for the town of Pineville Features Editor Art Director and Fred Goldey, owner of the Cone Mill Josh Whitener Maria Hernandez land, to move into mediation regarding News Writers Layout Editor the Cone Mill dispute. Hannah Chronis Erin Kirby The town has attempted to clean up the land for nearly a year, since Goldeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ryan Pitkin A&E Editor demolition work caused safety concerns Crystal Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gorman Dee Grano for the town. Sports Writer Faith Columnist Pineville filed a suit against Goldey for Ben Doster Rev. Tony Marciano violating zoning ordinances due to the excessive debris and unsecure access to ADVERTISING the facility. Charlotte Conway The property owner accumulated Adrian Garson approximately $188,000 in fines since 2013, when the town canceled the conDISTRIBUTION tract with Goldey, and he has not paid Manager any of the fines or fixed any of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mike Kochy issues with the property, Brigman said. The town manager said he expected the PUBLISHER case to move to mediation, but added the Founder â&#x20AC;&#x153;town does not intend to buckle.â&#x20AC;? Alain Lillie Brigman added the town has pursued the Cone Mill fines not to simply generate revenue, but for purposes of compliance and public safety. Advertising: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If (mediation) doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out, it will adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com have to be taken to trial court,â&#x20AC;? he said. Managing Editor Courtney Schultz
The Pineville Pilot is published by the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
Town prohibits parking on Feldfarm Lane
The Pineville Town Council voted to prohibit on-street parking on Feldfarm Lane, a 0.23-mile town road, at its May 12 meeting. The Pineville police, public works and planning departments all received
complaints from Feldfarm businesses, notably the office condominiums, about ongoing parking of tractor-trailer trucks along the road, which block sight visibility in and out of neighboring driveways, said Pineville Planning Director Travis Morgan. Morgan suspected the tractor-trailer trucks were from patrons of the Suburban Extended Stay and others are just being stored overnight. Business owners said their customers complain about visibility when leaving their businesses, as well as the excessive noise from the trucks. The town voted unanimously to place 42 signs, which will cost around $2,800, to be placed along both sides of the lane notifying drivers of the prohibition. Morgan said the planning department would look into how quickly the signs will be placed on the street.
Town staff also recommended an amendment to the town ordinance related to utility work in the right-of-way within town. The amendment would allow the town to use stricter guidelines to better oversee utility work and set provisions of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required. Residents can speak at any of the public hearings on June 9, a Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. at The Hut, located at 413 Johnston Drive.
Pineville to hold three public hearings in June
The Pineville Town Council will host three public hearings at its June 9 meeting to receive public input regarding the town budget, a permit amendment and an ordinance amendment. Town Manager Haynes Brigman presented the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed $26.7million budget at the May 12 Pineville Town Council meeting, in which he proposed a decrease in multiple departmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; operating budgets and a 3-cent Ad Valorem tax increase. Residents can pick up a budget package at town hall, located at 200 Dover St., for more information about the budget. Ipex, Inc., located at 10100 Rodney St., would like to expand its facility, which would require an amendment to its conditional use permit and a public hearing. Residents can contact Planning Director Travis Morgan at tmorgan@pinevilledsl. net for more information.
