ECA 1-23

ECA Officers West Bryant President 704 898 5044 Kenmore Avenue west.bryant@gmail.com Evan Kettler Vice President 704 577 4901 North Laurel Avenue evan.kettler@gmail.com Sarah Crowder Secretary 704 502 7866 Greenway Avenue sarahcr@bellsouth.net Danielle Kleinrichert Treasurer 704 804 1509 Pecan Avenue danielle@neatbooks.co Paul Shipley Past President 704 651 5897 Kenmore Avenue paul.d.shipley@gmail.com

ECA Board Members Isabelle Cosgriff At-large 919 623 7855 North Dotger Avenue isabellecosgriff@gmail.com Eric Davis Transportation Chair 704 776 3013 Greenway Avenue ericadavis0123@gmail.com Lauren Gomez Membership Chair 704 728 2066 East 5th Street laurenmcjo@gmail.com

Nikki Moore Social Chair 704 576 6474 Kenmore Avenue nikki.s.moore@gmail.com Debbie Rubenstein Communications 704 998 9579 East Fifth Street debbie@flynnonline.com Elaine Scott Beautification and Trees 704 905 7352 Kenmore Avenue elainekscott@icloud.com Robert Zabel Elizabeth 8K Road Race Chair 917 873 8028 Pecan Avenue nycrcz@yahoo.com Officer Jim Gilliland CMPD neighborhood community coordinator 704 336 2878 james.gilliland@cmpd.org

M VOLUNTEER M elizabethcommunityassociation @gmail.com

The ECA Newsletter

The ECA newsletter is published quarterly (March, June, September and December) and delivered to homes and businesses in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte. The production team: John McBride editor

Teddy Koch At-large 336 830 0425 Greenway Avenue teddykoch@gmail.com

Robb Beatty advertising czar

John F. McBride Newsletter 980 254 7367 East Eighth Street john.f.mcb@gmail.com

Susan Green editorial assistant and proofreader

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Jeremy Deese circulation czar

Little Shiva designer The UPS Store printer

Egg Hunt!

The Elizabeth Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April8 outside of Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church, 501 Hawthorne Lane.

Bring your basket and join the Easter bunny and neighborhood families for a fun-filled hunt from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Park Reopening!

Independence Park is projected to reopen this spring. Stay tuned for details on a reopening celebration!

Want to help?

Interested in volunteering for the Egg Hunt and/or an Independence Park reopening event? Please contact ECA’s social chair Nikki Moore at nikki.s.moore@gmail.com.

On the cover Demolition on the buildings in the 1800 block of East 7th Street began in February. Centrum Realty & Development has filed a rezoning petition for the five parcels they purchased. Cover photo by John McBride

Kelly Breen Boyce Greenway Avenue kellybreen@ hotmail.com

Nikki Moore Kenmore Avenue nikki.s.moore@ gmail.com

West Bryant East Fifth Street west.bryant@ gmail.com

Jim Morrill Kenmore Avenue jmorrill634@ gmail.com

Eric Davis Greenway Avenue ericadavis0123@ gmail.com

Kris Solow East Fifth Street kjsolow@gmail.com

Lauren Gomez East 5th Street laurenmcjo@ gmail.com

Ric Solow East Fifth Street ric@ solowdesigngroup.com

Beth Haenni Greenway Avenue beth.haenni@ gmail.com

Lois Stickell Lamar Avenue sstickell@hotmail.com

Evan Kettler Laurel Avenue evan.kettler@ gmail.com

James Webb East 5th Street james.lucius.webb@ gmail.com

Craig Miller Louise Avenue craigmmiller@ hotmail.com

Chuck Wicker Clement Avenue chuck@ churchinteriors.com

Hardin Minor Clement Avenue hardinminor@att.net

Robert Zabel Pecan Avenue nycrcz@yahoo.com

contributors

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From the president: How I came to my decision on LHD

by West Bryant

I reviewed the historic district design standards, which are available on the HDC website.

This is a 148 page document that provides an overview of standards that dictate how the I was recently reminded of HDC regulates LHD. The HDC is an email I sent years ago to the In 2021, the ECA hosted a made up of individuals that are neighborhood where I detailed pivotal meeting with LHD supappointed by the City Council my experience with cutting the porters, the ECA board and city or the mayor, all serving three cord (for TV). It always amazes experts. Kristi Harpst joined us year terms. By becoming an me that people still remember as an expert from the Historic LHD, property owners within the this email, but it is still the most District Commission (HDC). district are required to obtain common thing that comes up In that meeting, LHD supporta certificate of appropriateness when I meet long-time neighbors ers detailed issues they were (COA) from the HDC for most for the first time. hoping to address. The answer, changes to the exterior of paraphrased for brevity, revolved all properties in the district, I thought I might take the concerns with: Density (of same approach with another whether the property is historic housing), assemblages of proper- or not. complex topic: Local Historic District (LHD). To set some ties (a person or entity buying multiple contiguous properties), I started to encounter red flags context, I was a member of the ECA Board in 2021, and we were teardown of single family homes pretty quickly at this point. asked by a group of neighbors to (historic multi-family units and Red flag No. 1: I was divert funding, endorsement and commercial structures were not immediately surprised by the mentioned) and scale and design time toward the effort to make level of bureaucratic control Elizabeth an LHD. Like many of of preferences. inherent in the system. For you, I knew that LHD was a thing, Kristi spent a good deal of example, a COA is required to cut but not many details beyond time helping all of us review down even a small or dead tree that. As a member of the ECA each of these goals and how in your own yard and you might Board, it was my duty to do my LHD would or would not address also be required to plant a new best to understand not only the them. She explained that LHD one in its place using an HDC details of LHD, but also what the did not directly impact density, approved tree species. Common impact would mean to Elizabeth nor did it prevent assemblages improvements like screening a and its residents. This is what I of properties. LHD temporarily porch, pouring a new driveway, learned and how I learned it. prevents tear-downs of historic modernizing your windows and From the start of the yearsstructures including single family changing roofing materials all long process, I wanted to homes, but only for one year per require a COA. The HDC can consider the request from these state law. The main thing LHD force you to change minor details neighbors as a member of the does is enforce a set of guidelines of your project based on their board, not as an individual. I for the appearance, scale and view of what fits, all the way down set out to understand whether architectural rhythm of a given to things like the width of your or not LHD would address the area. Even though only one of the fence slats. Many applicants need issues of concern for the group four goals would be addressed by to hire professionals to shepherd of supporters and what the LHD, I still needed to learn more. them through the process. The 4

