Cornelius Today April 2019

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 1

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April 2019 • VOLUME 14 NUMBER 7

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Stories about Airbnb are always interesting. But because of an ordinance in Cornelius, you’re not supposed to rent out parts of your home.

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Property Rights

Cornelius Today P.O. Box 2062 Cornelius, NC 28031-2062

INSIDE

2 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Camps sell out quickly!

s t r o p S , n o i t Arts & RecreDaay Camps! and Full- 4-16

Register Now! NSOR

tontail himself. The event for toddlers and preschoolers is free.

On Saturday, April 13, the PARC Dept. hosts “Hop Into Spring” at Robbins Park from noon to 4 p.m. There will be egg-themed activities, arts and crafts, face painting and inflatables as well a DJ. The free, family event is designed for ages 3-12.

Hough High Arts Department presents ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Ages

D SPO

Easter in Cornelius The Town of Cornelius is lending the Easter Bunny a helping hand with sweet events for children. Easter, of course, is April 21.

On Friday, April 12, the Cornelius Arts Center hosts Easter-themed crafts and snacks from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your camera or smart phone for a picture with Peter Cot-

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GOL

April Things to Do

www.cornelius.org/parc 704.892.6031 ext. 160

The Hough High School Performing Arts Department will perform Fiddler on the Roof April 4-6 with a full orchestra. “Fiddler on the Roof” is a gem from Broadway’s Golden Age of musicals: It won nine Tony Awards when it

debuted in 1964. Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday April 4 and Friday April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 6. Tickets, $10 for students, $12 for adults, are available at the door or online at www.houghtheatre.org/tickets.

Women’s Conference April 11 The 2019 Women’s Conference will be held Thursday, April 11 at The Peninsula Club. The conference, which is put on by the Lake Norman Chamber’s Diversity Council, runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year’s keynote speaker is Amy Burkett, general manager of WTVI, the PBS station in Charlotte. The theme for this year’s event is “You Matter: Just Breathe!”

Other speakers include Jana-

ki Gooty, UNCC associate professor; Lisa Kelley, founder of Carolina Counseling & Consulting; and Karen Eady-Williams, Mecklenburg County Superior Court judge.

There will be team-building and networking opportunities. The $75 cost includes a hosted bar, lunch, snacks, swag bag and networking.

To register, call Sylvia Spury at 704-892-1922 or email Sylvia@ lakenorman.org.

More local events every Thursday morning at 6 am: www.corneliustoday.com Sign up to be notified about events at corneliustoday.com/membership-join Lori Hoe

- General Medicine - Surgery - Dentistry - Boarding - Grooming

Megan Manzie

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Mon 7:30am to 8pm Tues-Fri 7:30am to 6pm Sat 8am to 12pm

Adoptable Pets

www.cornelius.org/279/adoptable-animals

Open for adoptions Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. Call for appointments 704-237-3602 Roo is a 6-year-old reddish-brown Lab and Shepherd mix. He is very friendly and gentle and already knows some basic commands. He was surrendered to the shelter because his owner could no longer take care of him.

Sydney is an adorable 7-month-old light buff male tabby, who was surrendered to the shelter, when his owner could no longer take care of him. He is friendly and loves to play. He has already been neutered and is current on all his shots.

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 3

Table of Contents Yes, new taxes?

The property tax and town budget discussion looks to be intense for the Page 4 next few months.

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Planning for Taxes in Retirement

History unfolds

Is your retirement strategy prepared for the burden of taxes?

Before Cornelius was a mill town, it was a farming village where planta tion life loomed large. The story of Cornelius continues to unfold from the perspective of real estate. Page 6

Once you’ve retired, you will no longer have a regular paycheck and you will likely have to rely on your investments to provide a steady stream of income. It’s important to be mindful of how taxes will come into play, though.

The good news is that retirees have a level of control and predictability when it comes to their taxes in retirement – especially if they choose to consult professional help.

Have you noticed more accidents?

Trouble is, even with more accidents and more cars on I-77, we’re not getting proportionally more State Troopers.

Page 12

Do you need to pick a church?

For many people, a straightforward approach to planning for taxes in retirement is to consider the withdrawal sequence you are going to take. You could start by taking required minimum distributions from tax-deferred accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s), then withdraw from taxable accounts like brokerage accounts, and move to tax-exempt accounts like Roth IRAs – but it’s important to determine what’s best for your unique situation.

Knowing when you should withdraw from various retirement accounts is crucial to having a good tax strategy, as well as maximizing tax-exempt income, seeing if you qualify for the elderly credit, and ensuring that you are taking advantage of the proper deductions and personal exemptions.

Whether it is controlling the amount and timing of your income streams to bring yourself into a lower tax bracket, or adjusting your deductions to help ensure you don’t pay more in taxes than necessary, there are strategies that will help you keep more of your dollars rather than giving them to Uncle Sam.

If you’re not already a member, Easter is a great time to pick a Page 14 Church.

Ties are knot for everyone Columnist Jon Show says going tieless is a sure sign of a smart, healthy Page 24 modern dad.

NEWS-E ………….........……….....PAGE 29-32 HOME SALES ……………………….PAGES 16-22 MODERN DAD …………………..….......PAGE 24 NEW CORPORATIONS .....................PAGES 25-26 SOUNDOFF ................................ PAGES 36-39

April Cover by Keith Blankenship

Lake People RUN DEEP™

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Editor: Dave Yochum, nebiztoday@gmail.com Director of Business Development: Deborah Connelly, deborah.todaypubs@gmail.comProduction Director: Darren Versace, production.todaypubs@gmail.com Contributors: Erica Batten, Catherine Sherman, Jon Show, Dave Vieser, Debbie Griffin Send us your news: corneliustoday@gmail.com Cornelius Today is published 12 months a year by NorthEast Business Today, LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any content without permission is prohibited.

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Views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of Cornelius Today or Business Today. .

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One option that works for many is a Roth IRA. With this type of account, you pay the income taxes upfront on the amount that you are converting, or initial investment/principle and then enjoy years of potential tax-exempt growth, followed by tax-exempt withdrawals on qualified distributions. Ideally, the qualified tax-exempt withdrawals that you make in the future will outweigh the upfront tax hit.

At A4 Wealth Advisors, LLC, we take a holistic approach to retirement planning, and a major part of that is trying to plan for the future. That’s why we work with Certified Public Accountants that will review your taxes, prepare a report, and help you form a tax strategy that’s right for you and your retirement.

In the current economic landscape, it is more important than ever that you work with a financial professional who can help provide you with the tools you need to help protect and preserve your nest egg – especially when it comes to taxes.

Taxes can be a burden in retirement – but they don’t have to be. Once we’ve ensured that you’ve taken all of the deductions and credits that you are entitled, we can begin exploring the options and routes that will help you save money on taxes in retirement.

To learn more about retirement planning, we invite you to attend one of our complimentary presentations. For upcoming presentation dates visit www.carolinacfp.com and for additional information about our firm, visit our website at www.a4wealth.com

Sincerely, John B. Balcerzak CFP® www.A4wealth.com

Email: corneliustoday@gmail.com

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4 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Sharpen your pencils, it’s budget time

BY DAVE YOCHUM A war of words is under way in Cornelius as differing views on how to spend taxpayers money come to the fore during intense budgeting for the upcoming fiscal year.

The first to weigh in was Commissioner Dave Gilroy who said there appears to be three votes on the Town Board “to increase your Cornelius tax bill by 12-18 percent. Utterly ridiculous, I know.” He said a pay raise toward the end of the current fiscal year reminded him of a showdown back in 2013 when a previous board voted 3-2 to formally approve tolls on I-77, “a day that will live in Cornelius infamy.”

The second salvo came from Commissioner Kurt Naas. In a blog article entitled “The Most Irresponsible Vote Since I77 Tolls,” he said the pay raise accounts for more than a third of all operating cost increases in the upcoming fiscal year.

Once again comparing the salary hike to the toll vote six years ago, Naas said “let’s hope whomever is sitting in the commissioners’ seats will insist on process discipline. Because anything less would be irresponsible.”

But Commissioner Denis Bilodeau said comparing the vote on the I-77 toll debacle to a “reasonable salary increase for sworn officers is way out of line.”

Meanwhile, the new property revaluation is still being finalized. Roughly 1,000 appeals may be under way.

Mayor Woody Washam said the driver for the pay raise is an ever-tight-

Cornelius Total Valuation

$7.2 billion

$5.55 billion

$7 billion town: The current assessed value for Cornelius is $5.55 billion. The projected value after appeals is $7.224 billion ening labor market, thanks to a good economy.

Neighboring towns have raided the Cornelius Police Dept. staff, ranging from patrol officers to the about-toretire former Chief Bence Hoyle. Like Anthony Roberts, the former Cornelius Town Manager, and Cornelius’ previous finance director, Hoyle was recruited by Huntersville.

It’s fair to say the mayors of Cornelius and Huntersville are polite with each other.

“Cornelius is in an extremely competitive labor market,” Washam said.

Existing staff have the ability to work for other towns or counties making more money while not having to relocate.

“Making our staff’s salaries competitive with the market is key to maintaining the high levels of service that our community deserves,” said Washam,

a banker and former chairman of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.

He said the raise effective April 1 of the current fiscal year not only allows Cornelius to recruit and retain quality employees, it will help the town to keep manage turnover costs which include training and loss of productivity.

But Gilroy, in a “Town Update” email to constituents, said, “You might hear that Town employees are leaving because of low pay—that is total garbage. Outside of the Police Department, where we have unique turnover challenges, there is absolutely zero evidence of turnover tied to compensation. It just doesn’t exist. We studied the issue carefully over the last 3 years. More color on this to come.”

Town leaders disagree on the magnitude and impact of the raises. Washam explained them this way: There is a 5 percent impact of the salary adjustments from a citizen-driven salary study that was passed 3-2 by the board for some staff positions, bringing salaries to market, as well as police increases and adjustments.

There is a total 10.5 percent personnel expense increase which includes merit increases and new positions such as a human resources director and half a

year’s salary for a records clerk in the Police Department, additional retirement costs/increases and two police grant funding officers Cornelius must pay for, having been partially funded with grants before.

Essentially half of the 10.5 percent relates to the salary study which was conducted by the citizen committee comprised of HR professionals, Washam said.

The discussion of expenses occurred at the Town Board’s annual budget retreat at the swank Graylyn Estate in Winston Salem. The cost to taxpayers: $9,100.

The expense was part of the current budget unanimously approved last year.

At least two commissioners are suggesting the retreat be held closer to home next year, Bilodeau said.

