Top Stories for March 7, 2024
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 Wednesday, March 6. The agenda is available online. View the meeting at Watch.MeckNC.gov. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 2:30 p.m.
1. Celebrating Two Mecklenburgs: Mecklenburg County welcomed a delegation from Germany to celebrate the 30th anniversary of a “Proclamation of Business and Cultural Friendship.” Mecklenburg County, N.C. and the modern-day State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany formed the partnership in 1994. The ceremony featured a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners and the signing of a renewed partnership between the two governments. The partnership between the two Mecklenburgs is intended to strengthen the business, cultural, and educational bonds between the two regions and between the two nations.
2. Preserving Affordability at Swan Run: The Board approved $1.35 million to preserve naturally occurring affordable rental units (NOAH) at Swan Run Apartments in south Charlotte. Agreements with Ascent Housing and the Housing Collaborative would cover 20 years of rental subsidy for 14 units to households earning 30% AMI (area median income) and below. Swan Run has a total of 95 units comprising one, two, and, three bedroom apartments. Ascent Housing and the Housing Impact Fund work in partnership to buy, rehab, and operate NOAH properties, which supports the Board’s priority to address housing insecurity and upward mobility. View the presentation.
3. Advocating for Everyone: The Board adopted a proclamation declaring March as "Social Work Appreciation Month.” Social workers advocate for others to ensure everyone has access to the same basic rights, protections, and opportunities. Social workers are on the frontlines, responding to homelessness, poverty, divorce, mental illness, physical and mental disability, substance abuse, domestic violence, and many other issues. Social workers hold positions across Mecklenburg County departments and are dedicated to helping individuals and families in the community through service delivery, research, education, and advocacy.
4. Weather and Water Aware: This is Severe Weather Preparedness Week for North Carolina and a time of year when warmer temperatures bring an increased chance of severe weather. The National Weather Service and government partners join together to improve readiness, responsiveness and resilience against severe weather in the upcoming season. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services wants the area to prepare before the challenging circumstances begin. Flooding is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s biggest natural threat. While it can occur during any season, there is an increased chance during warmer weather. Share our tips to help residents prepare for the chance of flooding.
5. Welcome Back, Ray! Park and Recreation will dive into the summer swim season with the re-opening of Ray’s Splash Planet on Friday, March 8. The waterpark in Charlotte’s Fourth Ward has been closed for several months for maintenance. Ray’s Splash Planet is an indoor waterpark and recreational facility that serves as a destination for water fun, swim lessons, birthday parties, and summer camps. The facility is accepting birthday party reservations starting mid-March.