The Pineville Pilot Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following dining locations from April 17 to May 13. All Scores: 28134 â&#x20AC;˘ Applebeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grill & Bar, 10921 Carolina Place Pkwy. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 97.5 â&#x20AC;˘ CafĂŠ de Cadillac, 10725 Pineville Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 93 â&#x20AC;˘ Chaupaati, 9101 PinevilleMatthews Road, suite I â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 96.5 â&#x20AC;˘ Dorchester, 12930 Dorman Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 97 â&#x20AC;˘ Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte-Pineville, 9705 Leitner Drive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 94.5 â&#x20AC;˘ Holiday Inn Express, 9825 Leitner Drive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 94.5 â&#x20AC;˘ Longhorn Steakhouse, 10605 Centrum Pkwy. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 96.5 â&#x20AC;˘ Starbucks, 9015 PinevilleMatthews Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 99 â&#x20AC;˘ Subway, 10610 Centrum Pkwy., suite L â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 97.5 â&#x20AC;˘ Taco Bell, 10917 Carolina Place Pkwy. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 96
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Page 6 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Pineville Pilot
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The Pineville Pilot
Crime Blotter The following people were arrested between April 13 and May 3, according to the Pineville Police Department. • Kieran Norman, 10000 block of Park Cedar Drive: Possession of marijuana and paraphernalia; possession of alcohol under 21 years old. April 13 • Briana Smith, 300 block of North Polk Street: Aiding/abetting breaking and entering into a motor vehicle; possession of marijuana; concealment of stolen property. April 15 • Brandon Green, 300 block of North Polk Street: Breaking and entering into motor vehicle; possession of breaking and entering tools; escaping from custody/resisting arrest. April 15 • Derrick Davis, 11200 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. April 15 • Andy Edwards, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Trespassing. April 17 • Richard Martin, 8700 block of PinevilleMatthews Road: Possession of marijuana. April 17 • Kelsey Griffin, 8700 block of PinevilleMatthews Road: Possession of marijuana. April 17 • Emmanuel Alacantar, 9000 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Possession of marijuana. April 17 • Iris Martin, 10200 block of Fedlfarm Lane: Possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. April 20 • Jason Brown, 10100 block of Johnston
Road: Possession of cocaine; contributing to the delinquency of a minor. April 21 • Cassandra Weber, Park Road near N.C. 51: Possession of marijuana paraphernalia. April 22 • Kendra Chambers, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. April 23 • Janette Pullen, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. April 23 • Jason Shaw, 100 block of Water Oak Drive: Possession of drug paraphernalia. April 23 • Deangela Harris, 9600 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Possession of schedule VI controlled substance. April 24 • Alexis Kiaha, I-485 North on ramp near N.C. 51: Possession of marijuana. April 25 • Brandy Smith, I-485 near South Boulevard: Littering. April 25 • Mitchell Jones, Park road near Johnston Road: Warrant for arrest. April 25 • David Crisp, 10300 block of Stineway Court: Warrant for arrest. April 25 • Quincy Brooks, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Trespassing. April 27 • Destinee Abraham, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. April 27 • Richard Teelucksingh, 100 block of Water Oak Drive: Shoplifting. April 28 • Kerell Alexander, 10500 block of Centrum Parkway: Shoplifting. May 1 • Raymond Bruton, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Assault on a female. May 1 • Cailey Kreitman, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. May 1 • Derrick Andrews, 7500 block of Pineville Matthews Road: Driving while impaired. May 2 • Corey Vines, block of Park and N.C.-51: Driving while impaired. May 2
• Ronnie Sistare, 10200 block of Centrum Parkway: Shoplifting. May 2 • James Wood, 11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. May 2
• Lexus Edwards, 12700 block of Meadow Creek Lane: Assault with a deadly weapon. May 3
Home Sales in Pineville
A breakdown of recent home sales
Editor’s note: Information provided by the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and www.sales.carolinahome.com
Homes Sold Average Sales Price Address
Apr. 2015
Apr. 2014
Apr. 2013
8 $231,155
16 $237,171
14 $268, 184
Address
Date sold
Date sold
Sale price
28134 Carolina Village 14135 Green Birch Drive Apr. 28 Danby 13801 Dannemara Drive Apr. 28 13204 Baker Mills Road Apr. 20 13913 Eden Court Apr. 13
12627 Delman Lane $255,000 $141,500 $185,000 $150,000
Apr. 1
Sale price
$157,500
McCullough 14703 Country Lake Drive Apr. 30 $424,491 1122 Cedar Park Drive Apr. 29 $330,749 Woodside Falls 12315 Woodside Falls Road Apr. 15 $205,000
. . . t u o s s i m t Don’ Next Issue: June 16th Nestled adjacent to Ballantyne and SouthPark in south Charlotte, the Town of Pineville offers the small-town feel with all the big city amenities within its borders, just across the street in south Charlotte, and only a few minutes away from Uptown. With a current population of just over 8,000 and growing quickly with beautiful new neighborhoods from John Wieland’s McCullough to True Home’s Parkway Crossing, Pineville is on the move. As Pineville’s only newspaper, the residents of Pineville read The Pilot cover-to-cover. Get in front of these attentive and loyal readers and turn them into your customers by advertising in The Pilot.
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Pineville Pilot • May 2015 • Page 7
Graduation. Birthday. Wedding. Anniversary. New Home. Hostess. Special Occasion.
