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.
As many of you know, I live JUST outside the city limits of Waxhaw. So I don't get the opportunity to vote on issues that will affect me, and my business. So I am doing my part to encourage all of you, who do live in Waxhaw to get out and vote November 3rd! Early voting has actually already begun!
In addition to the commissioner races, 2 referendums are on the ballot reqarding liquor by the drink, and malt beverages. Both really need to pass.
Here is the latest from Mark & Patte Kennedy of Southsiders, who have been at the forefront of this issue, which will affect business in Waxhaw:
Here’s the latest update for the mixed beverage referendum:
I have a few 11 X 17 posters remaining if anyone wants them for windows. They’re paper so they won’t work too well outside in the rain. Most of the local businesses have posters up in their windows or at the register when you check out. You can see them in virtually every store in downtown and at the Old Hickory shopping center and many of the merchants in the Cureton shopping center are showing their support as well as many other merchants along 16. Please thank them for their help and support when you patronize their businesses.
We began distributing hand bills during Autumn Treasures weekend with a very positive response. We’ve also started distributing them in our local subdivisions. I have volunteers distributing them in Cureton, Alma Village and Hermitage Place. If anyone else would like to walk their subdivision please feel free to stop by and pick some hand bills up. The rain hampered our abilities to get out and really blanket the area last week so any help would be greatly appreciated.
About voting - Keep in Mind:
Early voting can be done at the Union County Public Library in Monroe and there is always the option to cast an absentee ballot.
Early Voting (Called One stop) Began on 10/15 and continues through 10/31 in the Griffin Room of the Union County Public Library @ 316 East Windsor street Monroe. Here are the hours:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.
SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 2009 9:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
Here’s the link for what you need to do to get an absentee ballot; though after I got done reading it, it seems easier to me to just drive to Monroe to cast an early ballot.
If you’d like to pass out hand bills for a little while at your polling place, that would be a big help too!
There are two referendums on the ballot; one is for malt beverages and one is for mixed beverages. BOTH referendum need to pass. While baby steps may sound like a good idea, the reality is if we only pass malt beverages, we’ll get the kind of places we may not really want. Mixed beverages will bring upscale restaurants and will help improve the ones that are already here. Also, the town has done an excellent job protecting the town from adult entertainment establishments. Through zoning and UDO’s regulating their proximity to other structures such as resident’s homes, churches and schools; it would be all but impossible to open one. We already have chain restaurants in Waxhaw including the Godzilla of chain restaurants, McDonald’s (Soon to open up near Lowe’s by the way the city made them take their sign down I wonder why?).
This is very important – if the referendums don’t pass this time, we won’t be able to get it on another ballot for three years. That’s three more years that quality, independent restaurants will pass us by and go to neighboring communities along with the jobs they would bring. Some of the restaurants already here will close their doors and other businesses that are looking forward to the additional foot traffic these referendums will bring will leave as well. As more businesses are driven away or disappear, so will those tax dollars and be assured, the town government will make up for that missing revenue somewhere.
Finally, remember every single vote counts so don’t kid yourself into thinking “my vote won’t make a difference”. There were so many people in every neighborhood and business who worked so hard to get this done - well they’ll tell you different and that your vote does matter!
So, please encourage your neighbors and friends to vote “YES” for malt beverages & “YES” for mixed beverages on November 3rd! Forward this e-mail to as many residents as you can the more people who know about the greater the chance they will pass!
I’m always available to answer questions you’re welcome to respond to this e-mail or stop in the restaurant and chat.
Regards,
Mark & Patte Kennedy
--
Southsiders
113 E. North Main Street
Waxhaw, NC 28173
704-243-1325
Well all the hub bub in town has everyone excited. Precious little Waxhaw is always at it's best when the rumors are swirling. It just makes me smile. As long as it's harmless, that is.
Latest story floating around is about the "Naked Jogger." It seems as if there is a woman who "wears shoes and socks, and not much else," taking to the streets of Waxhaw at night. Even desecrating our famous Foot Bridge. Well, I guess that depends on your opinion if nakedness is ok or not, and whether or not this "lady" is attractive or not.
But any reason to boost morale in these trying times for me. And Waxhaw can stand to be "woke up" a little.
And for those of you who keep asking me if I am the nekked Jogger of Waxhaw (& there have been many to ask): My response: "Y'all should know - I don't .... JOG!" :-)
What do you think? Have you seen her? Anyone have a good description? Somebody send me a pic for my blog, if you get one.
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.
This is terrific! We have 1,034 signatures and 134 petition forms in circulation throughout the town of Waxhaw. Our goal is to have 1,886 signatures in by the 3rd week in July. The magic date is July 27th. Mark that down, July 27th is the date I’ve got to bring our petitions into the Union County Board of Elections With over 134 petitions out, if everyone comes back completely signed, we’ll have more than enough signatures to see this on the ballot in November.
There are petition forms available to be signed at Southsiders and at the following Waxhaw merchants, Main Street Grill, Mamma Lena’s, Rendini’s, Big Dog Café, Ice Cream and Pizza Works, Marino’s, Waxhaw Tack Exchange, El Vallarta, The Village Gallery, Burch Studio’s, Fuzion Hair Salon and Southport Gift Store.
If you’d like to pass petitions or fliers around your neighborhood stop by Southsiders and I’ll be happy to set you up with flyers, petitions or voter registration forms. Or if you just want to come in and sign the petition we have at the counter, every little bit is going to help.
There are only 2 qualifications for a person to sign them. First they have to be a Waxhaw town resident and second they need to be a registered voter. If they need to register, I have forms at the store or they can go to the following web site:
The target number of valid signatures is 1,886 - We do have a few signatures that are from out of the city limits and we’ll need to make up for it but there are only a few.