The town budget, on the order of $23 million to $24 million in the next fiscal year, will be discussed and fine-tuned during the next two months, and then ratified in June. A revenue-neutral budget, which was endorsed by all the commissioners except Thurman Ross on the campaign trail two years ago, seems more and more elusive.

Here is how it could impact the owners of a $250,000 home. They are paying the Town of Cornelius $637.50 at the old tax rate of .00255.

The county tax assessor’s office has said the average increase in residential value is 30 percent.

We multiplied $250,000 by 130 percent, to get a 30 percent increase in value, or $325,000.

The town manager’s middle of the road spending increase—called “moderate” at the retreat—calls for a tax rate of .2251 with the new valuations.

The math works out to $731.58 in annual local taxes on a $325,000 Cornelius home.

But this middle-of-the-road plan suggests there could be a roughly 15 percent increase in local property taxes.

Of course there’s no telling what Mecklenburg County, with a Board of Commissioners consisting of just one party, will do. The county accounts for roughly three-fourths of the overall tax bill.

That said, the .2251 rate is for discussion purposes only—weeks worth of noodling remain.

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 5

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6 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Gentrification views, strategy differ There are two histories of Cornelius BLACK ONE WHITE ONE

BY DEBBIE GRIFFIN How to manage gentrification in one of North Mecklenburg’s oldest neighborhoods—historically black Smithville—has two sides ardently discussing the best way to proceed.

No one disagrees that the red-hot Charlotte real-estate market continues to rock Cornelius, including a neighborhood whose first residents were sharecroppers, barbers, maids and janitors.

Oldtimers say there have always been two or three sides of Cornelius, if not more. Smithville has been one of the sides for 100 years.

It includes the streets just east of Statesville Road and I-77, north and south of Catawba Avenue. The development plan at hand concentrates on the streets south of Catawba from South Hill Street to South Ferry Street.

Today the neighborhood is a mix of tidy brick ranchers, some run-down houses, a church and even a cemetery.

Yet it’s less than a mile from some million-dollar lakefront homes.

Redevelopment often drives up property values to the point that residents can no longer afford to live there. Meanwhile, open-market developers usually don’t care about history and culture. And a piece of Cornelius’ history goes away.

Questions, answers, debate The Smithville Community Coalition aims to do something about that, with meetings at 6:30 p.m. the last Monday of each month at the Union Bethel AME Zion Church. At the January meeting a firm called Neighboring Concepts tried to outline a redevelopment plan.

Some people complained it was a lot of information at once and were confused about the ideas and how they’d be funded.

Everyone raised a hand when they were asked how many people have received multiple offers to buy their

property. Coalition board president Lisa Mayhew-Jones said that underscores the need to come up with an internal plan soon.

Cornelius Town Board Commissioner Thurman Ross, a Smithville resident himself, said the coalition has not had enough conversation with residents.

He and other critics said there should be a free-market option for residents, with less government.

But influential coalition board member John Quinn and Ross have been at odds. Quinn is more on the side of intervention, planning and pulling in more agencies.

Allowed to take its own course, gentrification can over-run the people who built the community, Quinn says.

“Gentrification is a two-edged sword.

You have rising property values which benefit owners, but just as often you have those long-time residents, often the elderly, who can no longer afford the taxes, Ross said. “There have to be two and even three goals: Preserving the community, upgrading the infrastructure and protecting the property rights of everyone.”

Exactly how Smithville redevelopment would be managed is undecided.

No one has said publicly if there will be a board, a director or some kind of economic development body to administer the activity, but coalition members have said a paid staff and many volunteers will be needed to lead the revitalization.

Clearing confusion Habitat for Humanity has agreed to manage and administer any redevelopment funds Smithville is able to attract. Funding could come from a variety of sources including grants, investments, gifts and various forms of residents’ support. The coalition has met with Mecklenburg County regarding the possibility of $3 million for infrastructure funding.

At this initial stage of the potential

plan, it’s not been made clear exactly how programs would work or be administered. The coalition board is run by a 15-member board open to anyone in Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville or Charlotte. A fact sheet on the plan states, “We cannot do the project without some full-time and volunteering staff.”

So far, most of the plan and its projects are “preliminary,” “potential” and “initial.”

Redevelopment plans right now focus on the southern portion of Smithville which has more marginal dwellings. On the north side of Catawba, where Burton Lane and North Ferry Street are, the homes are newer.

Tentative plans, which could include splitting some of the deep lots on the south side in two, would allow new development and generate money.

Smithville resident Ron Potts said, “The first phase (of the plan) is to educate.”

and $250,000. This information and more about the plan’s “7 principles” is available on the coalition’s social media page.

Jones said he has met with representatives from Mecklenburg County regarding a potential $3 million in grant funding for infrastructure, with a decision pending in May. He said another round of funding from the United Way is possible.

Smithville residents can decide to give plan managers the “first right of refusal” if and when they decide to sell a property. That action ultimately helps fund the plan, too.

Property assessments in some cases

Varying scenes from Smithville Specific plan proposed The coalition has already received grants collectively worth about $28,000, which can only be spent on redevelopment activity. So far, about half the grant funds have been spent on Neighboring Concepts’ help, neighborhood property assessments and small-group training sessions.

Board member and retired redevelopment expert Willie Jones (no relation to Mayhew-Jones), is enthused about plans.

The Antiquity resident said blighted property in Smithville brings down the value of surrounding properties.

The Neighboring Concepts plan shows 155 living units comprised of 80 rentals and 75 owned homes on the vacant or blighted land in Smithville.

The mix includes everything from affordable-rent apartments likely to be priced between $450-$900 per month to homes in a range between $175,000

have doubled.

Plan set to launch, evolve The neighborhood is poised for something big. Jones said residents have asked about loans for improvements. Not popular is the notion of codes, covenants and restrictions that might prohibit things like clotheslines.

Neighbors also fear increased traffic.

Jones confirmed that added density would require more and better transportation options, but the organized plan would include road and other infrastructure.

“Unless a whole heap of y’all tell us you’re against it, we’re going to keep going after funding,” Jones said.

And it looks promising: Hypothetical revenue and expenses through 2021 could reach $6.5 million. It’s the closest Smithville has ever been to having funding for a revitalization plan.

Local investors purchase historic downtown building

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 7

Mt. Zion Holy Week Activities and Services Saturday April 13 - Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Sunday April 14 – Palm and Passion Services.

Celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

8:30 am, 9:45 am, and 11:00 am Worship Services Thursday April 18 – Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. This service is a remembrance of the last supper of Jesus with his disciples.

Friday April 19 – Good Friday Service at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

This service remembers the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and death.

Easter Sunday – April 21 – Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

7:00 am – Sunrise Service – located between the Sanctuary and the Cemetery in the parking lot. Free pancake breakfast after the service.

8:30 am, 9:45 am, and 11:00 am Worship Services

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church , 19600 Zion Avenue, Cornelius 704-892-8566 www.mtzionumc.net

21320 Catawba Ave.

BY DEBBIE GRIFFIN Mecklenburg County property records confirm the sale of a century-old building at 21320 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, piquing curiosity about its rich history and possible future.

Former owners Miriam Smith Whisnant, L. Rodney Whisnant and Lilyan Smith Hunter sold to Corner Oak which according to state records is owned by Gordon Cashion and Robert Stamey.

Corner Oak owners could not be reached for comment before deadline, but the sale is the company’s third purchase of real estate in the area during recent years. Corner Oak has also bought property at 21300 Catawba Avenue and 19724 Meridian Street – the “old Doc Washam” house.

The property at 21320 Catawba consists of 19,079 square feet of land – a little less than half an acre –along with a two-story, 3,400-square-foot building constructed around the turn of the 20th century.

Public records do not list a price for the recent sale, but the countywide revaluation of property in 2019 shows a value of $162,200 for the land and $70,700 for the building. Sources say the building and associated properties transacted at betweent $400,000 and $500,000.

The property is next to what will become the $25 million Cain Center for the Arts, which is expected to break ground next year.

Mrs. Whisnant said the sisters’ advancing age caused them to consider selling the downtown property. She said they get calls from developers “all over” the United States and didn’t want to sell the long rectangular property to just anyone.

“We were delighted he wanted it, because he’s local and his family has been here a long time,” she said. Gordon Cashion did not respond for comment.

The Cashion family is part of Cornelius history as well, first with a grocery store, and then the convenience stores in Cornelius and Huntersville.

The Smith sisters own the 600-acre Potts Plantation in Cornelius, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is still an active farm operated by family members.

The downtown property is not part of the Register site, but it sits among buildings that hearken back to Cornelius’s earliest days as a tiny farming community with a local cotton exchange.

This year the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission Survey Committee placed the “Smith Building” at 21320 Catawba Avenue on its study list of “prospective historic landmarks.”

Meetings minutes say the “study list” is a first step to the possible designation of a historic landmark, and the list an organizational tool used by the commission and its staff.

RURAL HILL

8 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Event addresses change in business, life

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce will kick off Small Business Week with three leading business speakers at the Sixth Annual Small Business Luncheon May 2 at The Peninsula Club.

The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., features Steve Gilliland, one of the world’s top speakers. Joining Gilliland is Mike Mooney, a reputation and crisis management expert whose topic is “What is your Reputation Worth?”

Also speaking is Mike Griffin, who

was selected the 2018 Lake Norman Chamber Business Person of the Year. Griffin, managing partner of Griffin Brothers Cos., will share, Mooney “ZoomUp – Inspiring Entrepreneurs is a Dirty Business!”

A preferred seating package of $35

includes lunch and a copy of Mike Mooney’s new book, “Reputation Shift.”

Tickets are available by registering at LakeNorman- Griffin Chamber.org or by calling the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922. That package is available until April 15.

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The event is emceed by Joe Vagnone with Enlign Business Brokers and hosted by the Lake Norman Chamber.

Sponsors include Hood Gilliland Hargett Insurance, KS Audio Video, WSIC and Vintage Marketing as well as Business Today and Cornelius Today.

Days Inn’s days are numbered

It looks like the Days Inn on Holiday Lane in Cornelius will soon be demolished to make way for a new expanded State Employees Credit Union (SECU). No one objected to the plan at the first public hearing March 18 at Town Hall.

Meanwhile, staff at the forlorn hotel say they have been told the property will close in about two months.

The site is across Holiday Lane— named for the Holiday Inn that used to be there—from the now-closed Acropolis restaurant where a QuikTrip convenience store and gas station was planned, but that project is up in the air.

