ECA 2-21 by Elizabeth Community

ECA Officers Sarah Crowder President 704 502 7866 Greenway Avenue sarahcr@bellsouth.net Evan Kettler Vice President 704 577 4901 North Laurel Avenue evan.kettler@gmail.com Lauren Gomez Secretary 704 728 2066 East 5th Street laurenmcjo@gmail.com Danielle Kleinrichert Treasurer 704 804 1509 Pecan Avenue danielle@neatbooks.co Eric Davis Past President Traffic Chair 704 776 3013 Greenway Avenue ericadavis0123@gmail.com

ECA Board Members West Bryant Communications Chair 704 898 5044 East Fifth Street west.bryant@gmail.com ***POSITION VACANT*** Business Liaison Paul Freeman Beautification & Trees 704 491 5656 East Fifth Street / paul@ freemanlandscapearchitecture.com Anne Lambert At-large 704 589 9146 Hawthorne Bridge Court chickspeare@hotmail.com John F. McBride Newsletter 980 254 7367 East Eighth Street john.f.mcb@gmail.com 2 THE PEOPLE PAGES

Regan Miller At-large 704 333 1700 East 8th Street regan.miller12@gmail.com Cherie Swarthout At-Large 704 517 6582 Sunnyside Avenue swarthoutc@queens.edu Lisa Yagla Social Chair 704 807 1862 Pecan Avenue lyagla@gmail.com

On the cover The Harry Arthur Ziem house on East 8th Street has long been known as one of the best-preserved examples of early cast concrete block residential architecture in Charlotte. Now it is becoming more widely known for something else: a colorful mural that decorates its front. Read about it elsewhere in this issue. Photo by John McBride.

Robert Zabel Elizabeth 8K Road Race Chair 917 873 8028 Pecan Avenue nycrcz@yahoo.com Officer L. Beimel CMPD neighborhood community coordinator 704 336 2878 lbeimel@cmpd.org

M VOLUNTEER M elizabethcommunityassociation @gmail.com

The ECA Newsletter The ECA newsletter is published quarterly (March, June, September and December) and delivered to homes and businesses in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte. The production team: John McBride editor Jeremy Deese circulation czar Susan Green editorial assistant and proofreader Little Shiva designer Sir Speedy printer Got a story or photo idea? Want to buy an ad? Email newsletter@ elizabethcommunity.com.

On the back cover The oft-delayed CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar began test runs in May. The city says the streetcar will be open for passengers in August. Photos by Lolo Pendergrast

Who’s ready for a July 4 parade? The annual Fourth of July parade through Elizabeth is on – tentatively. At press time, Hardin and Linda Minor were cautiously optimistic that they can safely lead the parade and host the back yard picnic at 721 Clement Ave. afterward, following all recommended protocols. Keep in mind things can change quickly. The Minors are suggesting an environmental theme of Red, White, Blue and GREEN to encourage participants to use Earth related ideas for decorations and costumes. Once again there will be prizes for best tricked out “mobility units” – bikes, wagons, scooters, etc. Be on the lookout for additional details!

No more plastic bags for your yard waste Starting July 5, the city of Charlotte will no longer accept yard waste in plastic bags. Instead, use compostable paper bags or personal reusable containers no larger than 32 gallons. Residents can place grass and grass clippings, leaves, flowers, small pruning, limbs and twigs in paper bags. Yard waste does not include dirt, mulch or rocks. The city says that if residents use plastic bags after July 5, they could be subject to a minimum fine of $150. Only compostable, paper yard waste bags will be accepted. And, as always, please don’t bag your recyclables.

contributors

Anne Lowe Chantilly info@artwalksclt.com

Eddy Capote Vail Avenue ecapote817@ gmail.com

Bert Lynn Mecklenburg County Bert.Lynn@ mecklenburg countync.gov

Sarah Crowder Greenway Avenue sarahcr@bellsouth.net

Micki McDonough Lamar Avenue mickimcd@gmail.com

Eric Davis Greenway Avenue ericadavis0123@ gmail.com

Linda Minor Clement Avenue lindaminor@me.com

Tommy Franklin Pecan Avenue tfranklin@ harristeeter.com

Hardin Minor Clement Avenue hardinminor@att.net

Evan Kettler Laurel Avenue evan.kettler@ gmail.com

Liz Morrell Mecklenburg County Elizabeth.Morrell@ mecklenburg countync.gov

Mary Kilburn Pecan Avenue misjosbc@aol.com

Lolo Pendergrast East Eighth Street lolopendergrast@ gmail.com

Anne Lambert Hawthorne Bridge Court chickspeare@ hotmail.com

Robert Zabel Pecan Avenue organizes the Elizabeth 8K Road Race.