News
Cell Tower (continued from page 5)
tower to increase structural capacity, according to the applicant. Town staff suggested Crown Castle use a tower less than a mile away near the police station for the new co-locates, but Bob Hill, of T-Mobile, said the police station tower would not create the coverage the company needs. Engineers said they felt comfortable with the changes they made and would recommend the tower. However, town staff did not recommend the tower height increase because of the tower’s age and the potential damage if it were to fall, which could include taking out power lines and buildings. Councilmember David Phillips called a motion to deny the request because he had not heard any positive feedback from “anyone who doesn’t stand to make money,” and the town voted unanimously to deny the request. However, Crown Castle’s attorney, Bobby Sullivan, claimed a recent FCC rule stated certain modifications to existing towers are exempt from local permitting and the company submitted information last week stating their modification falls in the exempt category. “It’s a brand new rule that the FCC
just adopted this year and this took effect last month,” Sullivan said. “As soon as Crown recognized that this rule applied, we brought it to the town.” The rule states that if a company is making what the rule considers “not a substantial change” on the physical dimension of an existing tower, then it’s not subject to permit, and the FCC determined objective standards of what’s considered “substantial,” which is 20 feet or 10 percent of the existing structure, he added. “The idea is that you facilitate the development of telecommunication infrastructure by saying, ‘If you’re going to make use of an existing tower and you’re not changing it too much that we’re going to streamline that,’” Sullivan said. Morgan said Crown Castle brought up the FCC concern three business days before the meeting; however, the rule went into effect in mid-April. The applicant had delayed the public hearing from the April 14 meeting to May 12. If the public hearing had taken place as originally scheduled, the FCC rule would not be a factor. Morgan said the town’s legal counsel feels the request falls within a “gray area” of the rule, and counsel will need to evaluate the rule before further action is taken regarding the tower.
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2015 Nestled adjacent to Ballantyne and SouthPark in south Charlotte, the Town of Pineville offers the small-town feel with all the big city amenities within its borders, just across the street in south Charlotte, and only a few minutes away from Uptown. With a current population of just over 8,000 and growing quickly with beautiful new neighborhoods from John Wieland’s McCullough (see image below) to True Home’s Parkway Crossing, Pineville is on the move. As Pineville’s only newspaper, the residents of Pineville read The Pilot cover-to-cover. Get in front of these attentive and loyal readers and turn them into your customers by advertising in The Pilot.
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Pineville Pilot • May 2015 • Page 9
News
Quick questions with Ross Coppley by Ryan Pitkin ryan@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com
Lexington-born country musician Ross Coppley will kick things off for the summer as the first performer of Pineville’s Rockin’ and Reelin’ 2015 Summer Concert and Movie Series at Pineville Lake Park, located at 1000 Johnston Drive, at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29. The Pineville Pilot spoke with Coppley before his performance to see how he’s adjusting to the lifestyle in Nashville, Tennessee, and what residents can expect at his performance.
Have you ever been to Pineville? “I played there one time before, but I’m not sure that it was the Rockin’ and Reelin’ Series, so for me it’s kind of a coming back type of deal. (The greater Charlotte area) is always one of the areas I hit while on tour. It’s always been one of my favorite places to play because anywhere I play in North Carolina, it’s just like playing at home.”
How long have you been living in Nashville? “I’d been commuting for four years
between North Carolina and Nashville and I finally made the move a year and a half ago.”
Has the move helped you, musically? “Yes. After moving, I took some time off to write and to get settled. This will actually be one of my first shows back since taking that time off.”
What have you accomplished during that hiatus? “It’s been a blessing; not that I wanted to be off the road, but I just needed to put more things together. It’s been a really positive decision and the songs I’ve been writing are 10 times better than what I had in the past. I’m really excited to get on the road and start to play these songs.”
Your newest single, “How’s It Gonna Be,” was chosen by fan vote. Do you enjoy getting the fans involved? “I’ve always tried keeping up interaction with the fans. I love communicating with everybody. I really wanted to do something different this time. I really wanted to do something that involves the audience. As much of a big role as they play already, I wanted them to have input. Instead of people out there in the industry saying, ‘This is what people want to hear,’ I want people to say, ‘This is what we want to hear.’”
How has your music grown in that time?
Were you happy with the fans’ selection?
“It’s a matured side of what I’ve been doing and progressing in my career. A lot of (the songs I play at Rockin’ &
“Oh, yeah. It was close, but I love both songs that were up for a vote anyway.”