“Other than making their plans for the new building a bit smaller than the previous 10,000 square-foot size, there have been no changes to the proposed application was first submitted,” said Town Planner Aaron Tucker. He did however say that SECU is also considering taking down their existing building and leaving the site vacant, rather than recycling it for future use.

According to Mecklenburg County Tax records, the motel was built in 1986 and has an appraised value of $2.3 million.

The SECU plan will be reviewed by the Planning Board and could come back to the Town Board for final approval as soon as early May.

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 9

10 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Can Cornelius accommodate vacation rentals?

A well-known name in the world of luxury accommodations might have its eye on Cornelius and some of the super-swanky abodes near the lake.

Town Planning Director Wayne Herron said Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which offers stunning “private retreats for rent around the world,” has approached the town about luxury vacation rental properties.

The problem: The current town Land

million or $50,000.

If Four Seasons, one of the finest names in luxury hospitality were to market the Cornelius homes of the rich and almost famous, the town’s residential codes would need to change.

Cornelius Today learned that a representative has approached the Cornelius Land Development Code Advisory Board (LDCAB) about allowing transient occupancy in the future.

Airbnb host earnings by county in 2018

*Data source: Airbnb

County Cabarrus Catawba Gaston Iredell

Four Seasons is doing it on an entirely different level, with stunning residences worthy of an overnight with Robin Leach.

Development Code does not allow “transient occupancy” in single-family residential dwelling units in the general residential or neighborhood residential zoning districts. It doesn’t matter whether the house is worth $5

Meck Rowan $0

Four Seasons, based in Toronto, did not respond for comment.

The hotel industry is feeling pressure from alternative stay businesses like Airbnb.

Indeed, American consumers spent

With You From

Start

Host Income

$5,000,000

more last year with Airbnb than they did on Hilton and subsidiary brands such as DoubleTree and Embassy Suites, according to Second Measure, a company that analyzes debit and credit card purchases.

Traditional hotel businesses have not rolled out the welcome mat for

to

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Airbnb. But interestingly enough, Airbnb itself is diving into the hotel space by acquiring HotelTonight, a provider of last-minute, boutique options for a night’s stay.

Four Seasons is doing it on an entirely different level, with stunning residences worthy of an overnight with Robin Leach.

Vacation rentals have an interesting history in Cornelius. They were banned after neighbors complained about a vacation rental operation on Jetton Road near Brigadoon. The owner at the time, Steve Hambaugh, said he invested in the home for the purpose of renting it out for luxury- and party-minded guests.

The issue then turned on quality of life for residents vs. property rights.

The town board opted for quality of life, and short-term rentals of condominiums were never banned.

Airbnb hosts in Mecklenburg County, mostly in Charlotte, earned $16.4 million in 2018 from 141,000 guests, according to company figures.

Statewide, Airbnb says Mecklenburg County is now second only to Asheville. Airbnb has also offered a number of condos lakeside, but has run into some HOA restrictions. Several of the larger developments in Cornelius have changed their bylaws in recent years, increasing the minimum rental period from 1-2 weeks to six months, effectively banning short term rentals.

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 11

12 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Trooper shortage on I-77 Traffic, population grow faster than State Patrol

BY DEBBIE GRIFFIN In spite of rapid growth and monumental increases in traffic, I-77 between here and Charlotte has just three more troopers assigned now than it did 10 years ago. The toll lanes, with what appear to be challenging transitions to general purpose lanes, are a wild card in terms of traveling safety when they open later this year.

“I think every law enforcement across the country is experiencing recruitment challenges,” said First Sergeant Michael Baker, who’s with the public information office of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety.

He has provided information as area resident Michelle Ferlauto asked questions about how the new toll lanes about to open on I-77 soon will affect patrols and re- Ferlauto sponse times.

The 26-miles express-lanes project runs from downtown Charlotte to exit 36 in Mooresville. It includes two additional toll lanes in each direction from downtown to exit 28 in Cornelius and one additional lane in each direction the rest of the way.

Ferlauto said her research shows accidents along the project corridor have increased by about 60 percent since the project started in 2015. She once waited about 50 minutes for a state trooper to arrive at an accident scene.

Local condition part of national crisis The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics tells some of the story: The number of officers dropped by 23,000 from 2013-2016.

Breaking down the DOJ numbers, it’s plain to see that local police feel the worst pinch right now. Their budgets are typically the smallest.

Photo Credit: Ryan Guthrie, NCDPS photographer

The overall number of agencies decreased by 50 from 2013 to 2016. The drop in how many law enforcement agencies are around is even more apparent when comparing 1997 to 2016, which shows a loss of 1,372 agencies.

The DOJ reports look specifically at full-time, sworn state police officers nationwide:

· 54,206 in 1997 · 56,348 in 2000 · 57,611 in 2003 · 64,872 in 2007 · 58,421 in 2013

What’s the I-77 story?

Baker said the “base allotments” for an area are made according to the number of calls and population. He acknowledged response times are a point of data but said they can’t realistically be implemented when there just aren’t enough people to do the job.

He said the 2018 allotment in Mecklenburg County was for 33 troopers, and 28 of those positions are filled.

Ferlauto had asked Baker for current and past numbers for State Highway Patrol presence in Mecklenburg County. In 2009, it was allotted 28 troopers and had 26.

Statewide in 2009, the agency had 1,444 allotments statewide, with 1,384 of those slots filled. For 2018, the num-

· 59,645 in 2016 Especially in light of the most recent data released near the end of December, it’s not hard to find national stories about a “police recruiting crisis.”

Departments engage in bidding wars and budgets shrink as population and traffic grow.

This phenomenon affects the cop-to-citizen ratio. For example, the DOJ data show how the ratio was 2.17 per thousand people in 2016 compared to 2.42 in 1997.

Photo Credit: Ryan Guthrie, NCDPS photographer

bers were 1,409 allotments and 1,227 of those filled with troopers.

Baker said the plan for I-77 and the extra lanes is for existing troopers to use a rotational basis to cover the 26mile expressway territory during overtime on their days off.

He said the tollway assignment will be exactly that – a trooper just for “road patrol” of the 26 miles of I-77 where express lanes have been added.

Baker said there isn’t really a formula for how many more troopers will be needed to serve the extra lanes.

“I don’t think we have an actual contract yet,” he said.

Ferlauto has concern that the lack of troopers not only increases accident-response times but also diminishes the officers’ ability to do anything

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 13

but respond to accidents.

She said, “So distracted drivers, texting, speeding, DUI or even normal stops where cars would be inspected like, say for drugs or human trafficking, aren’t possible.”

Ferlauto has doubts about how long the troopers-on-overtime approach will be feasible. She also suspects they have to come from a long way to respond in the Cornelius-Davidson-Huntersville area. She’s heard they have to “come from Monroe.”

Baker said each county – or sometimes two or three counties depending on the size – is a district. Each district is part of a troop. For example, Mecklenburg County is Division V of Troop H, which has a garage in Monroe and a substation in Huntersville.

However, the location of the base has little to do with response time, Baker said. A trooper is on patrol during all hours of their shift and could be anywhere in the district when a call comes, and they typically only go to an office to file paperwork. Bigger counties are also split into zones, and the idea is for a trooper to stay in his or her zone.

Responding to the recruiting crisis

to find and keep qualified troopers.

He said not a lot of young adults are applying to be a trooper because they don’t see the money as commensurate with the danger and other grueling aspects of the job.

“Our standards are very high when it comes to procuring a member, whether they be male or female, to serve our state,” Baker said.

The basics on trooper qualifications are that a person must be between the ages of 21-39 years. All applicants must have completed law-enforcement training and certification by the time they are accepted and enter a stringent 15-week trooper school.

He said for some would-be applicants, it’s all about the money, while others recognize a general degradation in respect for law enforcement. Baker said the legislature did raise the starting pay for troopers last year, but that kind of thinking has to be sustained to account for cost-of-living increases and retainment, too.

Baker said the agency is always looking for more dedicated people. To apply for a position as a North Carolina State Trooper, visit its website at www.ncdps.gov and click the “careers that matter” tab.

Baker said he knows the personnel department of the SHP works hard

Rivens new spokesperson for Meck Sheriff Tonya Rivens is the new public information manager for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. The Cornelius native is well-known for her stints at WCCB News Rising and WBTV where she did the traffic report for six years.

The UNC-Chapel Hill grad still hosts “Sounds Rivens of Inspiration” Sundays on Streetz 103.3/100.5 FM. Rivens received the Martin Luther King Growing the Dream Award from the City of Charlotte in January 2019. She owns the Rivens Business Center in Cornelius.

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14 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

How do I find a church?

Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week, is April 14

BY REV. DAVID JUDGE Easter is just around the corner and you may have that stirring in your heart telling you it’s time to go to church. Or maybe you’re new to the area and you need to establish a new church home. Whatever your reason, one day you may ask yourself, “How do I find a church?”

You need to begin by knowing what you are looking for. There are a seemingly endless array of aspects of church life and experience that people desire to find. Most common considerations can be grouped into two broad categories: Beliefs and Experience.

Beliefs Just about every church website will have a “What We Believe” tab.

This will present a statement on essential doctrines held by the church.

It should tell you their view of the Bi-

ble, who is God, who is man, what is man’s relationship to God, and how to reconnect to God.

As you read these statements of faith, you should find that every Christian church holds to the same

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 15

foundational truths. They include the authority of Scripture, the Trinity, Man as a created, sinful being, and reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. These truths hold fast across denominational and non-denominational lines and are your most important considerations.

You will want to know the church’s views on social issues. These views are important and often personal, yet they vary both between and within denominations. So, it is best to discuss them with the local church leadership.

Call the church office and ask to set a time to meet with the pastor. In doing so, you will quickly find out how accessible he or she is and when you meet you can ask the questions that are most important to you. Having a relationship with the pastor or lay leader will be key to your spiritual growth and in times of crisis.

You will want to understand the outreach, missions and ministry philosophies. You should find charity coupled with the Gospel. If church is devoid of evangelism, it is not fulfilling the Great Commission.

You will also want to understand

the church’s view of Time, Talent and Treasure. These Three T’s sum up what you can give for the building up of the church. If you pick the right church, giving will not be an issue.

Experience When seeking a church, most people first default to the “church experience.” This reflects our consumer culture and leads to “church shopping.” Your relationship with your church should be one of covenant, not consumer.

The spectrum of worship experience is far and wide. At highest importance is the worship, not the experience. Remember, you have come to draw near to God and to give to Him the praise and adoration He deserves.