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From the president: A new board member and historic designation by Sarah Crowder

designation for Elizabeth. (See an update from the group elsewhere in this issue.) They’ve worked hard for more than a year on this effort and managed to survey part of the neighborhood in the Happy summer 2021! I’m height of the pandemic. I salute looking forward to a more “normal” (whatever that is) rest of their passion and effort. the year as the pandemic wanes This group has asked the ECA and we are able to gather with to fund a more formal survey and friends and loved ones. an assessment of the historic housing stock in the neighborI am so thankful for hood. They ultimately want the vaccinations and science. We board to join them in asking the are all anticipating getting Historic Property Commission back to the things we love as a and city council for an historic neighborhood, too. It may take a while, but eventually we’ll host district (HD) zoning overlay. The ECA board has not yet made the home and garden tour, an a decision about whether to in-person Elizabeth 8K, Easter egg hunt and progressive dinner. support this effort. We’ve been Fingers crossed for an in-person criticized by some for not yet acting. Here’s my perspective. Annual Meeting in September.

stock, others see it as an unwelcome infringement on property rights, a driver of higher renovation and housing costs and elitist. Some question whether HD is an appropriate tool to limit development in Elizabeth. My goal is for the board to make a decision that is based on fact and research and the clearly expressed – and informed – opinion of as much of our neighborhood as possible. This includes renters and businesses as well as owners of single and multi-family homes. I want us all to understand what HD really means for individual property owners by learning from experts who do not have a stake in the outcome.

Give a welcome to Lauren Gomez, the newest ECA board member. Lauren and her husband, Jeremy, have lived on East 5th Street for three years and she is mom to three little boys, ages 9, 7 and 1. What an active household! There’s great chalk art on their front sidewalk. She’s taking on the membership committee and already has great ideas for increasing participation. Stay tuned for more about Lauren in the Fall edition of the newsletter.

By the time you read this column in June (I’m writing in early The board is not stalling. HD May) the LUD committee will is a complicated and difficult have met with the entire board. issue. It needs careful research I anticipate a robust discussion. and consideration and broad The committee will then make community input. The board’s recommendations for next steps. Land Use and Development (LUD) committee has spent many Whatever we do, it will be comhours of research and discussion municated to the neighborhood every step of the way. as a committee and with the group promoting HD. We’ve I sincerely hope that we can also talked to our neighbors and come to a decision that is not read the many emails circulated divisive. I quite frankly don’t earlier this spring. know if this is possible, but I promise to do my best to lead the It’s obvious that people are board in that direction. passionate on all sides of this

I’ve hesitated to comment publicly about this next topic but believe it’s now time to speak as your board president. As most of you know, a group of neighbors is advocating for a historic district

topic. Just as the neighbors advocating for HD are absolute in the conviction that it’s the right and only way to protect Elizabeth from development and a drastic change in our housing

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We all volunteer with the ECA for many reasons, but foremost because we love our community. I’ve lived in Elizabeth for almost 39 years and assure you I want only the best future for this

special bit of Charlotte. We look forward to our continued respectful dialogue. From the LUD chair: Updates on Elizabeth development projects by Evan Kettler

The new pedestrian refuge at 5th and Caswell was funded by Crescent Communities, requested by the ECA and approved by CDOT. Photo by John McBride

Here are some updates regarding a number of projects and proposals on the ECA’s Land Use and Development (LUD) committee. I am writing this in May – some things may have changed by the time you read this in June. I’d like to draw attention to the neighborhood improvements and contributions being made in conjunction with “conditional” rezonings, where we negotiate with rezoning petitioners to ensure the best project and the greatest community benefit possible. Those benefits –higher quality buildings, enhanced setbacks, community amenities and pedestrian and safety improvements – are the result of many hours of effort between our volunteers and the developers seeking our support. • C rescent Communities has made great progress with the new Elizabeth on Seventh mixed use project. Steel erection is complete and concrete pours have begun. By the Fall issue of this newsletter, we hope to share some announcements regarding new tenants, office and retail. Coordinating with THE PEOPLE PAGES

Caswell – further linking the improvements and general the Charlotte Department community with the park. The adherence to original of Transportation (CDOT) proposed development also setbacks and building and the North Carolina includes a publicly accessible footprints make this project Department of Transportation “pocket park” at the corner of a healthy compromise for the (NCDOT), the developer is Park and Lamar. community. making improvements at the busy intersection of 7th, • Flagship Properties and • The Keith Corporation has Caswell and Pecan. They OrthoCarolina have received received approval for their are also completing a new approval for their rezoning rezoning petition (medical pedestrian refuge to enhance petition on parcels located office building, parking deck safety and mobility at the at Randolph, Colonial and and “stacked flats” residential) corner of 5th and Caswell. Vail. This will replace the between 5th and Park current OrthoCarolina Spine Drive, with the residential • Bourgeois McGinn Builders Center and Retina Institute component fronting has nearly completed their with a larger OrthoCarolina Independence Park. In attractive renovation and building and parking deck. conjunction with that project, adaptive reuse of the former It will include a publicly the developer has committed Foard property at the corner accessible “pocket park” at the to traffic calming measures of Greenway and Caswell. corner of Vail and Colonial. on Park Drive and a beaconed While the property will be The developer has agreed to crosswalk at Greenway and used as office space, site