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Or Drop Off at our store in Pineville at 8500 PINEVILLE-MATTHEWS RD.
Providence Vols 7th ANNUAL Football Conditioning Camps s Conditioning Camps & Sign-ups will begin in May for the upcoming 2015 football season. Come out and join an exciting, competitive team with a family friendly atmosphere this spring. s On-field football conditioning, technique teaching, fundamental development, mental toughness training, speed work, and season preparation for each participant s Ages: 7 thru 13 years of age
Jack D Hughes Park in Pineville: Dates & Times TBD Address: 513 Main Street, Pineville, NC 28134 For more information, contact Randy LeClair 704-807-1597, pvfootball01@gmail.com or visit our team website at www.providencevolsfootball.com. Page 10 • May 2015 • Pineville Pilot
Reelin’) will be brand new songs for people to hear; new material and I’m really excited to see how people take to it.”
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What traction has the song produced since being released? “This song is starting to get more traction and radio play, and that’s 100 percent based off the fans’ requests. I’m very humble and blessed to have that support and interaction.”
Being from Lexington, do you favor small towns, especially within your home state, as opposed to big venues? “I play some venues where there are thousands of people who come out for different things, but when you play smaller events, you get people who aren’t able to travel out to other areas. It’s enjoyable to me to see the people who don’t get to travel far and get to see those people’s reactions. The smallest areas have the biggest hearts in their audience, so I always enjoy doing things like this.” You can follow Ross Coppley on Twitter at @RossCoppley or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rosscoppleymusic. His website is www.rosscoppley.com.
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News
Budget (continued from page 1)
a $40,000 reduction of Powell Bill funds that help with road improvements; a loss of $600,000 through the state eliminating business privilege tax licenses; and an increase in service demands from population growth. Brigman also said at the May 12 meeting there are other state bills that could affect daily activities and responsibilities of the town, which could place more of a burden on the town. To accommodate the shortfall, the town looked at multiple avenues, including decreasing operating budgets; paying off long-term debt of police department with revenue funds to eliminate interest payment, but could leave the town vulnerable in case of emergencies; increasing public safety department budgets to accommodate population growth; and using reserve funds to pay for major expenses, which Brigman does not consider a long-term solution. The proposed budget decreased operating budgets of multiple departments, including public works by 13 percent, planning by 3 percent, cemetery by 50 percent and police by 8 percent, among others. The council also agreed to increase the fire and solid waste department budgets to accommodate population growth. “It’s the nature of providing the services (to accommodate a greater population),” Brigman told the council at a budget workshop meeting on April 28. The enterprise fund – which encompasses the electric and telephone companies of the town – could see a decrease in the electric department’s funding and an increase in the telephone department to accommodate for new marketing and service demands as well as establish fiberto-home equipment to compete with Google Fiber, which will be installed throughout Charlotte this year, according to staff recommendations. The telephone department plans to hire a marketing employee to market the town’s services to increase the customer base and one service technician. Brigman also said the town will not see an electric rate increase. Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Rogers Davis said during the April 28 budget workshop she did not want invest any more money into the telephone department until she was confident the payout is worth it. On the capital side, staff recommended in the capital improvement plan a major investment in roads and sidewalk repair and expansion, including $1 million from the general fund reserve to repave past deficient work and $300,000 from the storm water news@pinevillepilot.com
reserve to repair and replace faulty sidewalks; IT and facility improvements; vehicle purchases, including two police vehicles and a dump truck; and a dog park and splash pad installation through cultural and tourism reserves and a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant. Davis said at the April 28 workshop department heads, many who are seasoned leaders, need to apply for grants rather than always turn to the board for needs. “There’s money there that they need to go out and work for it,” she said. “There isn’t much that they’ve worked for, it’s just been handed to them.” Brigman said many grants department heads or towns can apply for are specifically for capital projects or are specific, so they might not accommodate the recommended increases. However, Brigman said the current proposed budget decreased by 5 percent, which is a 10 percent total increase over the past two years. With the large loss from the budget, the town plans to generate $477,000 to offset the loss through an increase in the ad valorem tax rate by 3 cents per $100 of taxable property. Brigman said the increase is the more equitable and least impactful solution to the average citizen and will apply to residential and commercial properties. The last tax increase implemented in the town was a 2-cent increase in 2008. The new tax increase would cause the average residential property owner, whose property is valued at $160,000, to pay approximately an additional $48 annually. Businesses also will benefit because they will pay less annually to the town because they no longer pay a privilege tax, Brigman added. The town also will implement a four-tier fee system for storm water fees, which will only affect 24 percent of property owners. The new tier system, which council approved at its May 12 meeting, will use the square footage of impervious surfaces to calculate the fee. Properties with 5,000 square feet and over will see a storm water fee increase, but 76 percent of property owners will not. The decreased budget will produce no major cuts to programming and services, but may affect daily operations, Brigman said. Residents can speak about the budget at a public hearing at the June 9 council meeting. If no further changes are needed the budget ordinance will be adopted following the close of the public hearing.