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impact would be for everyone in Elizabeth. If it did solve some of the issues, what would it cost the neighborhood in the long term in time, money and opportunity?

delays and costs would impact every homeowner’s life.

Red flag No. 2: There is an appeals process with required hearings. If that doesn’t resolve the issues, Kristi indicated the next step was to appeal via the court system. This would be a new risk for the community.

Was there an alternative that could potentially address the supporters’ goals and complement the work the ECA already does to encourage good development in Elizabeth? I learned about some. Individuals can use historic preservation easements to preserve historic structures in perpetuity. Land trusts were also an intriguing option, providing a method of direct control of preservation and development efforts of important parcels and structures.

Red flag No. 3: In our conversation with Kristi, it was also notable how many critical questions were essentially unanswerable. Could a modern house be built in a historic district? “It depends.” If I have already painted my brick and I add an addition could I paint the brick facade too? “It depends.” I respected these answers because they were honest. It truly does depend on what the HDC – an unelected group of individuals – determines to be appropriate.

What is appropriate is a moving target, which could significantly frustrate Elizabeth residents.

Mecklenburg County Park and Rec workers spent the early weeks of 2023 putting the finishing touches on the renovation of Independence Park.

The Sifford Gardens memorial was relocated as part of the park update.

It honors Ernest Sifford, who served on Park and Rec from 1949 to 1970.

The county said work on the park should be done by late February or early March. Photo by John McBride THE PEOPLE PAGES 5

Red flag No. 4: Reading about the appeals process also made me wonder how LHD standards are policed.

Violations can be submitted by any individual online anonymously. Further research revealed that it is a process that creates a risk of abuse.

One infamous example of abuse in Raleigh came after a homeowner had obtained full approval for their new home to be built, only to be delayed in court for years because of a lone disgruntled neighbor.

also highlights a risk of neighbors I hope that this helps highusing LHD in a weaponized light what I learned, and why I manner. It effectively creates voted the way I did. I know there an adversarial atmosphere that will continue to be those that doesn’t exist in Elizabeth today, still wish to purse LHD for as enabled by an easy-to-use online much of Elizabeth as possible grievance form. despite pushback from many neighbors. At some point, the Red flag No. 5: When LHD next step may include asking supporters brought the issue property owners for their sigbefore the community in the nature of support for LHD. The best open forum we had during people asking for this signature the pandemic, the Elizabeth will be advocates for LHD, and families email group, many so in order to get a full picture expressed outright opposition to I recommend you conduct your the idea. Even the most positive own exploration before they arresponses expressed a need to rive at your door so you too can understand more about the situAre there neighbors in make an informed decision. ation. That is in part why I chose Elizabeth that might do this? to write this column: To help In an effort to support Careful reading of articles in others understand the details this exploration, the ECA has this newsletter have provided and impact on all of us. provided the full video of the clues. One line written in the summer 2022 issue caught my When it came time to vote on joint 2021 meeting on our attention: “Large and equally out- the matter in fall 2021, I learned YouTube channel. That meeting of-scale homes have been built enough to make a sound decision and the HDC design standards on Clement Avenue, Greenway based on how LHD would impact on the HDC website provide an overview level of information. To Avenue, East 5th Street, Bay Elizabeth and my neighbors. I see how requests are handled Street and others, viscerally voted to discontinue the ECA’s impacting the pedestrian scale work investigating and pursuing by the HDC, I also recommend and charm of these streets and LHD, except in the circumstance you review an HDC meeting (recorded and available on our collective sense of place.” where that was unanimous The properties referenced in agreement among every property the HDC YouTube channel).

The January meeting was six the statement above are homes owner impacted. hours long. Listening to the built by neighbors in the hopes LHD does not control density commissioners talk with COA that they could be part of our or developer acquisition of propapplicants really gives an idea wonderful community. It seems erties. Neither is LHD the only of the level of work, preparation, cruel to insult their choices – or arguably even the best – way details and uncertainty involved about their own homes, but it to preserve historic structures in with the process. our community. While I empathize with the concerns of those As always, please do not advocating for LHD, I could hesitate to reach out to me at not in good conscience vote to president@elizabethcommunity. impose such a burden on our com if you wish to share your neighbors who do not want it. thoughts.

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rights of others, people should From the LUD chair: A perspective on property get to decide what to do with and people the property they own. Through ordinances, statutes and other

by Evan Kettler forms of governance, we have jointly established what the These are interesting times in Elizabeth, in Charlotte and in limits are, in order to provide for peaceful enjoyment and peaceful cities everywhere. Let me lead coexistence. off with some thoughts on old homes, new homes and growing cities. Elizabeth has many beautiful older homes; some of them closely resemble the original structure. Elizabeth also has some beautiful newer homes.

Let’s concede that we also have some not so beautiful homes, some newer and some older.

Some are single-family, some are not. Some are owner-occupied, some are not. Some are wellmaintained, some are not.

Almost all of these homes house people, some younger and some older. Some of these people are well-off financially, some are not. Some like older styles, some like newer styles. Some have lived here for many years, some are new to this community. Some like Elizabeth just the way it is, some long for change and new choices.