As well, there is a small group of people who are going door to door to gather signatures. Help is needed in this effort as well. If you can spend a few hours on a Saturday even if it’s working to canvas your own neighborhood – well many hands make light work! Please contact Donna @:
Remember, this is not a done deal, the vote taken back in March was not binding and there is no guarantee that the future vote scheduled for July 14th will pass. If it doesn’t pass, there won’t be enough time to gather signatures and still make the 60 -120 day window required by state law to make the November 3rd ballot.
The people helping with this project have been great! As well, the support from both residents and non-residents has been nothing short of phenomenal. I only wish our town council members and mayor could hear what we hear I think they’d be tripping over themselves to see this referendum on the ballot in November.
Let’s keep those signatures coming in!Please bring in any full sheets you may have and thank you again!
Regards,
Mark & Patte Kennedy
--
Southsiders
113 E. North Main Street
Waxhaw, NC 28173
704-243-1325
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!
Pumpkins for Sale by Waxhaw United Methodist Church at farm just as you come into town on NC 16 (Providence Road) . And there's always the Farmer's Market on Saturday Mornings too...
Oh, and I THINK Lowe's is open! Looks like it from number of cars in parking lot!
Gotta run .... lots to do! Have a great weekend looking for the Great Pumpkin!
Starts bright and early at 7 a.m. for the 3rd Annual Waxhaw Fire Department and Rotary Pancake Breakfast.
Children under 9, can feast for $5. Adults who buy a ticket in advance can dine for $8, or pay $9 at the door. Breakfast will be available at the Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department until 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the fire department's building fund and Rotary programs.
Autumn Treasures festivalWaxhaw's Autumn Treasures arts and crafts fair officially begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and continues through Sunday. Kid's Autumn Art Treasures starts at 10:15 and continues all day, both days, featuring live entertainment, crafts, balloon sculpting and face painting.
On the main stage across from the fire hall and under the big oak, bluegrass fans can savor the sounds of Cane Creek Band at midday and enjoy live entertainment throughout both days of the festival.
More than 80 fine artists and crafters are featured during the two-day festival. DrumSTRONG and a visit from Radio Disney on Sunday are planned. Information: 704-843-2195 ext 26 or at events@waxhaw.com.
Other events this coming weekend:
Civil War Infantry WeekendSaturday10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.-5 p.m.: The staff of the Museum of the Waxhaws will present Civil War soldiers and civilians from the 35th Regiment, North Carolina Troops, Company F. The event is at the Museum of the Waxhaws.
The original Company F was drawn primarily from residents of Union County. The members of this reactivated unit will provide demonstrations and answer questions. To find out more about the group, visit the regiment's My Space Web site: www.myspace.com/35thnct.
The reenacting group will be camped throughout the weekend and displaying activities typical of camp life and military drilling during the Civil War.
Barnful of Quilts - a personal favorite!
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at FOX FAMILY FARMS on SIMS ROAD: Barnful of Quilts was originally started to raise money for and awareness of missions and outreach for Waxhaw Presbyterian Church. Now in its sixth year, the Fox Family Farm serves as host for this exceptional exhibition of quilting and fiber arts. The event features a bake sale, silent auction and raffle quilt, along with the transformation of the Fox Barn into a gallery of creative outpourings by the various artists. We went last October and had a terrific time. Good food, fun music and great ambiance.
This year's featured artist is Ellen Guerrant, and there will be talks with traditional artist and quilt historian Sarah Woodring. Admission is $5 unless you are over 80 or under 18.
With the advent of stricter signage laws, how has this affected your real estate business? What do your customers think?
Here in North Carolina, there is a growing trend towards cities and towns implementing stricter signage laws. Many now forbid all types of directionals, others only allow them in certain right of ways on weekends. The city of Charlotte recently increased their restrictions as well as their fines starting at $100 and up to $1000!
Charlotte is not the only city as even many of the small towns I work in, for example Matthews and Waxhaw, also have strict signage laws. They basically only allows the on site sign in front of the home.
Many of these laws are in retaliation for national homebuilders who are notorious for putting 10 signs in a row on every corner for miles for the same neighborhoods. Now THAT, I understand trying to prevent as it is total overkill.... But come on, let people try to sell their homes! This is a confusing enough town directionally (esp. since they change the street name after every major crossroad!) to get around, especially for newcomers.
So, this has me wondering how our laws compare to those around the country. And especially in this down market, have you heard complaints from your listing and/or buyer clients? I know I have, and I now I can't even have directional signage for agent open house events. I have had the thought, more than once, that I wonder how elected officials feel about this when it comes time to SELL THEIR HOUSE! Better yet, I would love to catch them violating the sign law (ok, yes I am a bit devious ).
AND I FIND IT AMAZING THAT NONE OF THESE LAWS SEEM TO APPLY TO POLITICAL AND CANDIDATE SIGNS! We should step up about that one. I mean afterall, your home is the largest investment you make, and they are trying to stop you from marketing it when you need to sell!
Would love to have comments from everyone around the country, and especially here locally in Charlotte and Waxhaw.
Hannah Bee and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Raleigh at the "Cutest Dog" Contest in which Raleigh was dressed appropriately as a BEE. Hannah also had her "Queen Bee" t-shirt on. Can you believe they didn't win!!!
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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As many of you know, I live JUST outside the city limits of Waxhaw. So I don't get the opportunity to vote on issues that will affect me, and my business. So I am doing my part to encourage all of you, who do live in Waxhaw to get out and vote November 3rd! Early voting has actually already begun!
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