Most people ask about worship style, but you should be looking for the marks of a true church. These include faithful preaching of the Bible, prayer, proper celebration of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper, as welll as church discipline.

In preaching, look for instructive Biblical exposition. In prayer look for thanksgiving as much as supplication.

Views on Baptism and The Lord’s Supper vary. Know the differences and know the requirements for participation and church membership.

For church discipline, be sure there is a method of conflict resolution and accountability. If you find all of these, you will likely find a healthy church.

As I come to the close, let’s consider worship music. Frankly, music is mostly a matter of personal taste.

You can range from Gregorian chant to rock-n-roll church and still have meaningful Christian music. However, like the worship experience, it is more about the worship than the music.

We know Easter is less than three weeks away. Your time on earth before you enter eternity is known only

to God. Don’t hesitate. Get started and may the Lord lead you to Himself through one of our local churches today.

Rev. David Judge is the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Cornelius.

He lives in Cornelius with his wife, Christy, and has six children. He earned his M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary and holds an MBA from the University of Houston.

Multi-ethnic church service on March 31 Four diverse, multi-ethnic churches will join together for worship in the First Baptist Church of Cornelius at 6 p.m. March 31. The congregations are Kachin Baptist Church, ReVive Iglesia Cristiana, Union Bethel AME Zion Church and First Baptist.

Rev. David Judge of First Baptist said, given the three languages—English, Spanish and Jingpho—the service will rely heavily on music.

Both Revive Iglesia and Kachin Baptist meet in First Baptist every Sunday, at 6 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. First Baptist meets at 11 a.m.

Union Bethel, the historically African American church just down Catawba Avenue in Smithville, meets at 10 a.m.

Judge said the theme for the joint service at 6 p.m. is Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

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16 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Home Sales

These property transactions in Cornelius and Davidson were recorded by the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds.

Cornelius (Correction) 2/5/19 $1,375,000 Richard & Patricia Mahoney to David B. Smith, 19907 Shearwater Point Dr. 2/12/19 $175,000 Dana Connell to Patricio & Melanie Herrera, 15316 Crossing Gate Dr. 2/13/19 $445,000 Michael & Roseann Burklow to Kathleen & Joseph Marino Jr., 21309 Harken Dr. 2/13/19 $178,000 August Dinkins to Tifarah Irving, 2125 Hickory St. 2/13/19 $445,000 Michael & Roseann Burklow to Kathleen & Joseph Marino Jr., 21309 Harken Dr. 2/13/19 $178,000 August Dinkins to Tifarah Irving, 2125 Hickory St. Cornelius 2/19/19 $235,000 LKN Proper-

18218 Harbor Light Boulevard in Cornelius for $2,300,000 ty Pros to Black Belt Properties, 18615 Bonham Ln. 2/19/19 $225,000 Kostas & Eumorfia Karavas to IH6 Property North

Amy Burkett WTVI/PBS Charlotte

Carolina, 19415 Fridley Ln. 2/21/19 $292,500 JAA Properties to Opendoor Property, 18319 Victoria Bay Dr. 2/22/19 $330,000 Lance Lindenberg to Stephen Howell, 22350 Market St.

Molle to Kerry & Leslie Snyder, 18022 Hartbor Mist Rd. 2/26/19 $725,000 Tammy & Michael Looks to Robert & Deborah Myers, 16906 Lake Shore Dr. 2/27/19 $342,000 Michael & Gretchen Judd to Danie & Kelly

Keynote Speaker

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15603 June Washam Road in Davidson for $1,515,000

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2/22/19 $512,000 Codruta Sims to William & Janet Moore, 7615 Vistaview Dr.

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2/22/19 $148,000 Mark Mize to Owen Szarenski, 17713 Caldwell Track Dr.

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2/25/19 $230,000 Matthew & Brittany Dubin to Marcto & Jacquelyn Moncada, 19518 Deer Valley Dr. 2/25/19 $320,000 John & Jane

Diaz-Luong 9116 Magnolia Estates Dr. 2/28/19 $245,000 Rent The Farm LLC to Arundeep Kahlon & Amrita Dhilloh, Lot 78 Lake Norman Cove at Jetton 2/28/19 $410,000 Michael & Cynthia Kincaid to Jeffrey & Jo Ellen Dameron, Harborgate Condominiums Unit 201 continued on page 18

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 17

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18 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Home Sales continued from page 16

chez, 17141 Doe Valley Ct.

2/28/19 $270,000 Gerald & Lesley Hynes to Ellis Ross, 19321 Pocono Ln.

3/1/19 $148,000 Janice Lobdello to Kristi Gilmore, 7608 Woods Ln. Unit 11

2/28/19 $204,000 Jennifer Keup to Thomas & Sharon Deegan, 19827 Henderson Rd. Unit B

3/1/19 $208,000 Randall & Deanna Burnett to Joshua Rodman, Rodney & Patricia Rodman, 9230 Washam Potts Rd.

2/28/19 $700,000 Classica Homes to Arthur & Maureen Glasgow, 17806 Jetton Green Loop 2/28/19 $148,000 Sasan & Mina Ghafari to Kathleen Burton, 18001 Delmas Unit 3C 2/28/19 $2,300,000 Arthur & Maureen Glasgow to Donald & Pamela Blackley, 18218 Harbor Light Blvd.

3/1/19 $483,000 South Creek Homes to Jennie List, 11503 Mount Argus Dr. 3/1/19 $602,000 Kevin & Sonya Pitts to Christopher & Alyse Meyers, 7604 Windaliere Dr. 3/1/19 $155,000 Amanda & William Watersd to Frank & Angelica San-

3/1/19 $477,500 Standard Pacific of the Carolinas to Matthew & Morella Behrendt, 14319 Grundys Way 3/1/19 $355,000 John & Margaret Kimbirl to Charles Anthony, 230 S. Faulker Way 3/4/19 $250,000 Michael Gentile to Mary-Jo & Roger Rhodes Jr., 19552 Makayla Ln.

19523 Overleaf Lane in Davidson for $760,000 3/5/19 $250,000 Franklin Littlejohn to Opendoor Property J, 8740 Westwind Point Dr.

3/4/19 $396,000 Curtis & Claudia Barnes to Christopher & Andrea Nardella, 1262 Inn Keepers Way 3/4/19 $105,000 Vesta One LLC to SouthCraft Builders, 20152 Bethel Church

3/5/19 $150,000 Susan & Erik Arrington to Trails End Real Estate, 10614 Trolley Run Dr. 3/6/19 $426,000 mattias & Kathleen Timberlake to John Botti & Katharine Davis, 19943 Catamaran

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Ct. 3/6/19 $158,000 Deutsch One LLC to Linda Ricketts, 18711 Ruffner Dr. Unit 3H 3/6/19 $215,500 Pamela Allen to Dawn Sakai, 18856 Silver Quay Dr. 3/7/19 $725,500 James & Judith Deering to Christina & Cary Siegel, 8412 Robbins Crescent Dr. 3/7/19 $320,000 Patricia & Michael Jocoy to Sally Ann Smart, 19135 Ruffner Dr. 3/8/19 $575,000 David & Sandra Scattergoodto Virginia Gendron, 20312 Norman Colony Rd. 3/8/19 $145,000 Katherine Cummings & Mary Helms to Shane Gavin Realty & Investments, 20109 Henderson Rd. Apt. G

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3/8/19 $172,000 Stephen Curlee to George & Jean Gum, 16813 Doe Valley Ct. 3/12/19 $406,500 South Creek Homes to Patrick & Annette Mann, 11634 Mount Argus Dr. 3/13/19 $375,500 South Creek Homes to John & Mary Barger, 11110 Bailey Park Nature Dr.

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

3/13/19 $70,000 Bluestream Partners to South Creek Homes, Lot 365 Bailey’s Glen 3/14/19 $708,000 Michael & Heather Watkins to Justin & Brandy Anovick, 19018 Serenity Point Ln.

continued on page 22

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 19

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. *Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service. Sales volume based upon sales from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

20 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

16439 Jetton Road | Cornelius 28031 | $2,600,000 | MLS# 3386220 Candi SChuerger (704) 400-1232

22555 John Gamble Road | Cornelius 28031 | $2,349,900 | MLS# 3474532 anita SabateS (704) 562-2515

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22 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Home Sales continued from page 18

3/14/19 $530,000 Uriah & Cassandra Hamilton to Sutherland’sRentals 109 Shamrock LLC, 7320 Swansea Ln.

Davidson 2/14/19 $368,500 Standard Pacific of the Carolin as to Rita Wheeler, 15519 Laverack Ln. 2/14/19 $325,000 Opendoor Property C to Robert & Jessica Eisinger, 15737 Seafield Ln. 2/14/19 $432,000 Jason & Jennifer Pauling to Kristie Cline, 12909 Blakemore Ave. 2/19/19 $313,000 Susan Martin & Greta Berg to Hamidreza Riahipour & Mino Sharifimilani, 15414 Stillwater Crossing Ln. 2/19/19 $283,000 Janice ClarkeGodgrey to Jeffrey Riddle, 17731Train Station Dr 2/22/19 $554,000 Patrick & Marilyn O’Brien tp Kari & Michael Prickett, 376 Delburg St. 2/22/19 $525,000 Estate of Betty Leavengood to Allan & Christine Shub, 631 James Alexander Way 2/25/19 $343,000 Paul Miller to Guy & Linda Howes, 234 Twain Ave. 2/27/19 $349,000 Stephen & Allyson Dixon to HPA US1, 15431 Davidson East Dr. 2/28/19 $760,000 Monica Rogers to Ryan & Jennifer Rosa, 19523 Overleaf Ln. 2/28/19 $360,000 Mary Deal to Linda Melius, 419 O’Henry Ave. 2/28/19 $380,000 Travis & Laura Lindner to Scott Orton, 424 Delburg St. 2/28/19 $300,000 Standard Pacific of the Carolinas to Brian & Jennifer Waite, 15520 Laverack Ln. 2/28/19 $325,000 Standard Pacific of the Carolinas to Michelle Doyle, 15515 Laverack Ln. 3/5/19 $440,000 Mesa Verde As-

8412 Robbins Crescent Drive in Cornelius for $725,500 sets to Giallanza Peterson, 11911 Farmborough Rd.

13302 Broadwell Ct.

abeth Waller to Johanna & David Butow, 15603 June Washam Rd.

3/5/19 $259,000 Opendoor Property W10 to Alexandra Weinsz, 8225 Ballymore Ct.

3/8/19 $366,000 Opendoor Property W27 to Evelyn Lostaunau & Hernan Valverde, 15420 Saxon Trace Ct.