These people – and others, with jobs and businesses and service providers in Elizabeth – are all part of our community.

My perspective is that people come before property.

Our community is defined by people, not property. There is no seniority in people or property.

Within the limits of behaviors and actions that don’t deny the

Everything changes. The new coexists with the old. What was new becomes old. Cities grow and change, for better and worse – it just depends on your perspective. We – the ECA, our land use and development team, you – can sometimes influence that change. When we do, I hope that we are always mindful of the many people that make up and will make up this community and how our influence may affect them, now and in the future.

Now, for a quick update:

By the time you read this, I’m hopeful that you have learned more about tenants planning to occupy Elizabeth on Seventh, at the corner of Caswell and 7th. As of this writing, we are aware of Rosemont Market and Wine Bar (from Red Mountain Management, the team behind The Crunkleton and Cheat’s) and Catalina Kitchen + Bar, a new concept from Mike Ditka’s restaurant group.

Keith Corporation has applied for an amendment to their previously approved rezoning petition, allowing for short-term overnight occupancy (beds) at the planned medical office

building between Fifth Street and Park Drive. Our land use and development team has advised them that we will not support this amendment as presently structured. Talks will continue.

While we appreciate our institutional healthcare neighbors, we need to get a better understanding of the proposed uses and their long-term implications.

Centrum Realty & Development has filed a rezoning petition for the five parcels they purchased on the 1800 block of East 7th Street.

Demolition is underway as I’m writing this in early February.

Some of the architectural features, including windows, were salvaged before the buildings were razed. Thanks are due to Centrum for engaging their contractor to remove certain interior items and to the ECA volunteers who facilitated the salvage effort.

The rezoning petition is very general in nature and is as much a placeholder as anything else. With this filing, the developer will have the option of either working with the community on a conditional rezoning for a mixed-use project (MUDD, based on current ordinance) or building “by right” under the Uniform Development Ordinance, or UDO (taking effect on June 1, 2023). We continue to engage in conversations with Centrum and will be taking THE PEOPLE PAGES

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Charlotte fire fighters responded to a blaze on Thanksgiving Day. The fire at the vacant home at 1727 E. 7th St., next to the former Royal Gardens, was brought under control in 30 minutes. No one was injured. Photo by Beth Haenni

this opportunity to bring the community together for a conversation about this site and, more broadly, the impact of the UDO. Hopefully, that has already taken place by the time you read this.

Finally, the former Royal Gardens property still stands but the adjoining property has been condemned after it was severely damaged by fire on Thanksgiving Day. Those parcels will likely be redeveloped under the UDO. They will default to “CG8

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Commercial” zoning under that ordinance and a wide variety of uses will be permitted “by right.”

in our community through this special event, and there are many ways in which to do so.

That’s all for now. Thanks for taking the time to read through my musings as well as the news.

The most obvious choice is to run the 8K! Some of us often run through our streets, but there is definitely something to be said about racing through them on foot. The price is at the lowest it will be going forward, so don’t wait to register (www. elizabeth8k.com).

Hey Elizabeth, come out and enjoy your 8K

by Robert Zabel As we gear up for the 37th running of the Elizabeth 8K Road Race, I want to invite you to become even more invested

“I’m not a runner Rob!” you may claim. Fair. Not everyone wants to run 4.97 miles in front

of our neighbors. How about the 1.5 miler, though? A cup of coffee and a little quicker step will get you through the shorter, less-competitive course.

Still no? Wow, you are a hard sell. How about coming out for the official launch of our 2023 Elizabeth 8K beer, “Under the Water Tower,” on Mar. 30 at Devil’s Logic Brewing, and be one of the first to taste it and kick off race month with us. No strings attached, just come and join the fun.

calls for school, reading time and walks.

Walks were actually the main items on our daily agenda as I had scheduled them three Still no go? OK, do you have times a day for my own mental health. We were all happier kids, nieces, nephews, students outside. We’d venture out after or grandkids who may enjoy breakfast, around lunch and chasing after The Big E as he then again at the end of the leads them on a magical 50-ish Apr. 29 is our time to show the day. Searching for teddy bears, meter run to the finish line in greater Charlotte region (and finding rainbows in windows our Liz Kids’ Race? beyond – we already have entries and watching spring transform Still no? What about being from across North and South the neighborhood. We spent a volunteer! Lending a hand is Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and hours on the streets of Elizabeth always welcomed and we have a as far away as New Hampshire that spring and summer. lot of opportunities to lighten the and Iowa) how our neighborSo it seemed especially fitting load of all that this race involves hood welcomes all. that we would welcome the from a logistics side. Pointing We are anticipating a banner holidays that first pandemic year runners the correct way or giving year for entries, sponsorships in a similar manner. Bundled up them some water should not and enthusiasm.

Our little neighagainst the cold with masks firmly be underestimated in terms of borhood race is growing while in place, my family ventured importance. We need you, and still keeping the small event feel. out with many of you to merrily our runners need you!

You are already a part of it by meander the streets of Elizabeth.