Empty the Shelters Pet Adoption Weekend
June 6 & 7 9am - 7pm
Special Adoption Fees! www.adoptcharlotte.org
2 Locations! CMPD Animal Care & Control 8315 Byrum Drive Charlotte, NC 28217
Humane Society of Charlotte 2700 Toomey Avenue Charlotte, NC 28203
CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road
DUKE
SORBET
8315 Byrum Drive / animals.cmpd.org ADOPTION FEES RANGE FROM $63 TO $103
Pineville Pilot • May 2015 • Page 11
Education
Charlotte Catholic grows community with new renovations by Courtney Schultz news@pinevillepilot.com
Charlotte Catholic High School has welcomed a more student- and fan-friendly campus through the renovations to Keffer Stadium as well as the construction of a new parking deck. Lead developer Choate Construction, a south Charlotte contractor, expanded the space behind the home side of the stadium, built home and visitor side bleachers and constructed an end zone student section. The stadium’s capacity has increased from 3,100 to 4,000 seats to accommodate North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 4A specifications that require seating for at least 4,000, said Charlotte Catholic Principal Kurt Telford. The school had grown from 2A standings to 4A and the NCHSAA gave the school a two-year waiver to fulfill the requirement. “We believe our students will want to be in the end zone,” he added. “But I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house.” Renovations also include new lighting, kiosk and concession stands as well as a larger and higher press box. “Before (in the old press box), someone would have to stand up to see over the people (in the stands),” Telford said. Construction began the second week of December 2014 and the first home lacrosse game was played on April 13.
Courtney Schultz/PP photo
Charlotte Catholic football coach Mike Brodowicz will take on his second season this fall and believes the new renovations will intensify community support of the team. “Our fans are so great at supporting us, which is everything for our players,” Brodowicz said. He said families would often have to arrive early to games to ensure a seat, and feels the increase in seating will better support the community. “The atmosphere is already a ‘10,’ but this, it’s the icing on the cake,” he said. Charlotte Catholic Athletics Director Kevin Christmas believes the new stadium gives the Charlotte Catholic community a “home.” “We’ve always been a close community and we always want a way to get closer,” he said. Christmas’s children grew up on the field and he’s watched children from feeder schools
L L A B T O FO
2014
T H G I N
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NBURG E L K C E M N R E H SOUT
play on the field after the high school’s home games. He sees the stadium as another building block for the community. He also believes the school’s athletic success has strengthened the community. “We are lucky enough our student-athletes play well and succeed,” Christmas said. “People wouldn’t come to watch you if you didn’t succeed.” The stadium renovations are part of a larger plan that includes a new four-level parking garage that will accommodate approximately 672 parking spaces. “This will bring enough parking for every student,” Telford said. As the campus grew, it could not park even upperclassman, he added, with many students parking off campus. Telford said they wanted to cause the least amount of disruption to the school community, so they decided
to combine construction. The garage was planned through the Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation, a nonprofit that collaborates with the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. The foundation proposed “Crystallizing the Vision, Reaching Out 21st Century Potential” that included a sports complex, parking deck and fine arts center in 2011. The project was funded by use of a portion of the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) capital fee. The MACS and the Charlotte Diocese have been in collaboration to complete the effort. Charlotte Catholic Assistant Principal Steve Carpenter has worked closely and frequently with Choate to ensure the safety of students on an “active campus.” “The projects are successful because of the partnership (between the school and contractor). Everyone at the table has been on the same page,” said a representative from Choate, who wished to be unnamed. The estimated completion date for the parking garage is July 15, but Telford said the deck would definitely be complete by Aug. 1, when fall sports begin. The Charlotte Catholic community believes the new construction will help strengthen the future of the school. “We plan to keep the tradition of the past and remember the past and move more toward the future,” Christmas said.