A proposed infill project at the corner of 5th and Torrence will be a three-story, nine or ten “microunit,” multifamily building with office occupancy on the ground floor. Photo by John McBride

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implementing traffic calming measures on Vail and will enter into a signal agreement with CDOT to provide initial funding for a traffic signal at the intersection of 7th, Bascom and Cameron. We are lobbying for the prioritization of that much-needed signal. • C ircle G, LLC is working with Kristina Held at Insight Architects on an infill project at the corner of 5th and Torrence. This will be a threestory, nine or ten “microunit,” multifamily building with office occupancy on the ground floor. Circle G is a family business and the multigenerational family hopes to become initial occupants. At their public hearing, several members of city council expressed strong support for this creative concept.

The building at 2150 Park Drive was torn down recently. It will be replaced by a 3.5 story building. The first two floors of the new building will be occupied by McShane Partners Wealth and Investment Advisory, and the top floors will be a residence. Rendering courtesy of Erik Rosenwood, photos by John McBride

• T ribek Properties has petitioned for rezoning the triangle parcel at 101 South Kings Dr., currently the site of a SunTrust/Truist branch. The parcel is between Cherry and Elizabeth, officially in Midtown. The rezoning petition calls for an 890,000 square foot, 300-foot-tall tower with few details known as yet. LUD committee member Phil Grennan of Greenway Avenue recently relocated to Fort Worth, TX, and we will miss him personally and professionally. That said, THE PEOPLE PAGES

if you know me you will know that I see change in terms of both challenge and opportunity. I am happy to report that our LUD group is now enjoying new contributions from Vagn Hansen and Jason Epley, of Benchmark Planning. Benchmark, housed in the Williamson Building on Clarice Avenue, is (among other things) an urban planning and design firm working with us on a pro bono basis. They have already added a great deal of sophistication to our approach and we look forward to their assistance as we work for an even better Elizabeth community in the future. Finally, as chair of this committee, I work from a broad definition of community, to include everyone who lives

here, works here, does business here, shops here and plays here. That is not just singlefamily homeowners or property owners – it’s all stakeholders. This is about quality of life for people. Communities are made up of people – property is just the infrastructure that supports those people. We want great infrastructure, both public and private, to support an exceptional quality of life.

safe, convenient and accessible choices to get from Point A to Point B. Currently, the committee is actively working with Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) on several high impact safety concerns, including: 7th Street and Cameron/ Bascom: This intersection

is a key concern due to the high frequency of significant accidents. The goal of the ECA is to have a traffic signal installed From the transportation chair: Two key issues and at this intersection. The ECA a request for more Land Use and Development committee has procured support by Eric Davis from an area developer to help speed CDOT funding and The ECA Transportation prioritization. Committee (TC) is dedicated to ensuring that residents, workers While (ironically) nothing and visitors have a range of moves fast within CDOT, the Good luck attempting to negotiate this section of sidewalk along Hawthorne Lane in front of the Hawthorne Recreation Center. Photo by John McBride

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current expectation is that the traffic signal will be installed within the next 24 months. The committee will provide periodic updates on the progress. Hawthorne Lane from 7th Street to the Hawthorne bridge: The CityLYNX Gold

Line streetcar construction and upcoming start of operations has had a profound impact on Hawthorne Lane residents and businesses.

Specific concerns regarding safety of entering Hawthorne Lane from 8th Street and Bay Street due to Hawthorne Lane traffic speeds and restricted visibility have been raised to CDOT. At the Gold Line Station located at 8th Street, pedestrian crosswalks have been installed. To increase safety, these crosswalks include rectangular rapid flashing beacons. Once the Gold Line starts service later this year, CDOT will conduct a comprehensive safety review of Hawthorne Lane from Elizabeth Avenue to Bay Street to identify opportunities for improvement based on the new usage patterns. In addition to the these ongoing concerns, the TC would like to know about the issues you feel are important. We plan to send an email with a link to an online survey where you can rank your transportation priorities. The goal of this survey is to get broad-based input from the community on both

The Big E Elvis was live and in-person outside Hawthornes on May 15 to kickoff of this year’s virtual Elizabeth 8K Road Race, give away a few t-shirts and gobble a jelly donut or two. Photo by Tommy Franklin

transportation opportunities and concerns that are important to you. The committee will report on results of the survey as well as the actions taken based on these results.

