Waxhaw, NC is a quaint "bedroom" community for Charlotte,NC, but is quickly growing. It is known for it's friendly people, historic downtown, equestrian heritage, and quirky atmosphere. Share your thoughts about the changes you've seen and what you think Waxhaw's future holds.
Just had a thought... Can we keep the name and make the mascot look like James Dean? I mean seriously, I'm all for that look. And with all the motorcyclists that live here... Might be a great compromise.
I feel that it's utterly rediculous! Then the media gets involved and makes it a "story". Come now-little minds-little thoughts. Someone needs to find something to do productive
What's the deal with Rebels? They didn't own any slaves, they just fought. The plantation owners and politicians like Thomas Jefferson owned them. I don't see any objections to the schools named after them.
That's very true Les about Thomas Jefferson and many of the other politicians in our history having owned slaves. So why don't they rename the Jefferson Monument too? (I'm not really suggesting that but... you get my point).
There is a line here somewhere folks... a point b/w history, heritage and offensiveness. My question is,IS this offensive? You tell me how then.... I really want to try to understand.
Now this is not US History we should be proud of ... by no means. But it is history. It was the times. But do we really learn anything by re-writing history and renaming anything, and trying to pretend it never happened? Another question floating around in.my mind this morning....
I hope we all go throughout the day loving our fellow man (and hey wo-man too!), no matter who they are, and where they came from. And know that our strength comes in learning from our mistakes. Not re-writing them.
Our first week in the petition drive to bring mixed beverages to Waxhaw is over and off to a great start! We’ve had many residents step forward and offer to help. Patte and I have been over whelmed by the response. We’ve even had volunteers return completed petition forms and leave with more.
In February of 2008 Patte and I asked the town council to put this on the May 2008 primary ballot. Essentially the response from the commissioners was that there wasn’t enough time.
Over the past year, in spite of continual pushing, the needle has moved very little and a vote is still pending. The council has slated a vote for July 14th. If it fails, there won’t be enough time to gather petition signatures and still get it on the November ballot. It’s become necessary for the citizens and businesses of Waxhaw to assume the responsibility that the town council has shirked for years.
In the current economic climate, we see other business communities benefiting from the sale of mixed beverages while the restaurants and merchants of Waxhaw struggle to survive – some haven’t. We see our own residents going to other areas of Charlotte to get what they want while contrary to the vision of Waxhaw’s 2030 comprehensive plan our downtown area isn’t vibrant or well visited.
We have a daunting task ahead of us and we need 1,886 signatures. I’m confident that with everyone’s support, we can get this on the ballot – pass it and renew the process of seeing our town prosperous with a multitude of job offerings and an abundance entertainment and dining establishments.
There are petition forms available at Southsiders, if you’d like to pass some around your neighborhood or if you want to come in and sign the petition yourself, every effort is going to help.
Regards,
Mark & Patte Kennedy
--
Southsiders
113 E. North Main Street
Waxhaw, NC 28173
704-243-1325
I can't help but see the signs of change in Waxhaw. We all do. So many things attempted or started, but not yet completed... leaving Waxhaw teetering on the brink of much positive or negative.
With the recent foreclosure of many lots and land in and around Waxhaw as of late, along with uncompleted commercial projects such as Jackson Station and Prescot, it leaves me wondering what is in Waxhaw's future. And now BL Patch & Associates and Blue Ribbon Realty have jointly proposed another Mixed Use project for the Historic Downtown area. It's a beautiful project that I truly hope does well, but in my opinion, we need to consider the other ones first...
I am not against any or all of these projects, but we really need to take a good hard look at the ones which are at a standstill and determine what the problem is. One could blame the recent downturn in the economy, but that would not explain Jackson Station, which has sat empty for years other than a lone CVS and now a few mostly empty office spaces. The developement certainly would not have supported a Walmart facility with the current road structure, but what can be done with this parcel to benefit the community?
Then there are several other projects like the Moser Group one near Bojangles, and the Prescot one, near the bridge on Providence. Did they damage their ability to complete these due to the extensive bull-dozing and tree removal, prior to even having tenants pre-sign agreements? Perhaps the bad publicity when the large number of huge Oak and other trees where removed (even from the exterior borders) prevented tenants from wanting to move there. But why is no one (including those developers) at least replacing trees, or other concerned citizens donating some, to be growing there now? Seems like these eyesores will never get better unless we force someone to do something about it, or for us to be able to take action & beautify these areas ourselves if we have to.