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Education
The Pineville Pilot
Education News & Notes
South Meck IDEA Academy opens greenhouse More than 150 students, parents and community members joined the South Mecklenburg High School IDEA Academy Team in the official opening of the school’s greenhouse on May 7. JE Dunn employees and Southminster Retirement Community residents were the biggest supports of the IDEA Academy’s ventures and attended the May 7 event. The project began in the fall of 2013, when a vintage campus greenhouse was removed. Students in the academy have been involved in the planning and construction of the new facility that they hope will serve South Meck’s future academic programs. Yoga camp calls students to Quail Hollow Yoga-Art-Teens is calling all teen yogis in middle and high school to join a program at Quail Hollow Middle School, located at 2901 Smithfield Church Road in Charlotte, for five days of yoga, combined with life lessons to empower teens through the art of yoga, according to Quail Hollow’s school newsletter. Teens will learn the foundation of yoga and practice daily with certified yoga instructors. The camp also will offer daily inspirational lessons students can take off the mat. The camp includes daily yoga, a summer camp T-shirt, end-of-week pizza party and a teen yogi certificate. The summer camp is slated for June 22 to 26 from 9 a.m. to noon each day, and registration is open now. The camp will cost $100 and families can register at www.yogarteens. org/#!summer-camp/coxj. Charlotte Catholic students earn gold honor roll on German exam The American Associations of Teachers of German (AATG) announced four Charlotte Catholic students received high honors for their performances on the 2015 National German Exam. The students received a Gold Honor Roll Award and special recognition after scoring in the 90th percentile or higher on the 2014 National German Exam for High School Students, sponsored by the AATG. Nearly 21,000 students participated in the exam this year. “The excellent performance of these students in this national competition brings honor to their school, their district and their German program,” Mohamed Esa, professor of German at McDanial College and AATG President, said in a news release. “The AATG salutes the tremendous work of these students and their teachers.” The four recognized students were news@pinevillepilot.com
under the director of Linda Horvath. The AATG also announced Catholic senior Haley Russell earned an all-expenses paid trip to Germany this summer for being the national winner after scoring in the 90th percentile on the Level 3, 2015 National German Exam for High School students. After qualifying with a high school on the exam, she submitted responses to several short essay questions in German and English before being interviewed by a committee of high school teachers and college professors of German. Haley was selected to receive a scholarship from the AATG Endowed Scholarship Fund, a fund supported through donations from teachers of German across the U.S. to support Haley Russell study in Germany, the release said. The trip “gives students the chance to experience Germany firsthand by living with a German family and attending school,” said Keith Cothrun, executive director of the AATG, in the release. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Haley will attend North Carolina State University next school year, majoring in math. She also is the recipient of The Goodnight Scholarship, a comprehensive students development program designed to develop students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields. Pineville Elementary needs volunteer EOG proctors Pineville Elementary School needs CMS-approved volunteers to proctor End of Grade tests, according to the school’s newsletter. The testing days are May 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29, and proctors need to be available from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. All proctors must be registered as CMS volunteers, according to the newsletter. Call the school at 980-343-3920 to volunteer or with any questions.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s production of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat
(photo by Donna Bise)
Award-winning professional theatre for families. Theatre classes and camps for ages 2-18.
Call or visit online to learn more!
South Meck FBLA takes first place in state competition South Mecklenburg High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) took first place in the North Carolina State Competition events. FBLA is a nonprofit education association with a quarter-million students preparing for careers in business and businessrelated fields, according to its website. South Meck also took home individual awards. Charlie Lowery took first place in personal finance and will compete nationally from June 29 to July 2 in Chicago. Nicole Kelly and Kiara Bullock were finalists in website design and Kiara Willimas, Henna Patel, Jazmyne Abney and Charlie Lowery received state achievement awards for personal finance. Pineville Pilot • May 2015 • Page 13
Calendar 5.27.15 Wednesday 11 a.m. to noon Family Fun Day
5.30.15 Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clay and Pottery Sale
6.3.15 Wednesday 11 a.m. Nutrition 101
Preschoolers’ favorite morning out event returns to Carolina Place this summer. This event will be held on select Wednesday mornings in Center Court with entertainment lineup. This morning will feature Circus Daze, of Kernsville, with clown entertainment.
