Top Stories for April 10, 2024

This is a summer Art Camp put on by the YMCA, using the West Charlotte Recreation Center multi-purpose room. The children put on plays, play music and do visual art.

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board met on Tuesday, April 9. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 16 at 6 p.m. 

1. Arts for All: The Board of County Commissioners heard an update on a strategy to pay for arts and culture in Mecklenburg County, as post-pandemic “infusion” funding expires. Plans focus on sustainable funding, public/private partnerships, equity, support for individual artists and creatives, and arts education. Primary funding proposed for this year would be $11 million annually from the City of Charlotte and nearly $10 million annually from Mecklenburg County (a $5.35 million increase in County funding over last year). The funding would focus on operating grants to groups across Charlotte-Mecklenburg and the towns; grants to individual artists, small cultural groups, and community organizations; venue assistance; education grants for mid-to-large groups; and culture support grants to individual artists and creatives, etc. The strategy also includes a new structure to bring the Arts & Science Council under the wing of the Foundation For The Carolinas. 

2. Five-Year Plan: The Board received an update on the rolling five-year Capital Improvement Plan, what it means for projects that are underway or slated to begin in the coming years, and projects requested for 2029. The presentation also included an examination of County debt and the ongoing ability to fund projects into the future. Existing projects in the Capital Improvement Plan span Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, County facilities, Park and Recreation, Central Piedmont Community College, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. 

3. Building Brooklyn Village: The Board received an update on the development of Brooklyn Village in Charlotte’s 2nd Ward neighborhood. Phase I property was conveyed to BK Partners last summer, and construction work commenced with the demolition of the old Walton Plaza building. First steps of Phase I development are anticipated to include more than 500 residential units (with 10% affordable) and approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space. Horizontal site improvements and infrastructure work are underway, and a design team has been selected for the multi-family portion. BK Partners continues to market other Phase I parcels for component development. BK Partners has 36 months to complete construction of the first Phase I building after commencement of construction. 

4. Now Is the Time to Apply for Tax Relief: Mecklenburg County is taking applications for several property tax relief programs. Various exemptions are available for senior citizens, disabled residents, veterans, and businesses. Some programs have income requirements. Most applications must be submitted to the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office by June 1 so the relief will apply to this year’s tax bill. To learn more, residents can visit CAO.MeckNC.gov or call 980-314-4226.  

5. STEAM on the Water: Celebrate 100 years of Mountain Island Lake in this Centennial Celebration special event from Park and Recreation. Residents can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through the lens of ecology and conservation. It’s a collaborative event with the Carolina Raptor Center, where residents can explore STEAM On the Wing, with free access to the Raptor Trail, a zoo highlighting birds of prey and other avian ambassadors. Learners of all ages are invited out Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Quest Nature Center, Latta Nature Preserve, 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.