3/5/19 $337,500 Levack Properties to S&S Family LP, 11845 Vanstory Dr.

3/8/19 $450,000 Jeffrey & Susan Autry to Garren & Pamela Thomas, 9702 Barnburgh Ln.

3/14/19 $341,000 Christopher & Andrea Nardella to Jayesh & Sangeeta Patel, 11126 Hollis Hill Ln.

3/5/19 $260,000 Daniel & Arlene Lioy to Landon & Jessica Barker, 6228 Silver Chime Way

3/11/19 $270,000 Ryan Shaffer to Francine Sulak, 16643 Spruell St.

3/14/19 $380,000 Roberta & Michael Robbins to Dana & Kevin McCabe, 12713 Willingdon Rd.

3/5/19 $259,000 Opendoor Property W10 to Alexandra Weinsz, 8225 Ballymore Ct. 3/6/19 $473,000 Joel Macht & Susan Andre to Melissa Stone & Gordon Smith, 308 O’Henry Ave.

3/12/19 $400,000 John & Darlene Bailey to James Bean & John Bishop, 19606 River Falls Dr. 3/13/19 $1,515,000 William & Eliz-

3/14/19 $262,500 Jeffrey Riddle to James & Franziska Loftin, 15725 Seafield Ln.

More Sales Transactions online at www.CorneliusToday.com

3/6/19 $331,000 Blue Heel Monteith to Timothy & Linda Saunders, 13441 Copley Square Dr. 3/7/19 $285,000 Loren Seaborn to Samantha Pence & Christopher Aldridge, 16611 Landen Forest Ln. 3/7/19 $645,000 Samuel & Gina Langeland to Jesse & Lynn Bizzard, 13523 Robert Walker Dr. 3/7/19 $403,000 Kevin & Janet Urban to Goran & Sarita Gradiscaj,

16906 Lake Shore Drive in Cornelius for $725,000

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 23

Paradise Awaits

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24 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Modern Dad

Our man’s war against neckties Last week the Blonde Bomber walked into my closet while I was putting away laundry and asked me why I don’t wear ties.

“I hate ties,” I said. “Why,” she responded? I shrugged, not knowing how to answer the question.

I began my professional career as an account manager in a manufacturing plant in south Charlotte, where I was required by my supervisor to wear a tie to work each day. His name escapes me but was probably something like Randy.

One day I decided I wasn’t going to wear a tie anymore. So I didn’t. After three days, Randy approached me and asked me where my tie was. I shrugged, muttered something about my neck, and walked away.

The next Monday he stopped me in the hallway and said, “Hey Slick, we need to get you some ties.” I have no idea why he called me Slick. I again mumbled a response and moved along, fearing that perhaps it was time to comply.

The following day something magical happened. The guy next to me stopped wearing ties. A week later more people on our team stopped wearing ties.

After a month, Randy was the only person still coming to work decked out in neck paraphernalia.

I’d freed the necks of my fellow man and I was their hero. Victory tasted sweet, especially without a tie choking my neck when I swallowed.

Today, I live by a commitment to keep my nape exposed to the elements but, sadly, everywhere I look I see men of all ages donning neck adornments that serve no functional purpose.

But ties look good, you say?

We’re conditioned to believe men look good in ties but no one objectively does. Remove societal conditioning and the definitive answer is that a person in a tie looks ridiculous. Like some early-century prepubescent fop holding an oversized lollipop.

But they’re fashionable, you that don’t stick out from the top of my I’ll tell you why I don’t wear ties, contend? lady, I’ve evolved. Like a polar bear shoes. I’ve shared too much.

There are only maybe five tie prints and they just cycle in and out every five years. Paisley comes and goes as often as flu season. Skinny ties. Fat ties. Stripes are good. Stripes are bad. I don’t see how that qualifies as fashion.

What about bow ties?

Your counterargument is the fashion choice of Pee Wee Herman, magicians and mall concert pianists.

When I tell people that I categorically refuse to wear ties they all ask the same questions.

What about weddings? No one cares if I wear a tie to their wedding. Funerals? The person’s dead and only a narcissist thinks anyone at a funeral cares what he looks like.

Not even work? I live the agency life so people think I’m creative if I show up in jeans and Converse AllStars, which is what I wear anyway.

Sometimes I swap out jeans for shorts and wear these little lady dress socks

You know the one way I could support wearing a tie? If I was allowed to use it as a napkin. But I’m not. I have fabric around my neck and food on my face, but I have to reach onto my lap and grab the other piece of fabric to wipe my face. How absurd is that?

Since my parents read this I should point out that my abject hatred of neckwear has nothing to do with my upbringing. My dad wore ties every day when I was growing up. He had monogrammed shirts and lots of suits and shoes in different colors and styles. I have one suit I bought at Stein Mart and one pair of dress sneakers.

Yes, dress sneakers are a thing.

I remember being a teenager and sitting in the kitchen of a family friend, clad in cut-off camo shorts and a parrot T-shirt. The mom looked down at me and said, “Your dad is such a stylish dresser, what happened to you?”

I shrugged, not knowing how to answer the question. But I do now.

who’s learned to swim across the Arctic Ocean to find food.

You want to sport that new tartan knit at work? Go ahead. I’ll choose to breathe as freely as a freshly-birthed gazelle.

You want to get dressed up in black tie for that charity gala? I’ll choose to appreciate the freedom of an unbound neck, like a prisoner set free after a 30year stint for a crime he didn’t commit.

You make your choice, Randys of the world. I choose freedom.

Jon Show lives in Robbins Park with his wife, who he calls the “Mother of Dragons.”

His 9-year-old son is “Future Man,” and 5-year-old daughter is “The Blonde Bomber.”

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 25

New Corporations These are new corporations, as recorded by the NC Secretary of State.

Cornelius 2/11/19 BrewMill Group LLC, Julia Gray, 20923 San Mateo Pl. 2/11/19 K & A Business Development, Garrett Andy Galombeck, 9516 Robbins Preserve Rd. 2/11/19 Renick Equipment LLC, Rene Sanchez, 1992 Sandyedge Dr. 2/12/19 Best Co-Op Industries LLC, Rick Best, 21621 Scottcrest Cir. 2/13/19 Arroyo Woods LLC, Frank Sproviero, 19149 Celestine Ln. 2/13/19 Lake Norman Property Group, James Davis, 19901 Sandyedge Dr. 2/13/19 Shaw Systems Associates LLC, Douglas Lindquist, 19710 Shearwater Point Dr. 2/14/19 AHO Real Estate Investments LLC, Anne H. O’Shell, 20218 Bascom Ridge Dr. 2/14/19 Justin Parnell Photography LLC, Justin Parnell, 19701 Bethel Church Rd. Ste. 103-195 2/14/19 Peninsula Partners LLC, David Hynes, 8223 Village Harbor Dr. 2/15/19 Stella Rutse, Law Office of Anderson & Hart, 19109 W. Catawba Ave. Ste. 200 2/15/19 Studio C Hair, Catelyn Glenn, 15525 Crossing Gate Dr. 2/18/19 Arroyo Woods – Town Center LLC, Frank Sproviero, 19149 Celestine Ln. 2/18/19 D9 Brewing Savory LLC, District 9 Brewing Company, 11138 C Treynorth Dr. 2/18/19 Rodhouse Contracting LLC, Austin Rodhouse, 21051 Nautique Blvd. Unit 103 2/19/19 Espinoza Holdings Inc., John P. Espinoza, 20930 Torrence Chapel Rd. F2 2/19/19 Genio Design LLC, Jerome R. McSorley, 21624 Rio Oro Dr. 2/20/19 America is Best LLC, Jacob J. Palillo, 18611 Starcreek Dr. 2/21/19 CBD Source LLC, Matthew Taffi, 17105 Kenton Dr. 102C 2/21/19 NS Precision Inc., Skylar Squillace, 21128 Crealock Pl. 2/22/19 Automotive Parts Solutions LLC, Michael Lawing, 10308 Bailey Rd. Unit 409

S S E N I S BU 2/22/19 D9 Brewing NODA LLC, D9 Brewing NODA, 11138 C Treynorth Dr. 2/22/19 Leaf Properties LLC, Douglas J. Letendre, 16814 Lakeshore Dr. 2/22/19 Mindset Redesign LLC, Alyssa Soderlund, 9114 McDowell Creek Ct. #203 2/25/19 Dowler Mint Hill LLC, Glenn Dowler, 19706 One Norman Blvd.

2/25/19 Folk Medicine Kitchen LLC, Heather J. Emerson, 20311 Chartwell Center Dr. #782 2/26/19 Appalachian Premium Provisions Inc., Ricky K. Burke, 20024 Beard St. 2/26/19 Azalea Retreat LLC, C. Todd Senff, 19453 W. Catawba Ave. Ste. D 2/26/19 GCR Heritage LLC, Douglas W. Richardson, 18524 Peninsula Club Dr. 2/26/19 Madison Simmons Townhomes Phase 3 at Westport Homeowners Association, C. Shane Buckner, 16930 W. Catawba Ave. Ste. 205 2/26/19 Prestige Site Works LLC, Brian Mahoney, 21000 Torrence Chapel Rd. Ste. 100 2/26/19 Vogue Salons Fort Mill, Shane C. Buckner, 16930 W. Catawba Ave. Ste. 205 2/27/19 JWS Operating LLC, Susan Surane, 18825 W. Catawba Ave. #150 2/27/19 L&G Erosion Control & Landscaping LLC, United States Corporation Agents, 11901 Bailey Rd. 2/27/19 The Ap Gamer Fund Inc., Edward Lee Parrish Jr., 7618 Mariner Cove Dr. 2/28/19 Colin’s Hardscapes LLC,

Jose G. Flores Colin, 19501 Center St. 3/1/19 Hill Properties II LLC, Betty Long Hill, 17101 Green Dolphin Ln. 3/4/19 Bold Enterprises LLC, Rana K. Mahmood, 21316 Sandy Cove Rd. 3/5/19 Carolina Leaf Ladies, Paige Carter, 19905 Madison Village Dr.