“But Rob” you say, “I just Houses that once occupied and virtue of living in this awesome want to enjoy my day – I have delighted our days with rainbows community. Our ask is that you things to do!” Again, fair. How and early tulips now boasted show up! about the ultimate way to be colorful lights or joyful carolers. a part of the vibe that is the A needed reminder, as the A bright neighborhood Elizabeth 8K without even Pumpkin Wall stated that year, celebration blossoms leaving your property: Cheering! that “TOGETHER” is better. from a somber time This year, the ECA will host a

by Nikki Moore The brainchild of Elizabeth cheer contest. Anyone can join resident and ECA social chair in the fun and all have a chance at the time, Lisa Yagla, the to be winners. We’ve enlisted In the early days of Merry Meander was born ECA board members to vote for the pandemic, a friend out of Covid. It was a creative the following categories: Most recommended creating a solution to the problem of creative, best refreshments and schedule to give our days how to continue to engage the most encouraging. Winning routine as we navigated a new teams will receive some cool life that suddenly was limited to neighborhood socially and prizes, earn themselves bragging the walls of our home. My three also safely in the midst of a rights and will be celebrated on girls were 1, 3 and 6 at the pandemic. And here, in its third the Elizabeth8K Instagram and time and the schedule I created year, with record participation Facebook pages. included snack times, Zoom of 30 plus households and THE PEOPLE PAGES

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McAlleyville on Bay Street is one of the favorite stops of meanderers. Meanderers gather in the front yard of a home on

EastTHE 8th Street during the third annual Elizabeth Merry Meander. Photos by John McBride PEOPLE PAGES 10

crowded sidewalks despite frigid temperatures, it’s clear that it’s not a passing pandemic fad but a new and already very much beloved neighborhood tradition.

As the current social chair, I’m cognizant of how great it feels to see neighborhood favorites the egg hunt on the calendar (join us Apr. 8 at Hawthorn Lane United Methodist Church). It’s good to be getting back to things we’ve missed these past few years. I am grateful for these chances to reconnect with neighbors and like many of you am not taking for granted the opportunity and joy that comes from being able to gather once again.

trip to Sunset Beach with our cousins. Our little rented beach house was within walking distance to the (tiny) town center.

Every afternoon or evening after dinner, the five of us kids (aged 4 to 11) would walk to get candy or ice cream. The ability to walk to obtain these glorious treats felt magical. Of course, my 5-year-old mind knew nothing of the concepts of rural, urban or suburban and all of its derivatives, but I knew that being within walking distance to amenities felt inherently right.

Or to refrain from moralizing, it felt right to me!

bike trips, I found myself turning onto Greenway from Pecan.

Upon rounding that first curve, the feeling that welled up inside of me was, “I’m home!”

Fast forward again to 2014. A bungalow with an inviting front porch came on the market on Greenway and without having even stepped inside, I knew it was the one. After a quick call to our realtor, an expedient viewing of the house, and a little bit of bickering on the sidewalk with my husband – rightfully annoyed by my seeming impulsivity – we put an offer on the house.

Fast forward once more to Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Merry As I grew and my vocabulary But I also see the Merry and awareness started to include Meander. A celebration of all Meander as a reminder. A that is wonderful about Elizasuch concepts such as urban reminder that change can be a mobility and walkable communi- beth: Front porches, sidewalks, good thing and that it’s nice, even ties, I knew that city living was bonfires, community spirit, merry, to switch things up every the only lifestyle for me – even walkability, a showcase of ingeonce in a while. So consider this if it meant living in a shoebox. I nuity, fabulous neighbors and an all call of sorts – an ask to you would and will continue to gladly a tradition of creating magical to participate in an upcoming and memorable experiences for trade square footage for walkevent, to volunteer your time to children and adults alike. ability and location any day of make it happen and/or to share the week.

A huge thank you to the your ideas about how we, as a amazing (and highly organized) Fast forward to 1998 – I was neighborhood, can gather in the coordinators of this year’s Merry in my early 20s and living in a year ahead. Let’s make it merry!

Meander. And a heart full of rented house in Dilworth with gratitude of the privilege of livtwo dear friends with whom I Meandering to where ing in this great neighborhood. had gone to both high school I always belonged and university. (My portion of

by Kelly Breen Boyce From the membership the rent was $300 for a three chair: 2023 reminders bedroom bungalow, but that’s I was raised in semi-rural Mat- another story). I often rode

by Lauren Gomez thews in the 1970s and 80s. It my bike all over the city and, took us at least 15 minutes by car although I grew up in Charlotte Did you know that businesses to get anywhere worth going. (ok, Matthews), I had never and organizations in Elizabeth In my naiveté, I thought little stumbled upon Greenway Avmay also join the ECA? enue. During one of those fateful The annual membership is of this until my family took a THE PEOPLE PAGES

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$30 and is available on the With this change, the city elizabethcommunity.com began collecting traffic data for website. Businesses who wish to the 7th Street corridor between join will select “Household.” After Charlottetowne Avenue and joining, contact Membership@ Laurel Avenue. The initial data elizabethcommunity.com to find collection was completed in out how to pick up your 2023 early January and CDOT staff ECA window cling to display are analyzing that data about proudly! traffic flow.

It’s the time of year when houses go on the market and we have new neighbors moving into Elizabeth. Let’s welcome them!

Do you have some new neighbors? Let me know and I will drop off a new neighbor packet at their house.

The ECA will coordinate with CDOT and will communicate opportunities for public input on the long-term operation of the 7th Street corridor in the next several months.

Please subscribe to the ECA notification list on the ECA website (https://elizabethcommunity.com) to stay informed.

After rare diagnosis, a neighborhood unites for Rosie

by Jim Morrill Rosie was just a few weeks old when Diana Roetting realized something was wrong.

Her daughter, 5 pounds at birth, wasn’t gaining weight.

She couldn’t get milk into her stomach. When she tried, she couldn’t keep it down.

“Right around six weeks was when things took a turn,” Diana says.

Diana and her husband, Greg, began what she calls a “diagnostic journey” that took them Please note, while no final to a series of medical specialists decisions have been made about and their daughter through two Joining the ECA helps fund the future of the corridor, it will surgeries. Eventually Rosie’s conthe neighborhood events we all operate in the current state until dition was diagnosed as GMPPA, love like the upcoming Easter further notice. a rare genetic disorder. Hers is egg hunt and the 37th running only the 22nd reported case.

ECA updates bylaws of the Elizabeth 8K Road Race.