The town of Pineville will host an inaugural sale that is open to all “primarily clay” artists. The event will coincide with the resurgence of Pineville Parks and Recreation’s visual arts programs. The event is rain or shine. Booths are still available for purchase and cost $40 per participant. Registrants are responsible for setup. Awards will be given to best exhibitor ($300), most creative booth ($200) and honorable mention ($100). Visit artsdelivered.com/ pprpotterysale.html for more information.
In the world of convenience foods, diet fads and confusing product messages, it’s easy to forget the basics of healthy eating. Leslie Woltz, a registered dietician, will offer a free class to teach the basic building blocks for eating smart every day. Contact Woltz at 704-716-6922 for more information.
Center Court, Carolina Place Mall, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville 5.29.15 Friday 7 p.m. Rockin’ & Reelin’ 2015: Ross Coppley The annual summer concert and movie series will kick off with a performance from country singer Ross Coppley on the amphitheater stage. Attendees can find food trucks, including He Fed 5,000 and Smax Flatbread Grill, among others. The town’s park and recreation department will host a movie or concert every other Friday from May 29 to Sept. 18. Contact Kristy Detwiler at parknrec@pinevilledsl.net for more information.
Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville 6.2.15 Tuesday 5 p.m. Pineville Downtown Merchants Association Meeting Pineville business owners and other interested community members meet the first Tuesday of each month to discuss development and upcoming festivals. Contact Bill McConnell at mcconnell@carolina.rr.com for more information.
Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville
Two On Earth Bakery, 333 Main St., Pineville
Nashville music scene, where he was influential in writing for Mckenzies Mill.
Blakeney shopping center, intersection of Ardrey and Rea roads, Charlotte 6.6.15 Saturday 7 to 10 a.m. LUNGe Forward 5K
Carolinas HealthCare System and Charlotte Radiology will host the 2015 Charlotte LUNGe Health Center conference room, Forward 5K Run, Walk & Rally to benefit the Lung Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Cancer Initiative of North Carolina. The event will include a survivors’ breakfast, Road, Charlotte expo, 5K, one-mile run and kids’ dash. Online registration will close on June 4 at 5 p.m., 6.5.15 & 6.6.15 but race day registration will be available or $30 Friday & Saturday per adult and $20 per child. 7 to 10 p.m. Find more information at lungeforward. Summer Music Series: org.kintera.org/faf/home/default. Tony Barnes Band asp?ievent=1129440. The Blakeney shopping center will host live music Park Road Park, 6220 Park Road, every Friday and Saturday night from April to Charlotte August at the Village Green. Tony Barnes is a nationally touring acoustic act, former lead guitar player and co-writer for Nashville-based Southern Rock band Mckenzies Send calendar events to Mill. He is a recognized instrumental song writer and news@pinevillepilot.com! performer, as well as a five-year veteran of the
SWIM, BIKE
RUN REGISTER NOW FOR THE
McCARTHY KIDS & PRESCHOOL TRIATHLON SATURDAY, JUNE 6 & SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 at the HARRIS YMCA sign up today at register.sportoften.com YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Page 14 • May 2015 • Pineville Pilot
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Harris YMCA Kids & Family
HARRIS YMCA | 704 716 6800 ymcacharlotte.org/harris news@pinevillepilot.com
Sports
Bazin perseveres through injury to lead Sabres by Ben Doster ben@thecharlotteweekly.com
South Meck pitcher Max Bazin noticed an unusual pain in his elbow last June. After several trips to the doctor, results from an MRI in early July came back with terrible news – Bazin would need Tommy John surgery to reconstruct his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow. This was devastating news for the Davidson College baseball signee and South Meck senior pitcher, who would be sidelined for his final high school season. Recovery and rehab for Tommy John surgery isn’t a walk in the park. It took New York Mets ace and former North Carolina standout Matt Harvey more than a year to return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John. Dr. Glenn Perry, a family friend of the Bazins, and former team physician for the Charlotte Hornets, referred Bazin to Dr. James Andrews, a well-known surgeon. Andrews performed Bazin’s surgery in Florida on Aug. 25 of last year and Bazin was unexpectedly starstruck by the experience. Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller was in the waiting room, waiting to undergo shoulder surgery after Bazin. Bazin also met San Francisco 49ers defensive end Darnell Dockett while he was there, who was getting his torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repaired. After brushing shoulders with Dockett and Miller, it was hard not to notice that Andrews’s facility was filled with autographed memorabilia from professional athletes he treated. But when Bazin returned to Charlotte after his surgery and celebrity sightings, it was back to reality. He knew he had an arduous journey news@pinevillepilot.com