For 2021, the Elizabeth 8K Road Race becomes virtual by Rob Zabel

The annual Elizabeth 8K Road Race is part of the heart of our One final note: The TC is community. Each year, we love currently accepting additional sharing our streets with runners volunteer members. Having “eyes from all over Charlotte and on the road” from different areas surrounding areas to highlight of the Elizabeth neighborhood our neighborhood and the is essential to ensuring that all supportive people in it. transportation challenges are identified. If you would like The event was sadly canceled to be a part of this journey, in 2020 as races everywhere please contact Eric Davis at scrambled to figure out how EricADavis0123@gmail.com. to continue to serve the active THE PEOPLE PAGES

community and provide a value to those who wanted to experience some sort of race.

And a special thank you to all our race sponsors and partners who continued to provide This year, as most every other unwavering support for our race and our community: Hawthorne’s race has done, the E8K offered Pizza, Novant Health, Harris a virtual alternative, spread Teeter, ColsenKeane, Elizabeth over the course of 9 days. From on Seventh (Crescent May 15 to 23, runners chose Communities), Lineberger their own 8K route in their Orthodontics, Heather Claxton neighborhood, on a greenway (Savvy + Co.), Fortius, Cocaor right here in Elizabeth. The Cola Consolidated, Devil’s Logic Big E Elvis, whose send off has become a tradition at the start of Brewing, Burn Boot Camp, St. John’s Baptist, Wilder Pantazis our race, was seen cheering on runners as they ran through our Law Group, Camp Gladiator, runCLTrun, Ken Magas Design. streets. Our neighborhood was well-represented in our sponsors Look for their advertisements in this newsletter and thank them and support of the event. for supporting the 8K. The effects we feel from the pandemic remind us of how we’ve Update on historic had to adapt. The runners and district designation walkers who participated in the for Elizabeth Virtual Edition of the Elizabeth 8K helped support Elizabeth Editor’s note: This article was Cares, an initiative founded written by the following Elizabethans in March 2021 by the ECA in who are working to obtain the partnership with the Elizabeth historic district designation for the 8K. To date more than $28,000 neighborhood: Jared Rorrer, Craig has been donated to local nonMiller, Heather Obleada, John profits such as Second Harvest Crehore, Jeremy Deese, Patsy Kinsey, Food Bank, Feed the Front Patricia Snow and Bonnie Emadi. Line, Loaves and Fishes, Urban Ministry Center, the Learning Progress continues toward Collaborative, Friendship Trays Elizabeth potentially becoming and St. John’s Baptist Church a local historic district (HD). COVID relief fund. Our group continues to work to build support throughout Thank you all who participated and supported this the neighborhood and within the ECA and its Land Use and year’s virtual race. Development (LUD) Committee. We so look forward to hitting the streets together next year The LUD recently asked our as we hopefully return to our group specific questions, traditional live event. summarized below. 10

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Q: Could you identify the most

significant threats or changes that you hope to mitigate through historic district designation?

A: Encroaching development, generally. Development pressures are high in Elizabeth because of the traffic/business corridors running through it and it being home to three major institutions, Novant, Mercy and CPCC. Those throughways and institutions represent decades of prioritizing ease of transport and institutional growth and serve as a cautionary tale – the effects of today’s decisions must be considered in 10, 20 and 50 year timeframes to appreciate full impact of development creep.

The Unified Development Ordinance/Charlotte 2040 Plan and its possible elimination of single-family zoning, coupled with a strategic goal of higher density puts further pressures on Elizabeth. Non-cohesive and out-ofcharacter and scale development that slowly degrades the fabric of Elizabeth is also a concern. This group is not anti-modern or anti-growth, but we are for responsible growth. Outside of HD, we are aware of no other alternative that protects a vibrant and historic neighborhood such as Elizabeth. Q: Do you want to study all of

Elizabeth or just selected blocks? If selected blocks, which blocks?

A: We prefer to cast a wide

net and let the facts drive the focus. We believe all of Elizabeth is worthy of protection and believe it unfair that certain areas be excluded. More formal survey results can help narrow the focus to areas that are clearly for HD. Inclusion of areas would also be informed by a property-level assessment showing which houses and areas have historical significance, but will not likely include most of 7th Street and Hawthorne Lane except for properties of historic significance. Q: Are you concerned with

aesthetics or just scale and height? And, if aesthetics, is the conversation around a particular time period or style? Sun Burger Vegan Cuisine has popped up on Elizabeth Avenue behind Spoke Easy at 1530 Elizabeth Avenue. Owner Xion sets up Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. while his food truck is being repaired. He says he has plans to extend the days of his stand to Tuesday through Sunday. Check out the allvegan menu at sunburgervege cuisine.com. Photo by John McBride

A: Aesthetics, scale and height are all areas of concern, but more so to the extent that they alter the overall neighborhood aesthetic. Q: Is single family versus multi-

family part of your conversation? If yes, please help us to understand your concerns – density, scale, proliferation, something else?

development is also important because it makes up a large part of our neighborhood. As developers continue to build large, out-ofcharacter homes, over time our concern is there will be little left of what drew many of us to Elizabeth. Here is how our group would like to proceed:

• F ormal Neighborhood Survey: Organize a more formal, multi-family. Multi-family ECA-led survey of historic developments can significantly district sentiment to be change the look and character completed by Aug. 31. Our of an area simply by their informal poll found majority scale. Having local historic support for HD, but the survey requirements will guide has some skeptics. We believe aesthetics and scale so the best way to make our case is Elizabeth residents do not have with more rigorous data. to battle each development • Property-level Assessment: piecemeal. Single family A: Both single-family and

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Fund a formal, propertylevel assessment of historic housing stock which would help inform the boundaries of any potential HD. Our group agrees to provide some funding for this effort. Note this is a required step in the HD approval process. • A ct: Every day, more historic homes are being demolished. With houses fetching $400 per square foot, developers have incentive to max out the scope of their redevelopments. Inaction is its own form of action and comes with potentially serious consequences.

stay at my in-laws’ place (husband’s childhood home!) in Barclay Downs. Q: Why Elizabeth? A: It’s the BEST location in Charlotte – so walkable, so close to the city. When we were looking for homes we happened upon the Pumpkin Wall and realized how wonderful this neighborhood is. Q: How did you come to volunteer

Meet ECA board volunteer Yen Duong

for the ECA?

A: After one of the annual meetings, I emailed that I could Editor’s note: Yen Duong recently pick up some social media. After a few months (a year? How long became secretary for the Elizabeth has this pandemic been? When Community Association. We asked did we last have an in-person her to tell us a little about herself. meeting?), the secretary position • Propose Alternatives: The opened up and I popped in! Q: What do you do for a living? LUD committee proposed Q: What do you think are the A: I’m a freelance math and an alternative to local HD, a three most important issues facing science writer. But really, I juggle “special zoning overlay.” We three small children and cross my Elizabeth today? believe such an alternative fingers I don’t drop any of them A: The historical designation overlay is without precedent (too often). issue, too many luxury condos, in North Carolina and would affordability. likely be spurned by Charlotte Q: What do you do in your spare time? staff and difficult to pass. Q: Favorite Elizabeth moment? Our group is open to other A: What spare time? I kid, I kid. I A: When my family got COVID, viable options as our primary play board games and read books so many neighbors reached out concern is retaining the and take naps. to help. We got surprise meals on integrity of the neighborhood. our doorstep, lots of well-wishes Q: Tell us about your family. Our group remains committed A: Mark and I have three kids: Ian and a neighbor even picked up school lunches for us. to working with the ECA and is 6, Maeve is 4, and Devin just we understand the divisiveness Q: One thing you wish everyone turned one. It’s a handful! of this issue, but we believe knew about you. circumstances are now such that Q: How long have you lived in A: I’m pretty sure I have Elizabeth? ignoring it is no longer viable. prosopagnosia – that means A: We moved to Elizabeth in We strongly encourage I’m “face-blind.” It takes me an December 2017. neighbors to share their unusually long time to recognize perspective on the topic directly Q: From where did you move? peoples’ faces (like, 10 meetings with the ECA board members. or so instead of two or three), A: Austin, TX, via a few months’ 12

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so if I don’t wave hello to you in the street please know I’m not purposefully snubbing you. Independence Park: A little history, and a lot of udpates by Bert Lynn and Liz Morrell Located on the site of the former City of Charlotte Waterworks, historic Independence Park is an integral part of Charlotte’s urban landscape. When it was completed in 1906, it became Charlotte’s first public park. Since that time it has seen a number of changes, including the construction of an experimental playground in 1914, the Lillian Arhelger Memorial in 1931, American Legion Memorial Stadium in 1936 and the unfortunate demolition of the park’s iconic rose garden, Sunnyside, during the construction of Independence Boulevard and the Brookshire Freeway in 1950 and 1960, respectively. The latest changes to the historic site are happening now, and are focused on design, access and sustainability. Highlighted below are a few of the planned upgrades to the park: Open concept: Park amenities that are currently gathered within the heart of the park, including the playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and table tennis amenity, will be Photos by John McBride

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Reflection pool (right) at midcentury when it was still open for wading. Charlotte’s first playground (below, 1914) Photos courtesy of Mecklenburg County

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shifted to its periphery. This will everyone back to the park when serve to both enhance the feeling renovations are complete. of openness within the park For more information, visit as well as views of the uptown the Mecklenburg County Park skyline. and Recreation Capital Project’s Pro tip: Watch for the new webpage (www.mecknc.gov/ restroom with a rooftop overlook! ParkandRec/CapitalProjects/ Pages/Default.aspx). There, you Accessibility: Current pathways and surrounding areas can view site drawings, historic plans and other updates related will be improved and expanded to this project. to provide access to adjacent neighborhoods, American Legion Update on progress at Memorial Stadium and Little Sugar Creek Greenway, as well as Caldwell Presbyterian by Eddy Capote within the park itself. Pro tip: The steps at the intersection of Hawthorne Lane and Seventh Street will be supplemented with an accessible pathway. Stewardship: In addition to planting new trees to provide canopy for future generations, native ground plants will be added to the park’s flora. Pro tip: Look for the restored azalea garden as well as our children’s natural play area. Phase One of the project (ball field renovation) is complete. Look for the completion of additional projects sometime during the spring of 2022, with a reopening celebration in the works for the following summer.