3/5/19 Laporta and Company LLC, Molly Laporta, 17404 Harbor Walk Dr. 3/5/19 NTV Enterprise LLC, Bryant Nguyen, 7604 Vistaview Dr. 3/5/19 Pam Davis Property Group Inc., Pamela Davis, 19728 Bethel continued on page 26

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26 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

New Corporations continued from page 25

Church Rd. 3/7/19 RMC Management Services LLC, Robert Biele, 18635 Starcreek Dr. Apt. D 3/7/19 Tuli Kitchen LLC, Tuli Kitchen, 18115 Harbor Mist Rd. 3/8/19 Direct Energy Partners Inc., Dusan Brhlik, 8428 Westmoreland Lake Dr. 3/8/19 Grinders Group LLC, Corey Goolsby, 21239 Pine Ridge Dr. 3/8/19 Northern Southern Connection, Kelly D. Laney, 15540 Crossing Gate Dr. 3/8/19 Ronnifer LLC, Jennifer Memory Hopkins-Breukelaar, 11933 Field St. 3/11/19 Clemmons Properties LLC, Douglas J. Havas, 19017 Meta Rd. 3/12/19 Brighter Day Transportation, Vernon Thomas, 19506 Waverunner Ln. Apt. 304 3/12/19 Mentor Avenue LLC, Dougals J. Havas, 19017 Meta Rd. 3/12/19 Moore Deals for Less LLC, Daniel S. Moore, 18616 Statesville

Rd. Ste. A 3/13/19 Lafayette Road LLC, Dougals J. Havas, 19017 Meta Rd. 3/14/19 Extreme Marine II of Lake Norman, Stephen A. Barb, 18605 Northline Dr. Ste. H11 3/14/19 Winners League LLC, Andre L. Garfield, 19109 W. Catawba Ave. Ste. 200 3/15/19 Community Brewing Ventures LLC, Andrew Durstewitz, 11138 C Treynorth Dr. 3/15/19 Mallard Capital Investment Holdings, Paul J. Leck, 19701 Bethel Church Rd. #302 3/15/19 The Smocking Station LLC, Charlotte Whisenhunt, 10208 Conistan Pl.

Davidson 2/12/19 MV2 Investments LLC, Ben J. Cassarino, 445 S. Main St. Ste. 400 2/12/19 SNC Properties LLC, Nandha Kandasamy, 1027 Central Park

Circle Dr. 2/12/19 Tiger Critical Inc., Allen D. Watson, 907 Barra Row Ste. 205 2/15/19 1st Load Trucking of NC LLC, Raymond N. Hunter III, 335 Jetton St. 2/15/19 MB Fourteen Soccer Camps LLC, Michael Babst, 415 Davidson Gateway Dr. Unit 2 2/19/19 Marie et Cie Interiors LLC, Melissa A. Boyes, 15305 East Rock Ct. 2/19/19 Mood Indigo Living LLC, Rea Wright, 107 N. Main St. 2/20/19 Len Arcuri Coaching LLC, United States Corporation Agents, 148 Morrison Hill Rd. 2/22/19 Chen Rivergate I LLC, Ron L. Turner Jr., 568 Jetton St. Ste. 200 2/22/19 NuLife LLC, Steven W. Liffers, 298 Walking Horse Trl. 2/25/19 Metrolina OTT LLC, Ben J. Cassarino, 445 S. Main St. Ste. 400 2/26/19 Backyard Endeavors LLC, United States Corporation Agents, 428 S. Main St. Ste. B-200

2/27/19 Babies First Fitness LLC, Scott Wattenberg, 18030 Shearer Rd. 2/27/19 Soft Wash Lake Norman LLC, United States Corporation Agents, 3316 Brackhill St. 2/28/19 International Office Seating LLC, Lora Chisholm, 19240 Wildcat Trl. 2/28/19 Mangiapane Investments LLC, Rachel Mangiapane, 820 Martingale Ln. 3/1/19 Fayette South Properties LLC, Drew A. Richards, 215 S. Main St. Ste. 301 3/1/19 Tori Button Events LLC, Astri K. Kollme, 291 Pat Stough Ln. 3/1/19 Tuffman Group, Jesse C. Jones, 209 Delburg St. Ste. 203 3/4/19 Marnik Properties LLC, Joseph A. Marko, 549 Jetton St. 3/4/19 Ortega-Jose LLC, Jesse C. Jones, 209 Delburg St. Ste. 203

More New Corporations online at www.CorneliusToday.com

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With gratitude to our clients and entire team for my recent recognition

• 2019 Baron’s Top Advisor Ranking by State, 9th North Carolina* • 2019Forbes Best-in-State Wealth AdvisorRanking, 7th North Carolina**

Sincerely, Christopher W. Davis, CFP®, CIMA® Managing Director - Investments

Advisors recognized on these lists are passionate about what they do, and undeservingly get the credit that their teammates deserve. *The Barron’s Top Advisor rankings are based on data provided by thousands of advisors. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, length of service, quality of practice and client retention. **The Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews,compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

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CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 27

Visit LKN announces hospitality awards

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Erik Turnblom, Jon Dressler, Mariano Doble, Akeem Mack, Lois Chandler, JD Weber Visit Lake Norman recently announced the winners of the 6th Annual Making Waves Hospitality Awards at an awards luncheon at Rural Hill, one of the top tourism destinations in North Mecklenburg. The winners pictured are: • Erik Turnblom, Lake Norman Soccer Club • Jon Dressler, Dressler’s Restaurant • Mariano Doble, Owner of Davidson Village Inn • Akeem Mack, Homewood Suites Davidson • Lois Chandler, Sweet Magnolia Estate

• JD Weber, Lake Norman Tennis Association • Not pictured is Anja Kruger, of Courtyard & Residence Inn Huntersville.

Tourism is the fourth largest employer in North Meck. One in every nine people employed in Mecklenburg County works in the hospitality and leisure sector.

The John Kurti Unsung Hospitality Hero category award winner recognizes an individual that goes above and beyond to make Lake Norman a great destination and was awarded to JD Weber with the Lake Norman Tennis Association. He has served as chair of the LNTA tournament committee and coordinated the USTA NC 18+ Tennis State Championships.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., memberFINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor. All other services mentioned here offered through North Main Financial Group, LLC, is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial, Inc., or a registered broker/dealer or investment advisor.

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Thank you to Dave and his staff for helping me stay in touch with our local community.”

To find out how we can work for you call 704.895.1335

28 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

OUTDOOR LIVING

Baby Boomers fix up with Millennial buyers in mind

BY ERICA BATTEN When it comes to outdoor home improvements, Baby Boomers and Millennials are choosing the same products, if for slightly different reasons.

“It’s like the Baby Boomers are almost getting ready for the Millennials to buy their homes,” said Todd Cioppa, director of sales at MetroGreenscape in Charlotte, which designs and installs landscaping, hardscape features and other outdoor amenities.

Before downsizing, though, older sellers want to enjoy the enhanced lifestyle that outdoor features, such as covered patios, fire pits and decks can afford—for a few more years at least.

Too, said Cioppa, Baby Boomers feel that these features help to differentiate their homes from others on the market so that they “can sell quickly and for top dollar.”

The difference among the genera-

tions is not so much in product as in budget. Older homeowners, with accumulated equity, can install more elaborate hardscapes, water features, and other amenities than their younger counterparts who are paying out-ofpocket.

According to Realtor.com, the average homeowner, regardless of age, spends between $1,784 and $3,168 on each landscaping project, and the potential returns vary widely.

Costs for full-scale installation of an outdoor living area can be anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 and more.

Still, there are many affordable improvements that can add value to any home. Low-maintenance landscaping, including xeriscaping, can cost as little as a few cents per square foot but can save as much in water costs.

Trees, too, can be a good long-term investment. What costs $20 at the

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Cost for full-scale installation of an outdoor living area can be anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 and more. plant nursery can add several thousand dollars of value to a home. Those planning to move within three to five years should invest in more mature, and thus more expensive, trees. With any landscaping plan, it’s important to choose plants that will display color at varying times of the year to maintain the home’s curb appeal.

Cioppa said that big-budget projects have waned somewhat as buyers choose modest improvements that extend their homes’ living spaces.

“People are just looking for extensions of their home,” he said. “They want to live outside.” Among the most popular projects his company works on are outdoor living rooms with fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and covered patios.

For Baby Boomers looking to downsize, renovating before selling is a must. Homes on Lake Norman can be thirty or more years old, built at a time when homeowners gave little thought to any outdoor feature but the lake it-

self.

Here the conventional wisdom about pools—that they are not a good investment—may not hold water.

“Pools are generally a lifestyle decision because they may not translate to the next buyer,” Cioppa said. “When you’re on the lake, the expectation is to have [a pool] because people expect to be outside more.”

“I believe the most valuable outdoor improvements for Lake Norman properties are: a custom pool and spa that include water features or extra ‘wow’ factors, such as an infinity edge or gas lantern accents, and outdoor kitchens/ living areas,” said Christina Stone, a Realtor with Allen Tate Realtors in Cornelius.

“When timeless finishes are applied, these items are always sought after and desirable by almost all buyers, regardless of age,” Stone said. “Designated outdoor living areas transcend generations and seem to have no age limit to their desirability.”

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 29

News-

News from www.CorneliusToday.com

Sheriff Garry McFadden addresses Town Board

‘Privilege’ raised in Jetton speed enforcement discussion March 19. The gauntlet was thrown down Feb. 18 at the Cornelius Town Board meeting when Commissioner Kurt Naas demanded that Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden come to Cornelius because he “has some explaining to do.”

“The Sheriff owes the town some answers,” said Naas, a first-term commissioner.

Depending on your point of view, it could be that the sheriff and his officers threw down the gauntlet first.

The day before, on an otherwise quiet Sunday afternoon in Cornelius, sheriff’s officers enforced speeds on Jetton, ticketing drivers exceeding the 35 mph speed limit by 10 or more miles an hour. The officers operated out of Jetton Park, a county-owned park where pedestrians cross Jetton with the help of an often-ignored pedestrian flashing cross light.

It’s a long block from Naas’ home in The Peninsula.

The following Monday night, when Naas summoned McFadden to the next town meeting, it all could have ended right there.

Cornelius Police Chief Kevin Black said he and McFadden talked and agreed there would be more advance communication next time there is a “LIDAR,” for Light Detection and Ranging, operation in Cornelius.

Black, the new Cornelius chief of police, and Mayor Woody Washam acknowledged that the new Mecklenburg sheriff has every right to enforce

the law in Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and points south.

It didn’t end there, of course. Two weeks later, Sheriff’s officers attended the Town Board meeting and answered questions from Naas and other commissioners.

But this past Monday, McFadden himself attended in what could have been a courtesy meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Michael Miltich presiding.

The scene reminded some people of Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearings almost 30 years ago: An eminently qualified black man defending his record.

To begin with, the optics weren’t good.

McFadden said so himself: “I thought I came to be welcomed to Cornelius, not this.”