Now, weeks before her second The ECA also supports beautibirthday, Rosie is a bright-eyed fication of common areas and is Over the past few months, a liaison between our neighbor- the ECA board has been working girl who bounces around her Kenmore Avenue home. But she hood and the city, county, other on a rewrite of the ECA bylaws faces ongoing health challenges neighborhoods, businesses, to bring them up to date. The and an uncertain prognosis. Her developers and other groups original bylaws were adopted weekly routine includes visits with interest in Elizabeth. in 1979. from a handful of therapists.

In the coming months, the 7th Street update: CDOT The Roettings, who also have ECA will send the updated draft analyzing data a 4-year-old son, are trying to version to all ECA members and

by Eric Davis raise the $4 million they’ve been will hold informational Q&A told is needed to find a cure. “It sessions. A vote will follow at a Here is a brief update on the was shocking and frightening, called membership meeting.

7th Street traffic pattern changand honestly it makes me a little es that started in October of last Look for more information bit sad you could put a price tag year with the deactivation of the soon via the ECA and Elizabeth on a child’s life,” Diana says. “But reversible lanes in Elizabeth.

Families email accounts. at least we had an option.”

If you haven’t joined the ECA or renewed for 2023, there’s still time! Visit elizabethcommunity. com to join today.

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Their first goal is raising “Your kids mean everything $350,000. That’s the cost of to you, and especially with my designing a gene therapy treat- kids being same ages, you see ment. After that there’s the cost them going through this and you of FDA studies and trials as well think it could be your kids,” says as a drug’s manufacture.

Caitlin Boone, who lives with her husband and three children a They call their campaign block away on Kenmore Avenue.

Bloom for a Cure (bloomforacure.org). Through a Caitlin enlisted her mom, nonprofit, they raised more Kathy Foulser, who also lives in than $270,000 through early Elizabeth. Kathy came up with February. They’re doing it the idea of planting “gardens” of with the energetic help of solar-powered pink roses around their Elizabeth neighbors. the neighborhood. They hoped

Diana and Greg Roetting and their children, Rosie and Lincoln. Photo by Jim Morrill Solar powered “rose gardens” bloomed in Elizabeth yards, raising awareness for Bloom for a Cure. Photo by Kris Solow 13

the gardens, which included a sign with Rosie’s picture, would raise money and awareness.

Caitlin and Kathy set up a table for Rosie during the Merry Meander. Three kids came up and asked what it was all about.

Later they came back and donated more than $60 of their babysitting money. “I don’t think you can help but be moved,” Kathy says. Other neighbors are pitching in as well.

Brenda Slater, who lives on Dotger Avenue, is asking Elizabeth restaurants to donate a portion of proceeds from a “Rosie Night.” The first one was Feb. 7 at Caswell Station. Hawthorne’s Pizza is planning on Mar. 2. Both are going to give Bloom for a Cure a percentage of their sales for that day. Slater’s son Jack, a 17-year-old Myers Park junior, plans to book his band and two others for a benefit they’re calling “Rock for Rosie.” Reena Powers from Clement Avenue is helping develop fundraising promotions including “Bloom for a Cure” golf balls.

“I probably have one cry a week thinking about how supportive and amazing our community is,” Diana says.

Before Rosie was born, Diana, 38, worked as a chemical engineer and as a PA, or physician’s assistant.

Now she’s immersed herself in the still-developing world of gene therapy. She’s contacted medical experts as well as two 14

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other families who also have children with the disorder.

Rosie’s gene mutation caused something called achalasia, a disorder that affects the esophagus. That was what made it hard for her to process food and why, for a time, she needed a feeding tube. She still eats only food that’s pureed and faces the prospect of a permanent soft food diet.

“The doctors always tell us every kid is different,” Diana says. “We don’t know what will happen… No one can tell us life expectancy. No one can tell us how independent she’ll be as an adult. That’s the hardest thing for me to wrap my head around.”

For more information about Rosie, see www. bloomforacure.org or watch a short video at https://youtu. be/4rb7xbrxmhEC. For information on how to help, contact Caitlin Boone at (781)572-5665 or boone.caitlin@gmail.com. Some donations can be matched.

On Pecan, another wreck in a familiar spot

by Ric Solow A lot of inquiries have been made about what happened to the fence at Solow Design Group on Pecan Avenue at Chesterfield Avenue recently.

On the evening of Dec. 15, around 11 p.m., a Jeep traveling on Pecan Avenue from 7th St. toward Central Avenue failed to make the curve at the railroad tracks at Bay Street and plowed into the fence at Solow Design Group offices, taking out more “In reality nobody owes us than 40 feet of guardrail and 25 anything,” she says. “We’re not entitled to help. It’s just amazing feet of privacy fence. to see so much support.”

The police report indicated that the car was traveling at 50 The Boones, Foulsers and mph in a 25 mph speed zone, Slaters are all relatively new to but the presence of car parts on Elizabeth. But their choice of the roof of the building and in neighborhood was intentional. the parking area in front of the “We targeted Elizabeth building on the Chesterfield side as a neighborhood we were would suggest that the speed was interested in,” says Brenda, who significantly higher. moved from the Washington This isn’t the first time this area. “We heard about the has happened. community here. People take care of each other. They care On Jan. 13, 2020, there was a about each other.” crash into the fence and signage She believes finding a cure for one genetic disorder will make it easier for scientists to find cures for others. And she’s overwhelmed by the neighborhood support.

at the corner of Pecan and Ches- a request was made to CDOT to terfield. The car was coming from install the guardrail that you see Central Avenue and overshot the today. It has deflected numerbend in front of Villani’s. ous cars over the past 22 years and also been ripped out of the On Sept. 12, 2017, another ground on several occasions by crash from the 7th Street direc- cars hitting it straight on. tion damaged a similar amount After the 2017 incident, of guardrail and fence as well CDOT installed chevrons and as hastening the removal of the last majestic oak in that median. speed limit signs at both ends of the curve. CDOT was to There used to be four. install flashing speed signs This pattern actually goes in February. Even with the back to the early ‘90’s and beaddition of the stop signs at 9th came so prevalent that in 2000 and Pecan, and Commonwealth

and Pecan, drivers seem intent on gaining enough speed to overshoot the curve.