Work continues on Caldwell Presbyterian Church’s “4H” plan to transform the campus for service to the neighborhood and city. Here’s an update on progress. Heart: Our main sanctuary, the heart of our church, was built in 1922. It fell into disrepair and required some major renovations. The work was completed in late 2019 and included a new roof, interior repairs, repair of our stained glass and correcting accessibility issues.

Hearth: Belk Hall, a meeting and recreation space built in the 1950s, has been demolished. A new multi-use facility is currently When it opened in the early under construction and should 1900s, Independence Park was be completed by the fall. The segregated. For many years, the new space will be open to the facility was available for use by community as a “hearth” for white families only. Mecklenburg our city. It will be the core of County Park and Recreation our civic, community and social looks forward to welcoming justice work.

Hope: Each summer, we host five college interns who work in area non-profits and study at Caldwell to learn about the intersection of faith and social justice. Due to the pandemic, we had to temporarily suspend our work in this area. We plan on having a new group of interns join us in 2021. Home: Given Charlotte’s housing crisis, we feel called to do our part. Our plans are to repurpose our former education building into 21 studio apartments. Each unit will be about 400 square feet and will accommodate a single individual or parent with an infant.

We’ve been working closely with Dream Key Partners, a leader in affordable housing in the Charlotte area, to make this a reality. Architectural drawings are complete, and we are actively working on securing the funding required to get the $5 million project underway. Our funding will be a combination of federal, state, local, private and member contributions. We are also in close contact with local service providers and hope to partner with leaders in the region to provide the case management, support services and care for the success of our residents. Our congregation is eager to come alongside them in care and love as well. Our goal is to THE PEOPLE PAGES

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Photo by Sarah Crowder

commence the renovations in early 2022.

duction this spring after so many months away from the stage. The play was Jane Austen’s “Sense Looking for a fresh start and Sensibility,” as adapted by after COVID? We will be back Jon Jory. It was produced by to in-person worship and other Central Piedmont Community activities in June. Special thanks to Ric Solow and College and directed by Paula If you’d like more information Paul Freeman whose suggestions Baldwin. Paula is a familiar face on how the path design could be about Caldwell, its mission or to Charlotte theater-going audirerouted to change the grading any of the programs outlined, ences and recently retired as plan helped to save the tree. please contact Eddy Capote at head of the theater arts program ecapote817@gmail.com, Rev. at Independence High School. Dr. John Cleghorn at jcleghorn@ At CPCC the show – and A cast of 13 local actors caldwellpresby.org, or visit www. the masks – must go on rehearsed for six weeks, then by Anne Lambert caldwellpresby.org. acted in the show for seven performances April 9-18 in full Quick thinking and Although we have been costume and with a beautiful teamwork help save prohibited from enjoying many set and lighting on the Halton magnificent red maple of our favorite activities during Auditorium stage. this past pandemic year, I was Next time you’re at the corner thrilled when I had the chance But we performed in front of Park Drive and Charlotteof an entirely empty house. to participate in a theater protowne Avenue, take a moment Anne Lambert (as Lady Midto consider the magnificent red dleton) in foreground, Pamela maple perched on top of the Thorson (as Mrs. Jennings) slope overlooking the Indepenand James K. Flynn (as Sir John dence Park ball fields. Middleton) in background. The canopy of this mature specimen shades a wide area and has copious space underneath its branches for people to sit. It is spectacular in the fall when its leaves change color.

the county and park designers to modify the design of that corner so that the tree will remain standing and its health will be protected.

Photo courtesy CPCC Arts

Then consider what a loss its removal might have been. In fact, the tree was slated for removal in the initial design of the Independence Park renovation, to make room for a walking path. Fortunately, the ECA’s Independence Park working group stepped in and convinced THE PEOPLE PAGES

Instead, each performance was streamed on-line. Audiences could purchase a ticket to attend the virtual performance of their choice. Because we were rehearsing and performing on the CPCC campus, we were technically “enrolled” students and, thus, everyone – cast and crew – were required to be masked throughout the process, including during the performances. My roles as Lady Middleton and Mrs. Ferrars were relatively small – but as my father used to say, there are no small roles, only small actors (…and there may be a few pastries left). It wasn’t an ideal situation to perform without a live audience, because actors truly need the energy of the audience to do their best work. But it was so wonderful to be back on stage with talented enthusiastic actors and to be involved in something artistic and communal after so much time away from theater during the past year. It was especially meaningful for me to be an Elizabethan performing live at an Elizabeth venue. I know very soon we will all be back together in person, able to do all the activities we enjoy without having to socially distance and wear masks. I’m looking forward to that day, and I hope to see you there – on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience! 18

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Pierce Adams brings his What’s Up Dog stand to Elizabeth most Wednesdays and Thursdays. Photos by Linda Minor

On Pecan Avenue, slaw dogs served with a side of humanity by Linda Minor

Oh, do you know the hot dog man

remembers our names, just like we’d like to be known. When I walked to his stand recently to interview him, I waited while he finished making two hot dogs to order for a man wearing a Harley Davidson shirt.

individualistic neighborhood, and be sure to tell him your name. His stand is there most Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and know that he will give you the best he has.