ahead. He completed his rehabilitation at Architech Sports & Physical Therapy in Charlotte. “They have a great staff over there,” Bazin said. “They really take care of you. They do a great job of taking you in and making you a part of the little family they have over there. “They tell you to take what you do here and do it at home, so we at least have to do it three days a week. I was doing it the days I wasn’t there with whatever I could find at home.” Bazin’s commitment to recovery paid off; he made enough progress to play basketball during his senior season. “I talked to my therapist about it, ‘Hey, what can I do? What can’t I do?’ He said I could shoot as soon as I got my brace off as long as I got the full extension, because I don’t want to shoot and stop it and get my arm used to that non-full extension,” Bazin said. “I had to ease into it. It wasn’t a difficult thing to overcome. “The group of friends I’ve grown up with, my personal friends, we always played sports and basketball was one of them we played a lot. I wanted to play my senior year with my friends and be with them through this year.” Bazin still came in for workouts to rehab his arm during basketball season, despite being unable to life weights. South Meck baseball coach Jon Tuscan said Bazin never missed a day. “His first day on the track (in the winter), I came to my staff and said, ‘That’s
Senior Max Bazin, a former pitcher for South Meck, spent this season at second base after undergoing Tommy John Surgery. Ben Doster/PP photo
one of the best workouts we’ve had in two months,’ with him being out there being that c o m p e t i t o r, ” Tuscan said. Bazin knew he couldn’t pitch, but he still wanted to play baseball and help the Sabres. The 6-foot, 170pounder made the move to second base – a difficult transition for the former standout pitcher who led the Sabres during the 2013 state championship series. It was hard for him to watch meetings on the mound over the course of the season, wishing he could start hurling balls. “It’s a tough role to be in, especially when you want to be the guy, when you’re a pitcher, especially when you’re as competitive as Max is, you get to compete every single pitch, every single play of the game, you’re the guy starting it,” Tuscan said. “You control the tempo. You control the pace. You control a lot of the game. And then going to a full-time position player it’s not every pitch.” Bazin was reliable at the plate this season for the Sabres, batting .387, recording 29 hits, eight RBIs, seven doubles and three homeruns. He also scored 29 runs, and stole 13 bases. His prowess on the mound carried over into the infield; he didn't commit an error all season. But unfortunately for Bazin and the Sabres, the season ended in heartache. South Meck, a No. 17 seed, finished the season with a 16-8-1 (10-4 So.
Meck 8) record, and lost 6-4 to No. 16 seed West Forsyth (14-12, 9-3 Central Piedmont) in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state playoffs on May 12. It was a disappointing finish for the Sabres, but Tuscan said Bazin is one of those guys that will be remembered in their program for many years to come. “I don’t care how long I do this, how old, how senile I might get down the line, you’re going to remember having a guy like that,” Tuscan said. “Just the way he’s gone about his business, everything he brings to the table day in and day out, it’s not something that comes along every day, every year. There’s something special about that.” Maybe the biggest impression Bazin made in his final campaign with South Meck was taking freshman shortstop Andrew Motsinger and freshman third baseman/pitcher Reed Hedberg under his wing. Tuscan said Bazin did a great job helping to develop the young players, which set the tone for South Meck’s play in the infield. Bazin drew inspiration to persevere through adversity from Tuscan, who battled testicular cancer, and is now in remission. “My surgery is not nearly what he went through,” Bazin said. “His was possibly life ending. Mine was, you’ll get back to baseball in a couple of months. It’s such a good story and teaches you morals about never giving up, always persevering and no matter what’s wrong in life, battle through it, because there’s a brighter day ahead. It’s taught me a lot.” Bazin certainly has brighter days to come. He’ll soon begin pitching in small increments on an every other day basis, and should be full speed by the end of July or early August. Pineville Pilot • May 2015 • Page 15
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