He almost immediately called it an adversarial situation.

“I think this is a staged event…I wasn’t welcomed here,” he said.

“It’s an African-American sheriff making a difference in this city and county,” McFadden said, explaining that the dynamics here were all about “privilege” among those that have it and those that don’t.

He came to office last November, winning 30,000 votes vs. 15,700 for Antoine Ensley and 11,700 for incumbent Irwin Carmichael.

Naas garnered 2,017 votes in the November election. His margin of victory over the sixth-place finisher—and therefore a loser—was 127 votes.

30 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

News from www.CorneliusToday.com

News-

Fire at Admiral’s Quarters displaces 18 families March 18. A devastating fire at the Admiral’s Quarters condo complex has displaced multiple families, quite possibly all the occupants of a building at 18741 Nautical Drive.

Resident Billy Mallette, who discovered the fire, took this photo.

Molly and Taylor McClure saved Bible, 2 snakes and a cat.

Billy Mallette, a resident, said he awoke around 4:20 am to fire crawling up the exterior walls of the woodframe building. He lost everything in the fire, as did Molly McClure and her husband Taylor, who were married only three months ago.

Mallette said he pounded on residents’ doors as the fire was spreading.

Molly was able to rescue a Bible from the burning room before fleeing.

Neighbors said there was a loud bang around 4:20 this morning. The fire over-spread the roofs of multiple units.

Firefighters from Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville responded, as well as Charlotte. Firefighters were on duty at both Cornelius Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 2 at the time of the incident.

The building had no fire sprinklers, according to Mayor Pro Tem Michael Miltich. Building inspectors are on their way to the scene to determine if any portion of what remains is habitable.

Property records show there are 18 units in the building. The units are in the $180,000 to $200,000 range, according to Mecklenburg County property records. The total loss could be well above $2 million.

“We suffered a horrible fire, displacing 18 families,” Miltich said. “It will take a lot of time to sort this out and put their lives back together.”

Firefighters, police and fire marshalls were on scene several hours after the conflagration began. There were no reported injuries, but there was massive fire, smoke and water damage through much of the three-story structure.

The Admiral’s Quarters complex is on Nautical Drive, off West Catawba at the foot of Westmoreland.

Firefighters said fire was shooting out from the third floor and attic area on arrival.

Admiral’s Quarters blaze, 4:30am

Admiral’s Quarters blaze aftermath

Children’s toys and belongings overwhelm an SUV

Billy Mallette

News-

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 31

News from www.CorneliusToday.com

boating made simple

Mayor Washam

Mayor to Board: It’s time to address salary issue March 1. By Dave Vieser. Mayor Woody Washam has put the Town Board on notice for their March 4 meeting: Be prepared to address the inequity in the town’s salary structure.

“We’ve been studying this issue for many months especially as our salaries compare with those in neighboring communities, and we need to come up with some recommendations on both a short term and long term basis,” Washam said.

The mayor asked Town Manager Andrew Grant to develop suggestions on dealing with the salary structure which can be presented to the commissioners Monday evening.

Since December CPD has lost five employees, including the former chief: Daniel Bova – Patrol Officer @ $37,024 Bence Hoyle – Police Chief @ $110,718 Jon Rhinehardt – Corporal Detective @ $44,470 Steven Sharpe – Patrol Officer @ $41,184 Daniel Waltman – Corporal Detective @ $50,107 “While we have lost these valuable employees, other towns have stepped up their recruiting efforts. This is a major concern to me,” Washam said.

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W. Catawba KFC kicks the bucket

Karen Tovar The Tovar Group

Doors closed for good at the W. Catawba KFC March 5. If you’re an investigative reporter who knows what’s happening to the KFC on West Catawba, you can win a pullet, sir or madam. Franchise owner MTLD has not returned at least a half-dozen phone calls, nor has Yum brands, the owner of the Kentucky Fried Chicken chain based in Louisville, Ky., responded to our request to

stay abreast of local franchise news.

We’re kidding about the pullet (surprise!), but no one seems to know what happened, except that our favorite KFC was serving up the calories a week ago yesterday, and closed its doors a week ago today after 31 years of business in Cornelius.

To find out how we can work for you call 704.895.1335

32 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Helping

h t i w s t r sta

News-

News from www.CorneliusToday.com

Mayor Washam will seek 2nd term

Find out what Kiwanis does at our weekly lunch meeting (no obligation to join!)

Thursdays 12-1pm Brooklyn South Pizzeria 19400 Jetton Rd, Cornelius Questions? Email Neil Serdinsky at LKNKiwanis@gmail.com

Mayor Washam March 7. Mayor Woody Washam will seek a second term at the helm of Cornelius government.

The long-time community leader, two-term town commissioner, banker and church organist has also chaired the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Two years ago Washam replaced former Mayor Chuck Travis, who withstood a 5-0 no-confidence vote in 2016, after traveling to Raleigh to lobby for the Cintra-NCDOT toll plan on I-77.

It’s early, but so far no one has de-

clared his or her candidacy for mayor or town board.

Filing opens July 5 and closes July 19. Washam will hold his first campaign fundraiser in early April when he will officially open his re-election campaign.

At a “State of the Town” community meeting on Monday, Washam outlined achievements during the past year, including new top brass at Town Hall, including Town Manager Andrew Grant, and Chief Kevin Black at the Cornelius Police Dept.

I-77 electronic readers

New electronic readers on I-77: What do they do?

March 11. Drivers in Cornelius and throughout the I-77 corridor have questions about the L-shaped poles installed in recent weeks at entrance and exit ramps along the interstate’s general lanes, which are part of the 26-mile, $647 million Express Lanes project.

Commuters have questions about the technology, including Cornelius resident Michelle Ferlauto, who asked if there are cameras up there and said, “I just don’t understand why anyone would want to know when you’re turning off the interstate?”

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 33

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34 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

Mooresville, Davidson agree to sell Continuum Cornelius dodged a bullet

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BY DAVE VIESER Eleven years and tens of millions of taxpayer dollars later, Continuum— formerly known as Mi-Connection—is up for sale.

Officials from Davidson and Mooresville unanimously agreed to put the locally owned cable/TV/internet system, on the market following a series of swiftly arranged board meetings during the week of March 18.

“The time is right to sell,” said Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins. “Continuum has grown to become a competitive digital network. Selling would give us long-term financial flexibility that lets us turn our focus toward building infrastructure that paces our booming population.”

The cable company, formerly part of the scandal-ridden Adelphia Communications system, was offered up to Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville after a bankruptcy back in 2002. The Adelphia founder and his son were sentenced to prison for using cash management systems to benefit other family-owned entities as well as cover the theft of around $100 million.

Cornelius officials backed away from participating in the acquisition of the cable company in 2007 while Davidson and Mooresville purchased the local operations, causing a financial drain ever since.

Management, meanwhile, has stemmed the flow of red ink, apart from the massive debt load.

“No matter how you might feel about local government owning a cable company, we should all feel extremely proud of what we’ve managed to build since the purchase,” said Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox.

Cornelius’ decision to back out of the takeover deal in 2007 left Davidson and Mooresville holding the bag, so to speak, while Cornelius residents were still able to receive the company’s services without the town incurring extra debt payments.

Mooresville and Davidson officials have retained RBC Capital Markets as their exclusive financial advisor for the sale. If the Towns receive a satisfactory offer, Mooresville and Davidson voters will be asked to approve the sale at the polls in November.

While official public comments about Continuum were positive, some recent stats suggest the cable business continues to morph. The company’s second-quarter report said revenue generating units (RGUs) were down 3.59 percent, and customer relationships were down 1.93 percent.

CEO David Auger, who has been credited for improving the system, says revenue is up 50 percent.

Earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization (EBIDA) is up 400 percent. The company’s new 1GHz digital network with extensive fiber deployment serves more than 17,000 residential and business customers in Mooresville, Davidson and Cornelius.

Originally called MI-Connection, the local company—not Adelphia—was established in 2007 as an interlocal agency by the North Carolina legislature and the towns of Mooresville and Davidson in order to build an advanced communication network that better served their communities.

In 2016, Auger led a rebranding of the company, now Continuum, to better reflect their range of products and continued commitment to core community values.

But as of last year, some $37.8 million in taxpayer funds had been paid to finance debt service on the purchase according to Mooresville’s Finance Director Deborah Hockett.

It amounts to $28.27 million from Mooresville and $9.54 million from Davidson.

Continuum’s main competition in the three town area comes from AT&T/U Verse, Spectrum (previously Time Warner Cable), Dish and Direct TV, and Windstream.

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 35

36 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

soundoffcornelius@gmail.com Your comments and opinions since 2006

We received more commentary online, via email, Facebook and comments on www.corneliustoday.com than we could fit into a print publication. That said, while all comments are meaningful to us, we selected those that seemed to advance the conversation, or expressed an opposing point of view. You can look at the full array on our Facebook page, and under the original story. We delete comments on our pages that use unkind language. If you wish to reach us anonymously, click on the SoundOff link on top of CorneliusToday.com

Online Headline Mar. 19 (See News-E pg 29)

‘Privilege’ raised in Jetton speed enforcement discussion From Bridget Rainey We never did get answers to what triggered the need for Sheriff traffic enforcement on Jetton Road or why CPD wasn’t notified or engaged with prior.

We should expect professional courtesy and coordination between agencies with overlapping duties when our tax dollars are used. Sheriff made a lot of accusations that were incendiary and unnecessary.

From Jim Duke McFadden is clearly playing to his base with this blatant move. First time we’ve seen politics and class warfare play out in the Sheriff’s Office. Shameful!

From Ron Taylor Considering the contentious nature of this meeting, I think this story warranted a bit more than the few exchanges that were quoted, and more in depth coverage.

From Dick Delinger McFadden, as soon as he went into Office he stated that Mecklenburg County Jail would no longer cooperate with ICE. Told me all I want to know about him.

From Michael The law is the law not dependent on where you live or what car or home you own. Whether in the Peninsula or anywhere else in any town in these United States we either choose to abide by the law or pay the consequences .

From Melissa Polce If you don’t speed like a maniac up Jetton, I don’t know why anyone would care if they were there. The Sheriff’s Dept. and Cornelius Police seemed to handle it and had already decided that better communication and heads-up would be given.

As it stated, a county-owned park is where they had set up...as a property owner off Jetton...it did not bother me one bit. Sorry.

From Charlie Dyer This is junk. This

Sheriff patrol cars gathered in Jetton Park was a slap in the face to Cornelius Police and basically telling them they can’t do their job and I promise you that the Meck County Sheriff’s department has a lot more to be concerned about than speeding in Cornelius...