As I was leaving, he asked me to include that he gives his glory The hot dog man As he put together the dogs, to God, and I’m sure that you’ll he asked the man if he was having get a blessing as well as a hot dog! The hot dog man a good week on this beautiful Oh, do you know day, but the man’s reply brought Check out murals, the hot dog man tears to his eyes. His wife had monuments and more on On Pecan Avenue died just two days ago, so “it’s the Elizabeth art walk been an awful week” was his by Anne Low – Sung to the tune of reply. After consoling the man, The Muffin Man Pierce insisted on giving him his Early Matt Hooker and Matt On most Wednesdays and hot dogs for free and said that he Moore murals. Talking Walls Thursdays there’s a hot dog man would be there if he needed an murals. Historic monuments. in Elizabeth, right beside the rail- ear or a supportive hug. Sculpture. There’s a lot to see road tracks in the parking lot on the Elizabeth neighborhood Before beginning our own of Foard Construction in a red art walk. If you haven’t had talk, Pierce had to pull himself pop-up tent, ready to greet together and told me that he and a chance yet, check out his customers with a smile and his wife had just celebrated their artwalksclt.com or follow a story. Pierce Adams is his second wedding anniversary, and @artwalksclt on Instagram. name, and when the pandemic that he couldn’t imagine the grief There are more than a dozen upended his professional life, the man had been experiencing. free, self-guided art walks he was pondering how to move that connect you to public ahead with his time. His mother Since his stand is right beside art and artists in Charlotte. suggested he could set up a hot the railroad tracks, he has the The Elizabeth art walk was dog stand in a corner somewhere Elizabethan pleasure of hearing completed during 2020 and and could sell his personalized and seeing the train pass by as there’s lots to see. hot dogs as people came by. And he waits for customers. One of You can start your walk at the so he did. his customers has been known Lineberger Dentistry building to stop the train just beyond The name of his business is and see murals by the big What’s Up Dog, and when you’ve the crossing, dash over to the names in Charlotte mural art. stand, and pick up his favorite tried one, you’ll know they are Hooker and Moore, and Nick dog – with onions, mustard, a step above. Pierce makes his Napoletano completed these own slaw every morning by hand catsup and a recent addition of five murals back in 2016 before Granny’s slaw. And yes, Pierce using his Granny’s recipe, but murals were even a thing yet in knows his name and his favorite the chili is his own concoction. Charlotte. Their panel of Queen order as well! A hot dog is just a hot dog Charlotte is full of symbols and So join me in welcoming unless it comes with a story, and connections to the city. See if Pierce to our quirky, Pierce’s dogs do just that. He you can find them all. THE PEOPLE PAGES

You can head to some of the neighborhood installations by the Wall Poems group and even go off the beaten path a little bit to see a street mural by amazing artist Irisol Gonzalez. Check out an oldie but goodie on the side of Sabor and then head over to Elizabeth Avenue for all of the murals courtesy of Talking Walls, Charlotte’s annual mural festival.

To access the Elizabeth art walk, go to artwalksclt.com and click the menu bars, click walk and then scroll down until you see the Elizabeth Art Walk. Click “start walking.” You can also access the website from the @ artwalksclt Instagram linktree in the profile. Short, easy-to-follow directions are included and all sites are accessible and outdoor.

Each entry on the Elizabeth art walk allows you to learn a little bit about the story of the artwork, connect to the artist through an Instagram or website link, learn some art terms, and make a connection to the piece with a symbol, question or digging deeper into the art.

There are also art walks for Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Uptown and other Charlotte neighborhoods.

I am happy to report that the Charlotte Film Society’s campaign to replace the Manor Theater program content by creating the Independent Picture House is kicking into high gear.

The Elizabeth art walk connects you to almost twenty works of art and is walkable, free, and gets you moving with

This will be the new home for Charlotte’s community cinema offering independent, foreign and documentary films

art. Walk it today. For more information, email info@ artwalksclt.com. Charlotte Film Society needs your help for new theater by Hardin Minor

London-based British artist Pref ID completed this mural for the annual Charlotte mural festival Talking Walls in 2019. Can you see “C For Certain”? Photo by John McBride

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in a three screen state of the art theater as part of a building being retro-fitted just 400 yards from the Blue Line Sugar Creek Station. The theatre will have full concession offerings, plus beer and wine. It is scheduled to open in late fall.