If you’re a Charlotte driver you know the problem is only getting worse. Luckily no one has died. We along with Chantilly residents have asked CDOT repeatedly over the years to take a more aggressive approach to managing speed on this section of Pecan. Time will tell if the flashing lights will work. If not it will be back to the drawing board.

On December 15, 2022, a Jeep failed to navigate a curve every Elizabethan knows well.

PhotoPEOPLE

by Ric Solow THE PAGES

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Elizabethan’s WWII diary captures horrors of battle, imprisonment: Part 2

by Lois Stickell

retrieve Chuck’s ring, Air Corps Japanese for “their frugality and bracelet and wallet but dreaded energy and self-effacing.” the “hard job facing his family.”

As the months in camp Buford began New Year’s passed he worked clearing Day 1943 with a prayer that land with a pick, took classes things would improve. Two in Italian, read, sketched Editor’s note: Elizabethan Lois weeks later they did when he and had long conversations Stickell’s research on the history was moved to Zentsuji prison with others. But “everything of First Presbyterian Church in camp – a show camp used for eventually revolves to the center downtown Charlotte led her to propaganda purposes for Red of the whirlpool, viz. food and Buford Patterson’s diary in the Cross visitors. Buford spent the home.” He began to write more UNC Charlotte archives. The diary next two years there. Early on he frequently of home and often documents Buford’s World War II termed it “a dream compared to mentioned the birthdays of experience in the Philippines. He our preceding life.” Over time, family members, noting the and Milton Woodside are the only however, conditions worsened “little girls birthdays.” His two native-born Charlotteans – and starvation was a problem sisters Martha and Helen back both from Elizabeth – known to throughout his time there. He on Clement Avenue were 10 and have endured the infamous Bataan weighed 160 pounds when he 8 years old.

Death March. This is the second enlisted. At times in Zentsuji his Although some of his diary of two parts. weight was 105 pounds. entries were optimistic, several He tried to keep his morale entries reveal a concern for In April, 1942 the island of up by looking toward a future his mental health. Buford also Luzon in the Philippines was when he would be free. He and suffered physical ailments, surrendered to the Japanese. another prisoner planned a including recurring malaria, Buford Patterson, who grew hunting and fishing trip in the eye problems, dysentery, edema, up on Clement Avenue, was Okefenokee Swamp “when we malnutrition and diarrhea. among the estimated 10,000 Americans taken captive. Buford get back.” He took classes in Numerous diary entries were bookkeeping under a fellow was forced to march up the about food. The prisoners were Bataan Peninsula on the Bataan prisoner and was able to leave so hungry they were willing to camp one day to gather food.

Death March. He was held in eat anything. During one meal He found the scenery “soultwo different prison camps Buford speculated that the before being herded onto a “hell reviving.” He was an artist who soup contained whale blubber. described the bay as deep blue, ship” in November 1942 and He didn’t care. The cat that shipped to Tanagawa POW camp the mountains purple and the wandered into camp became rice fields emerald green. near Osaka, Japan. a meal. Prisoners also cooked He spent three months there Buford marked the one-year snakes, lizards, rats and any and recorded in his diary that anniversary of captivity on Apr. other source of protein they the men were “living and acting 9, 1943, as a year of “extreme could find. Food dominated practically like animals.” Food and limitless hardship.” Still, he many discussions, as evidenced was scarce, it was bitterly cold, was philosophical and hoped he by Buford and another prisoner and Buford’s body swarmed would forget the hardship in time having a heated argument over with lice. His best friend Chuck but keep the lessons learned. He whether they could eat a full died there. Buford managed to even wrote that he admired the chicken without getting sick.

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As his time in captivity lengthened, he watched friends die and buried them, battled disease without medicine and both witnessed and experienced brutality from the guards. In one diary entry he prayed that his faith would be revived because “it has been weak lately.”

from scratch. So help us, Lord.”

Guards melted away, aware that they might now be charged with war crimes. American planes flew over and dropped so much food the men began to give it away to villagers. On Sept.

9, 1945, the camp was liberated.​ The doctors who examined Buford described his condition In January 1945, as the war as “poor” and he was taken to turned against the Japanese, a hospital.

Milton Woodside, Buford and the others were who had last seen Buford in moved to Rokuroshi prison in Camp O’Donnell prison camp the mountains. On Aug. 22 the over three years earlier, visited prisoners received the official announcement that the war was him there. That visit brought over. Buford wrote, “An entirely together Charlotte’s only two new life is ahead; it’s important to known Death Camp survivors.

After the war Buford briefly pull a curtain over the past half and forget it completely. Throw studied art in New York before away all encumbrances and start returning to Charlotte. He some-

times worked menial jobs and he became addicted to alcohol.

Buford Patterson died in 1979.

By then the Bataan Death march was 37 years in the past. A new generation knew little or nothing about the tragedy. Buford’s obituary in the newspaper even misspelled “Bataan.” Despite the lack of recognition, he had accomplished something remarkable. He had survived a death march, prison camps, a hell ship, persistent disease and 3½ years of starvation. It is estimated that 40% of the POWs in Japanese prison camps did not survive.

Buford returned to Charlotte to live a life that was surely not the one he had hoped for but was, in the end, a life.

A line of ex-POWs wait for medical examination after liberation of the Rokuroshi prison.

Photo from the National Archives THE PEOPLE PAGES

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The People’s Market opens space, Cory and his team fell on Elizabeth Avenue in love with the space formerly occupied by Earl’s Grocery.

by James Webb Since August, bright yellow awnings and yellow mugs have warmly greeted guests at the reimagined People’s Market on Elizabeth Avenue.

