August 14, 2013

An Opportunity to CONNECT

Residents are invited to help plan for the future of housing in our region by attending an open house to provide input on the housing challenges they face and housing they'd like for their community and the region.

The Regional Housing Needs Study is part of the "CONNECT Our Future" project, and provides an opportunity for people in the 14-county region to create a Comprehensive Regional Housing Strategy to meet current and future needs as the region grows. Planning ahead for future growth can help address questions the region faces now such as:

  • How do we supply adequate and appropriate housing for our future workforce, for people to age in place and for our growing population?
  • How can we ensure housing is located near jobs, schools and transportation?
  • How do we identify and remove barriers to fair housing for under-represented groups?

The drop-in open house will have board exhibits and stations where staff will address questions and solicit input. Participants are free to come and go as they choose during the time period. Residents can also learn more about preliminary findings on housing needs and provide input on their housing challenges and preferences. The feedback will be incorporated into the final findings of the study and the housing strategy for the region.

Tuesday, August 27 
4 - 7 p.m. 
East Stonewall AME Zion Church (1929 Griers Grove Road)

To learn more about this initiative, visit www.ConnectOurFuture.org. 

Animal Kneads Day

On Sunday, August 18, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Animal Care & Control (AC&C) division will join the Great Harvest Bread Company to host the seventh Annual Animal Kneads Day fundraiser. Animal Kneads Day is AC&Cs largest fundraiser and is held to educate pet owners about the need to have pets spayed and neutered to control the pet population. Anyone donating $10 will receive a fresh loaf of bread and all proceeds go directly to support the public spay & neuter fund, which is solely supported by private donations and grants which allows AC&C  to offer free surgeries in Mecklenburg County.

Sunday, August 18
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Great Harvest Bread Company
6420 Rea Road (Shops at Piper Glen)

To find out how to participate in this event or to sign up as a vendor, click here. For more information about the spay/neuter services offered through Animal Care & Control, visit http://animals.cmpd.org.

The Ongoing Cost of A Single Story

On Thursday, August 22, join a community dialogue to discuss the tragic story of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman, and its lasting effect. The Community Building Initiative, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee will host this public meeting to discuss issues surrounding the recent case and its implications on race.

Moderator Tonyia Rawls, Founder/Executive Director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, along with a legal expert, will examine the legal aspects of the case, and review Chimamanda Adchie’s TED talk, The Danger of a Single Story. 

August 22
6 - 8 p.m.
Covenant Presbyterian Church (1000 E Morehead St)

To register to attend this event, click here.

Be a Part of Mecklenburg County's Future

Are you passionate about improving the quality of life in your community? Do you have time and skills to help us get there? If so, we’d like you to be a part of shaping Mecklenburg County’s future.

Residents are encouraged to be a part of Mecklenburg County’s future by completing an application to serve on a workgroup for the Mecklenburg Livable Communities Plan. By serving, you’ll help set community-wide goals and create a unified vision for Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte and surrounding towns by giving your input and sharing your passion for your community. 

Applications will be accepted through Friday, August 30, and attendees will be required to commit two hours per session, once per month for two years. Participants will be chosen by an Oversight Committee and notified in early September if selected.

If you would like to apply, please visit the Mecklenburg Livable Communities Plan website or call Heidi Pruess, Mecklenburg County Environmental Policy Administrator, at (704) 336-5597.

Help Charlotte Keep Sidewalks Safe

The City of Charlotte wants to remind residents that it is important to make sure sidewalks are safe and clear of obstructions such as yard waste, garbage and recycling carts, parked vehicles and other items that may impede pedestrian use.

 While sidewalks obstructions may seem like a minor nuisance, they can pose a major danger for pedestrians, cyclists, runners and the disabled.

See how you can help keep sidewalks safe by visiting sidewalksafety.charlottenc.gov.