On 8th Street, a museum-worthy mural brings smiles by Mary Kilburn

Art is not always in museums, and our Elizabeth community certainly understands that. The venue will also include the Murals, poems and sculpture Charlotte Art League, Aerial CLT can be found throughout the neighborhood. and an outdoor skatepark! And now we have another Cool, huh? We need your work of art outside the walls of a help to make this dream come museum at the home of Nicole true for our city. Go to: charity. gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/ and Jared Gardner on 8th Street, charlotte-community-cinema to between Lamar and Clement. donate. For a complete overview of the project please take five minutes to watch the campaign video here: https://youtu.be/ xKQCf2Z1gGU.

moved from Los Angeles to Charlotte and Rosalia began painting murals for her children. It wasn’t long before her neighbors commissioned her to do indoor murals for them and that is how her business started. Now, she only does outdoor murals. Using the influences of artists Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo and incorporating the brilliant colors of Mexico, Rosalia creates murals of happiness. Bright colors are her signature, as is the hummingbird.

The Gardners said they wanted something to “make themselves and others smile,” and work of art on their home known as Nicole’s Garden was the end result.

She said her late mother always told her to “listen to your inner hummingbird.” The hummingbird is the window through which ancestors can communicate with you, she said.

They reached out to Rosalia Torres-Weiner, chief executive artist at Red Calaca Studios in October. Their idea was always to incorporate a universal subject matter. After selecting one of Rosalia’s designs, it was decided to wait until spring and use the colors from their yard in the mural. It took about four days to complete the painting, which features 12 different colors.

Her favorite quote is by Picasso: “The meaning of life it to find your gift. The purpose of life it to give it away.” And she does. Rosalia shares her gift by spreading joy. She wants people to feel revitalized after viewing her murals.

Growing up in Mexico City, Rosalia used art at an early age to entertain her siblings and, at times, as a way to escape reality. She told me: “Art found me.” Rosalia came to America to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. She and her husband THE PEOPLE PAGES

Rosalia Torres-Weiner (right), chief executive artist at Red Calaca Studios designed the mural. Assistant artist Edith Covarrubias (above and far right) adds detail.

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A hummingbird is one of artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner’s signature images. Twelve different colors went into the making of the mural. Photos by Lolo Pendergrast except for the hummingbird photo by by Mary Kilburn

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It’s not easy being green… Or invasive by Micki McDonough You know that bush we see all over the ‘hood, the one with leaves that are gray-green on one side, silvery scales on the other? Stems are speckled, often with thorns. The bush has fragrant bell-shaped creamy white or yellow flower clusters that bloom in spring, and silvery fruit, berries, that ripen to red and may be eaten raw or made into jam. It grows long tendrils and can grow 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide. It’s elaeagnus, like a girls’ name, Elly Agnes, also known as silverberry. Well, many folks believe that bush has got to go. According to the Catawba Lands Conservancy, it’s hurting the environment, the soil and it’s spreading all over as the birds eat the seeds and then make deposits.

A free anatomy art event, sponsored by Experience Anatomy, was held Apr. 17 at the Spoke Easy on Elizabeth Avenue. Experience Anatomy is an anatomy education provider based in Charlotte. The event featured stations of authentic human specimens set up for artists or curious minds to examine, sketch and learn about the human body. Photo by John McBride 24

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Elaeagnus is an invasive species like kudzu, a deciduous shrub introduced in 1830 as an ornamental plant. Now it threatens native plants as it spreads. It does this by shading out the native plants and by changing the chemistry of the soil around it, a process called allelopathy. Loss of native vegetation can have cascading effects throughout an ecosystem, and invasive species are one of the major drivers for a loss of biodiversity. Its fast growth, rapid

reproduction, high dispersal ability and its ability to alter growth form to suit current conditions (plasticity), put it on the list of plants to replace. Elaeagnus can disrupt important ecosystem functions like providing habitat and food to native wildlife, preserving water flow and quality, and promoting diversity. In natural environments plants grow perfectly happily without the additions of synthetic fertilizers because all those yummies come from the soil microbial community. A teaspoon of healthy soil contains more organisms than there are people on earth! Without the soil microbial community, plants can’t grow.

Eleagnus growing on Hawthorne Lane between Bay and 8th Streets. Photo by Micki McDonough

Once it takes root, elaeagnus creates 200,000 seeds from a single plant each year. If all of those turn into new plants with the help of birds we’ll be surrounded by elaeagnus. Attempts to remove elaeagnus by cutting or burning can create more elaeagnus. There’s a great little five minute video at invasivespeciesinfo. gov that will show you how to remove the plant with an herbicide. I know, I know, but perhaps in this case the lesser of two evils? You need to cut and apply herbicide to the trunk repeatedly, from summer through winter. Hand pulling seedlings is effective but larger plants require the herbicide. THE PEOPLE PAGES

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