From Linda S. Daley They weren’t targeting the Peninsula. They were targeting Jetton Road.

From Lee Brown This was about revenue generation. Nothing more...the sheriff needs to find more important

issues than speeding in a wealthy town on a Sunday morning to worry about.

If this was truly about speeding, he wouldn’t have done it on a Sunday morning.

From Michelle Nicole I have a teenager with big ambitions of driving. I am THRILLED to have local traffic laws enforced especially as my child wants to enter the death trap of roads around the lake.

From Kurt Naas For the record, if any law enforcement agency sent a doz-

en marked patrol cars to ANY of our neighborhoods without cooperating with or notifying our local police department, I would be asking the same questions. As your representative, that’s my job even if it makes some uncomfortable. I support law enforcement efforts to reduce speeding. But if this was about speeding, the Sheriff could have simply called Cornelius PD. I have every confidence they could handle it. Instead he chose to make it what he did. Perhaps next time Cornelius Today will contact me to get both

soundoffcornelius@gmail.com

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 37

Your comments and opinions since 2006

sides of the story. *Naas is a member of the Cornelius Town Board.

From Dave Mancuso Why target the Peninsula? This speed trap could’ve been conducted on Sam Furr or Catawba. No need for this show of force in a residential neighborhood.

From Barbara Ann No neighborhood is exempt from law enforcement. People speed down Jetton every day.

From Jennifer Connelly Hope That road needed to be targeted!!!!!!

From Dave Mancuso They handed out 21 tickets in two hours using 12 police officers. Less than two tickets per officer. Doesn’t seem like a good use of the officers’ time to me.

From Jason Thompson It would have been successful for all had there been zero tickets...the neighborhood should get the message to respect the speed limit.

From Jennifer Connelly Hope I don’t care about what message you’re talking about. Speeding is speeding...

SLOW THE H - - - DOWN. From Sofia So Phia The sheriff has120 percent of my support. Come on back and ticket more reckless behavior.

From Steven Dyer I’m not sure where local politics took a turn into national politics but it appears we’re on it now.

Probably happened sometime between figuring what bathroom to pee in and how to make a mess out of I-77.

From Rob Hagans Sheriff McFadden is a victim of systematic racism pure and simple. We have a long way to go to racial equality.

of the drama doesn’t really matter one way or the other.

From Jason Thompson Everyone noticed this one. That road is on notice.

From Bob Morrison The funny thing is Cornelius PD did the same thing a few months back. Most likely a resident was frustrated and called the Sheriff’s Dept. to complain about the speeding, which is a problem in that neighborhood.

From Courtney Tracy Honeycutt Speeding is awful on Jetton. Good for the Sheriff.

From John Blakely Love to have them come to Church Street in Cornelius anytime between 4 pm and 6 pm any week day. They would run out of tickets.

From Rick Monroe How many race cards are in a deck? Seems like several have already been played here.

From Jane Putnam I think the sheriff over-talked on the one. He is looking for a fight.

From Lucia Piraino Caminiti There is something more to this not to inform local law enforcement? I don’t have a problem per se with ticketing speeders, but that day—before anyone knew what was going on—it was alarming especially since CPD had no knowledge. Just bizarre.

“I am very pleased with my decision to advertise with Business Today and Cornelius Today! I wanted to have a strategy that could help reach my local community—BT & CT hit the mark! Dave and his team are very responsive and professional whenever I have a question or want to update my ads...looking forward to growing my business in my community thanks to Business Today and Cornelius Today!”

From Richard Stilwell Good idea to not make the Cornelius police look like the bad guys while addressing a big problem.

From Debbie Cash You can hang out in my neighborhood and keep us safe!

Thanks to everyone doing their jobs!

From Jeff Tarte Sherrif McFadden appears to be a K&W law enforcement officer. He needs to publicly address this concern. He picks and chooses which laws he will enforce and which laws he will allow you to break without repercussion.

From Michelle Ferlauto Don’t speed.

How about that? The only laws broken were those by motorists. The rest

—Tarte is the former mayor of Cornelius as well as NC District 41 Senator

From Courtney Tracy Honeycutt White privilege at its best with these complaints.

Works For Me!

Justin Ckezepis Ckezepis Law PLLC

To find out how we can work for you call 704.895.1335

38 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019

soundoffcornelius@gmail.com Your comments and opinions since 2006

Online Headline Mar. 18

Fire at Admiral’s Quarters

4:30am

12:30pm From Mayor Woody Washam Prayers lifted for all those affected by this terrible tragedy in Cornelius. The great work of the Cornelius Fire Dept. should never be forgotten as they protect us day after day. In speaking with close friends living nearby, it was a very scary event for all in the Admirals Quarters area and nearby. I am sure our great town will pull together to assist these victims in recovery.

From Nils Fire fighters are awesome.

God bless them and keep them safe.

From Andy Wow.

From Jennifer The fire truck woke me up at 4ish this morning. I didn’t know it was a fire. When I left for work right before 7am, they were still there.

From Phaedra Praying.

From Michael I live right in front of where the fire was . I was watching the fire come thru the roof. Tons of smoke and a lot of brave firemen fighting a blazing fire. I am so sorry for those affected by this tragedy. God be with them.

From Grace What is being done to assist families?

From Jennifer So sad.

From Kim So scary.

From Marsha So sorry to hear this news. Will pray for those affected.

From Theresa Praying.

From Elyse How frightening. I’m glad no one was injured.

From Karen How can we assist these families??

From Eric This is just horrible. Please let us know what we can do to help.

From Cindy This is sad.

From Paula Big Props to the man that banged on doors and alerted all those people that were most likely sleeping!!

This could have been very tragic. Bless these folks on their new, unexpected journey.

Letter to the Editor:

The sky is not falling OPINION. By Denis Bilodeau. I read with interest your online article March 12 about the town’s budget retreat (“Property tax increase floated at annual budget retreat.”) As a Town Commissioner who attended the meeting, I’d like to emphasize that it is very early in the budget process.

Nevertheless, misinformation abounds. Let me explain.

As a result of one Commissioner’s recent blog and a second Commissioner’s alarmingly inaccurate newsletter, I feel comBilodeau pelled to give another perspective on early budget activity for the Town of Cornelius. At the March 4th Board meeting, compensation changes were enacted to address significant turnover and well documented pay inequities for Town staff…most of which will be applied to our sworn police officers.

Making off-cycle salary adjustments while rare have been done in the past—no precedent set.

Recruiting and training new officers costs taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars… since January this year, four more officers have resigned citing compensation as a main concern.

The salary changes will cost $279,000 within a $23.5 million budget next fiscal year. A Commissioner’s suggestion that the decision to pay our police officers a reasonable salary is akin to the I-77 toll lane debacle is way out of bounds.

It is impossible to predict the final tax rate at this time as there are hundreds of appeals in the works. This is not the time for posturing. An acceptable budget will require difficult decisions. My fellow Commissioners have impressive credentials and expertise.

I can assure you I will be working with them to bring our tax rate as close to revenue neutral as reasonably possible.

Citizens’\ feedback regarding priorities is extremely important leading up to a public hearing on May 20th. The final tax rate and budget will be set in June.

—Denis Bilodeau, Commissioner Cornelius Town Board You can email Bilodeau directly at dbilodeau@cornelius.org

Here are some responses...

From Bruce Employee turnover is expensive. Replacing an employee who quits costs, on average, 21%+ of their annual pay plus any additional training required. Cornelius has lost many good employees & police officers to the neighboring communities.

Why? Compensation has to keep up with the market in order to retain good fully trained staff. Spread sheet philosophy must incorporate common sense.

From Diana Thanks Denis. Compensation issues are huge. Recruitment almost impossible with less than average start salaries.

From Michelle Thank you Commissioner Bilodeau for taking the time to

address this. You’re doing a great job and I have a tremendous amount of respect for you.

From Steven Well I may be the only one but I’m not patting anyone on the back yet. The town probably has more revenue than it’s ever had so any talk of increasing costs to the residents is alarming especially when we were all hit with huge increases in property values. I’d also like to know why we are spending money to build and widen roads and intersections when the completion of the toll road could very well resolve the congestion issue.

From Mayor Woody Washam Thank you Denis Bilodeau- you are spot on!

Thank you for taking time to respond.

soundoffcornelius@gmail.com

CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019 • 39

Your comments and opinions since 2006

Online Headline Mar. 11

New Electronic Readers on I-77...Is this Big Brother watching?

Online Headline Mar. 5

W. Catawba KFC kicks the bucket

From Charlie I heard Panera is going into that location.

From David L. Thanks for taking the time to investigate and report on this.

It’s sad to see a steady restaurant fall like this.

From Vernette Yep.

tering and exiting the general highway.

From Matt Orwell was a prophet

From Mark Don’t know why anyone is worked up. They’ve had cameras and radar setup on the interstate for decades.

From John I can’t wait for the company shortfall to come out of tax payer pockets soon. Thanks Pat! From Dave I’ll be taking my transponder down from my windshield except when I’m in the actual toll/HOV lanes.

They don’t need to know where I’m en-

From Brad I just want to know how much per year it will cost to replace the little white poles that are going to get run over all of the time. Who thought of that stuff ?

From Tom Maybe supply has dwindled.

From Amanda Too bad the owner or the staff hasn’t told the people that actually stay here most of them don’t even know that what they call ‘home’ will no longer be......the owners are crooks!

From Adam K. Never see anyone at that bank. But I work longer hours than banker hours.

From Adam F. I say go for it. Nothing good ever happens at a Days Inn. From Chris Had no idea it was even there.

Cornelius Today Responds... Awesome!

We have a job here for you as a headline writer! (The pay is chicken-feed.)

From Kandy please.

Come on Chic-Fil-A

From Paula Thank you for this. We all wondering.

Works For Me! “Business Today and Moretz Law Group have grown up together. Since becoming one of the first advertisers in 2003, Business Today has been essential to keeping our lawyers informed and helping us spread the word about the work we do for businesses throughout the North Charlotte, Iredell and Cabarrus areas. We recommend BT strongly to anyone who is a part of the Golden Crescent business community.”

Online Headline Mar. 19

Days Inn: Gone in 60 days?

From David J. Kicked the bucket?

How about flew the coop? Chickened out? Stick a fork in it? KFC - Kan’t Find Chicken? Ok, I’ll stop.

Zachary Moretz Founding Partner Moretz Law Group

To find out how we can work for you call 704.895.1335

40 • CORNELIUS TODAY • April 2019