Rather than work against these projects, I hope the citizens of Waxhaw will see the need to be involved and help these succeed and add character to the community. I too, abhor, the "strip mall," mentality of much commercial development in a town which has so much history and quaintness to it, but feel that if done right, that we NEED to have commercial projects to broaden our tax base, and provide services for our citizens. I know I am tired of driving all the way to Blakeney & Ballantyne for many of my shopping needs (esp clothing).
I also do feel that Liquor by the drink is an issue we definitely need to consider to allow. I do think it will require much research, and I also empathize with those who don't want the big chain restaurants flooding our town. I don't either but I know our local "Mom & Pop" restaurants that we have grown to love, would do much better if they had this ability too.
However, I think even if they do come to town, by controlling architectural restrictions, that we can retain our quaintness. Example Charleston, who has the oldest and one of the most reveered (& feared I might add! LOL!) Architectural Control Boards in the country. BUT, they have allowed and promoted growth WHILE controlling the esthetic integrity of that most lovely city.
I love "my Waxhaw." I want to see it succeed and prosper, but I also want to see it retain it's character. What do you think? And if you live in a different town, that has been at this stage, what helped? What didn't? We all know that you either go forwards or backwards with progress, but I for one, want Waxhaw to go forward and do it right!
Twitter Friend @SteveSherron, of the Monroe Scoop took some of my simple shots, taken with my i-Phone and made this little video. This is my farm, Blessing Hill, located in Waxhaw, North Carolina. I love the outdoors and even when it snows, I like to be out "in it."
One of the great things about Waxhaw, is that there are many scenic farms, and beautiful parks, like Cane Creek where you can enjoy the great outdoors, and scenic views. And yes, we do REALLY have four seasons. These shots are proof!
I hope all of you take time out of your busy day, to stop and look around you, and enjoy the great outdoors. Have a great day!
P.S. Please check out Steve's site at theMonroe Scoop for lots of local information, and more great video's. Get the Scoop on Union County!
Welcome to this Waxhaw, NC Blog. I look forward to seeing your thoughts and comments about the growth of our wonderful community. Please be aware that this blog can be viewed by children, and I hope that all commments will be strictly professional. Opposing views are encouraged, rudeness is not!
And if you happened upon this blog, interested in Waxhaw Real Estate, please e-mail me at Lori@BeeRealty.com. Thanks and let's get blogging!
Waxhaw (pop. 2,868)
Perhaps nowhere else in Union County is history as evident as in Waxhaw. The town that took its name from the Indian tribe dates back to the 1700s but is attracting a fair number of settlers today. Located along N.C. 75 southwest of Monroe and near the South Carolina border, Waxhaw has developed a reputation as an antiques haven. The town has more than a dozen antique and gift shops. These establishments and two annual antique fairs draw customers from all over the nation.
The Andrew Jackson Memorial/ Museum of the Waxhaws depicts the area’s history from the 1600s to 1900. Events such as the Waxhaw Scottish Games, “Listen and Remember” outdoor drama, Civil War battle re-enactment, and old-timey Fourth of July parade draw large crowds to town.
Waxhaw dates back to the 1700s, but it wasn't until 1888 that the railroad, laying tracks to Atlanta, brought prosperity. Tracks still run through the center of town along the Green, the grassy strip dividing two rows of stores.
The community was once dependent on cotton, but when the fiber lost its luster in the early 1960s, Waxhaw reshaped itself as an antiques center. The town has about a dozen antiques shops and some gift shops. (Not all shops are clustered together, so explore; a brochure is available to guide you.) Restaurants include Dearstyne's Bistro, which appeared in the CBS miniseries "Shake, Rattle and Roll."
It seems like every month there is an event - Civil War reenactment, Scottish games, antiques shows, house tours, fire department fund-raisers, an antique car show, and a historical drama. The Museum of the Waxhaws Andrew Jackson Memorial, on the grounds of the Waxhaw Amphitheatre, tells about the area's history from the 1600s to 1900.
The Waxhaw Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Waxhaw has some wonderful old houses near the center of town. For new housing nearby, look along N.C. 16 toward Charlotte, along N.C. 75 east and west of Waxhaw, and along Rehobeth Road.
Near Waxhaw on Harkey Road is Cane Creek Park, a 1,050-acre county-owned park that draws visitors with its 350-acre trophy bass lake, a beach and swimming area, boats for rental, miniature golf, campsites and rental cabins. Eight miles of trails beckon mountain bikers.
Located south of town is JAARS - the technical service arm for Wycliffe Bible Translators and Summer Institute of Linguistics. The group translates the New Testament into several hundred languages and trains linguists in its use. The complex includes an airstrip, offices and two museums, the Museum of the Alphabet and the Mexico-Cardenas Museum. William Cameron Townsend, Wycliffe's founder, is buried on the grounds.
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