“Yellow is a happy color. It’s bright. It opens your eyes, and I believe it’s welcoming,” says owner Cory Duran.

Cory first started the People’s Market several years ago in Dilworth, before having to press pause on operations during the pandemic. In need of a new

“The community and space itself really fit who we are. Our old location had a bar in the center of the space, so does this one. We wanted a bakery and the square footage was perfect for our guests to be able to grab food, coffee and hang out to get work done – while haĆving some breathing room.

“Aside from being on Elizabeth Avenue, the biggest attraction was the free three-hour parking directly across the street.”

Since reopening, the People’s

Market has quickly gained a loyal neighborhood following.

Cory says his mission is to bring people together. And he wants the People’s Market to serve as a hub for Elizabeth.

“We want to encourage employees to live close by. We have a conference room so Elizabeth residents can pop in for meetings. Grab a drink. Grab food. Relax while you’re here.”

He has big plans for the business and hopes to continue to build more of an evening crowd. He plans for Wednesday nights to become “neighborhood networking” nights, and even hosted a matchmaking singles night back in February.

“We want to continue to get better. Bring in good people who understand our mission and our goals. And continue to serve the Charlotte community. We’re really excited to have a second chance in Elizabeth.”

Looking ahead to this summer, Cory hopes to continue to have live music on Sundays and introduce more improv and comedy shows. He would also like to invite the community to consider the space as a venue for community organizations and private events.

If you haven’t ventured in yet, the People’s Market offers made-to-order food, coffee, wine, beer and a full selection of to-go beverages. Oh, and fresh squeezed mimosas too!

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Consultant finishes survey of Elizabeth’s National Historic District

by Craig Miller

structure’s historic features.

SVM owner Susan Mayer led the project. Susan is a protégé of well-known local historian Tom Hanchett and has earned an Editor’s note: Craig Miller sits on admirable reputation through the Historic Elizabeth Neighborhood her work on many historical Foundation (HENF) board. The consulting projects in the area. views and opinions expressed in this The survey and report were article do not necessarily reflect the completed between August and official policy of the ECA. December and include photos and information about historic HENF recently hired SVM features for 995 structures and Historical Consulting to do a sites. As you can imagine, this was number of tasks, most notably a monumental task. to conduct a survey of all A determination was made by properties within Elizabeth’s SVM for each structure about National Historic District and whether it is “contributing” or record information about each

“non-contributing.” In terms of historic districts, contributing resources have features of historic significance and character that are consistent with the original architecture and history of a district. Noncontributing resources are those that, due to alterations, date of construction or other factors do not contribute to a district’s historic significance or character.

The survey revealed what we all suspected, or rather knew, just by seeing with our own eyes what has happened in the neighborhood over the past several decades. Between 1988,

The northbound lane of North Kings Drive between Elizabeth Avenue and 7th Street was closed for a month to repair a water main break. Photos on THE both pages

by JohnPAGES McBride 19 PEOPLE

when the previous survey was done, and 2022, the number of contributing structures in the surveyed area declined by 239, or 19% in 34 years. The decline in contributing structures is due to a combination of demolitions and alterations.

Of the structures that were demolished or altered and are no longer contributing, 91% of them were designated as contributing structures in the 1988 survey. In terms of net loss/ gain of structures in the past 34 years, contributing or noncontributing designation aside, we are down 38 single-family homes, 26 multi-family structures (think full quadraplexes, not individual units), and five commercial structures.

The survey and accompanying photos are one of the required parts of a larger application package (called the Local Designation Report) that will be sent to the city’s Historic District Commission (HDC) for consideration of a local historic district.

Other required parts which are also being completed by SVM Historical Consulting include: • A proposed historic district boundary map which is largely based on the current National Historic District.

• Written narratives about why the boundaries were selected and the historic importance of the area including people and architecture.

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Additional steps in the designation process and approximate timeline are as follows:

photos, narratives). A rezoning application is required because a local historic district is an overlay district that requires a rezoning.

• City attorney’s office certifies • The HDC will facilitate the petition (October 2023). a meeting including HDC and city planning leadership • Project goes through required representatives, District 1 City rezoning process which includes Council member Danté Anderson a community meeting, public and community leaders to share hearing and City Council vote about the project and determine (process takes about 4 months). support for the rezoning process.

Please attend our community All documents including the full survey done by SVM will be made outreach meeting Mar. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Baptist Church. public on the HDC web site. A video of the meeting itself will be HENF will provide updates on the local historic district effort. Q&A on YouTube (April 2023). will follow.

• The HDC will review the report Visit the HENF website at and vote to support the effort or HistoricElizabethNC.org to not and then send the report to find out more about the local the State Historic Preservation historic district effort. HENF Is Office (SHPO) (May 2023). a 501(c)(3) organization, and all • SHPO has 30 days to donations are tax deductible. review the report and provide recommendations (June 2023).

Meet the Renaissance teenagers next door • A petition will be circulated

by Kris Solow to all property owners in the proposed local historic district boundary to obtain signatures of I have the most awesome teensupport. A minimum of 51% yes agers next-door to me, Marshal votes from property owners will and Claire Herrmann. They are be needed for the local historic focused, respectable, strive for district effort to move forward. excellence, know how to carry on It’s estimated that the effort will a conversation and are kindly to begin around July 2023. their elderly neighbors (lol).

• Rezoning application will be submitted to city planning (September 2023). The application consists of the completed petition, SHPO review letter and Local Designation Report (property survey,

While out on a walk down the Trolly Path at the 5th Street end, I ran across a group of rocks painted by Claire.

When asked if this was a project, she texted, “Oh it’s not a project.

I was just bored.”

She is an amazing artist at 13 and I’m in awe of her many talents. Not only does she paint rocks, she is an accomplished watercolor artist (you might have seen her art in the Free Little Art Gallery, 2109 E 5th St.) and creates origami, which she sells during holidays, and makes mobiles for baby cribs.

she said, “That’s what I do!” when you squeeze them the paint I asked her what paper she used comes out the bristles. I’ll go out and got some at Michael’s. in nature to paint. I also paint Then I got to painting, got better abstract and still life. I painted and even watched YouTube one person but I find it hard to videos. For color choices, it paint people. depends upon what I’m painting.

Q: Any other interests you’d like to Sometimes I’ll try to use a certain try in the future? color scheme like blues and oranges which are opposite on A: I’d like furthering my piano the color wheel and means they and maybe look into learning On the performing side, Claire contrast well together, to play other instruments like plays keyboard. You might have for example. bass guitar, electric guitar and heard her on the Merry Meander. ukulele. I’d like to be in a band, Oh, and she can bake, too!

Q: What subjects do you like to paint write my own music. The music I or do you create as you go?

Brother Marshal is an outlisten to is alternative, Indie pop, standing young man and an A: I have some travel watercolor beats and electronic. Artists I like entrepreneur as well. He mows kits that have brushes with a are BoyWithUke, Quinn XCII, but lawns, is pursuing a license for compartment you put water in so my favorite is AJR. his drone photography and recently launched a car detailing business which is getting positive feedback. I caught him in action detailing a beautiful, red and white vintage Chevrolet. His attention to detail impressed me.

I interviewed both of them to find out what makes them tick and what they see in the future for themselves.

Claire Q: How did you get started

painting?

A: One day I was bored and

found a really cheap watercolor pallet at the dollar store with five color cakes in it and some printer paper – what you’re not supposed to use – and I started painting. I liked how the colors blended but not on that paper.

When I talked to my aunt and told her I was painting watercolors,

Claire Herrmann enjoys painting and playing keyboards.

Photo by Kris Solow

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Marshal

Q: Your dad is a successful

Q: You’re only 16. When did you

realize that hard work pays off?

A: I’ve always been doing jobs

entrepreneur who sells businesses. Who or what else influenced you to become an entrepreneur? Why not work for someone else?

for my dad like washing the cars, helping in the yard, mowing A: My dad is my biggest the grass, raking leaves. I think influencer. I like working for when you mow a lawn for the first myself because I have more time and see how nice it looks, control. If your work is good it’s really satisfying to see. enough, people want you, you’ll That’s half my motivation. I am be more valuable because you a little bit crazy about how clean do it better than anyone else. It’s I like things. your reputation and it’s easier to

control things if you’re on your own. You try your best all the time. All the profit goes to you.

Q: Besides mowing lawns, tell me

about your car detailing business and future drone business.

A: Since washing and waxing

my dad’s car, one day I thought maybe I should put it out to Elizabeth Families email which I did and found that everyone wanted them. I was backed up the weekend I posted it. One person tells another person and that makes me busier. Unlike lawn care, car washing is year-round.

Everyone wants their car washed no matter what time of year it is. I hope to see it get bigger…

As for the drone business, I’m studying for my license to legally become a commercial drone operator. Once I get that, I think I want to focus on a type of drone called an FPV (First Person View). They are really interesting because there are small ones you can mount a Go-Pro on and fly indoors to make a really cool visual tour like you’re walking around but through a drone. I’ve seen them used for restaurants, bars, warehouses and Airbnbs to post on social media.

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Marshal Herrmann recently started a car detailing business. Photo by Kris Solow

THE PEOPLE PAGES

The way I look at it, I do have a professional photography drone but Charlotte’s really, really big and there’s lots of people doing drone photography so it would make it really easy for me to enter the market with an FPV. To see some of my work, I have a website, carolinadronetours.com.

Join ’Spaceship Earth’ at Charlotte Earth Day

by Hardin Minor Charlotte Earth Day (CED) will be held Sat. Apr. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in First Ward Park as part of the Charlotte SHOUT! Festival.

For information as to how you can get involved please visit charlotteearthday.com.

We need volunteers, exhibitors, artists, knowledge guides and participants like YOU. It is a “festival within a festival” oriented toward children and students 5-15 years of age but everyone is welcome to this family friendly event. By being associated with SHOUT!, we hope to increase attendance, expand our promotional advertising and most importantly engage more folks to understand the challenges and solutions to the increasing environmental concerns before us.

This year we have chosen “Spaceship Earth” as our theme not so much to look outward into space for answers but rather to see our Earth from the International Space Station. We hope that we can inspire our community to get involved as responsible stewards of our natural resources.

Let’s get connected to our ecosystems! We hope you will join us!

CPCC has been putting up new signs on its Elizabeth campus. A rebranding campaign that started in 2019 changed the old “Central Piedmont green” to gold and gray and included an updated logo.

Photo

by John McBride THE PEOPLE PAGES 23

Thank you to all the sponsors and partners of the 2023 Elizabeth 8K, without whom this race would not be possible.

Titanium Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Harris Teeter Hawthorne’s Novant Health Pepsi

BB+ M Architecture Catalyst Financial Group Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor Cluck Design Cross Conditioning Training The Crunkleton Helen Adams Realty – Jay Seago Historical Elizabeth Neighborhood Foundation ISI Elite Training The Spoke Easy St. John’s Baptist Church Wilder Pantazis Law Group

Platinum Sponsors

ColsenKeane Crescent Communities – Elizabeth on Seventh Devil’s Logic Freixenet Mionetto USA The Keith Corporation Lineberger Dentistry Lucas Chiropractic & Acupuncture Main Street Insurance Group Pridemore Properties – Rob Hall Queens Pharmacy

Partners

TreesCharlotte runCLTrun Photo by Chuck Wicker

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