Lansdowne neighbors sue to block new triplex (free version)
Plus: Charlotte mourns officers, and how to help; Governor says gambling tax structure unfair; Lawsuit filed over Pineville substation; Toppman reviews 'Mrs. Doubtfire'
Good morning! Today is Wednesday, May 1, 2024. You’re reading The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
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Editor’s note: This is a shorter, free version of The Charlotte Ledger sent to people on our free sign-up list. The complete version for paying members went out 15 minutes ago. It included:
The latest on a story we’ve been covering like no other news outlet in Charlotte: the emergence of triplexes in neighborhoods under the city’s new development ordinance. Now, neighbors in south Charlotte are suing the developer of a planned triplex in an attempt to block it. We have all the details of the suit — and why residents say denser housing can’t be built nearby.
The details on a lawsuit against the town of Pineville, over plans for an electrical substation near the border with South Carolina. We’ve got the scoop.
A 10% discount code for this weekend’s Lovin’ Life Music Fest. That could save you $30 a ticket or more. It’s for Ledger members only.
Ledger members also received Tuesday’s Ways of Life obituaries newsletter, which this week examined the life of Ron Payne. He was a band director who taught in schools for 42 years. A friend recalled: “I could see in his eyes that hearing the difference he made for kids completed him a little bit.”
We also make about half our articles available for free — including today’s Lawrence Toppman review of the “Mrs. Doubtfire” musical now playing in Charlotte, Gov. Roy Cooper’s call to change the law on gambling taxes following a Ledger article last week and a concise summary of other important local news, including Monday’s awful police shootout.
◼️ How is The Ledger different? The Ledger sifts through all the noise and chatter, all the conflicting and confusing information that’s out there, and presents readers with an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand digest of things they need to know to be informed local residents. On top of that, we add our original reporting, to tell you things you don’t know, instead of regurgitating the same information you can find elsewhere from other sources. We help readers make sense of our community and get smarter about Charlotte.
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Lawsuit targets developer that’s building triplexes across the city; disputes view that 1950s deed restrictions are ‘unenforceable’
Developer Aspen City Homes wants to build a triplex on a vacant lot in the Lansdowne neighborhood under Charlotte’s new development rules (left), but neighbors are suing to block the plans. They’re also mobilizing to renew deed restrictions (right) that could prevent future construction that the neighborhood doesn’t want.
by Tony Mecia
Residents in the Lansdowne neighborhood of south Charlotte have filed a lawsuit against the developer of a planned triplex, saying it’s not allowed because of deed restrictions on the property.
It is believed to be the first lawsuit contesting the legality of building a triplex since Charlotte’s new triplex-friendly development rules took effect last June.
The suit comes as several neighborhoods in Charlotte are grappling with how to prevent the construction of higher-density housing on neighborhood streets, which some residents say creates problems with traffic and infrastructure.
Under new development rules that took effect last summer, duplexes and triplexes are allowed to be built in residential neighborhoods, even in those that previously were exclusively single-family houses. It’s part of a city effort to encourage the construction of more housing to alleviate rising home prices.
But those more dense structures can’t be built if restrictions in mortgage documents forbid it. The Ledger reported last month that many neighborhoods are examining how to impose or re-institute deed restrictions to prevent unwanted construction of triplexes and other forms of development some residents consider undesirable.
In Lansdowne, a neighborhood of more than 450 homes in south Charlotte between Providence and Sardis roads, residents
Related Ledger articles:
“Here come the triplexes” (🔒, Feb. 7, 2024)
“City might tighten triplex rules” (March 25)
“Neighborhoods seek escape hatches from development rules” (🔒, April 12)
Charlotte mourns 4 of its heroes
The four law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty on Monday have been identified. They are (left to right):
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer Joshua Eyer. He joined the force in 2018 and leaves behind a wife and 3-year-old son. He served in the N.C. Army National Guard from 2011 to 2023.
Sam Poloche of the N.C. Department of Adult Correction. He had been with the department for 14 years and is survived by his wife and two children. His sons, ages 18 and 21, were set to graduate from college in just a few weeks, the Observer reported. A relative described him as a Christian who was “a loving person, a great dad and a wonderful husband.”
Alden Elliot of the N.C. Department of Adult Correction. He had been with the department for 14 years and leaves behind a wife and one child.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr. He was a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service and leaves behind a wife and four children. He was known for his work inside Charlotte’s federal courthouse.
The man accused of shooting the officers had an “extensive criminal history,” Chief Johnny Jennings said. He faced 49 criminal charges since 2001, including a series of drug-related charges from 2021 that were dismissed, the Observer reported.
How to help: Fundraising pages and ‘adopt a cop’
Several fundraising and support efforts took shape Tuesday to assist emergency workers and the families of the slain officers, including:
A “Help Our Heroes” fund by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation, to “allow employees of the local public safety, first responder agencies impacted by the events to receive mental health care” and addresses other needs.
A GoFundMe page by Back the Blue NC, designed to “provide support for those affected, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of this tragedy”
A GoFundMe page by City Council member Tariq Bokhari, to support the wife and 3-year-old son of CMPD officer Joshua Eyer.
A SignUpGenius to “adopt a cop” later this month, in which residents can show gratitude to officers in different CMPD divisions.
Governor calls for fixing gambling taxes after Ledger article
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper is calling on the General Assembly to change the way it taxes gambling, saying it is unfair to tax residents even if they lose money overall on their bets.
“When it comes to sports wagering, it’s not fair to have to pay taxes on your winnings without being able to deduct your losses,” Cooper wrote on X (Twitter) on Monday. “Legislators should fix this.”
The call to change the law comes less than a week after a Ledger article pointed out that bettors who lose money on newly legalized sports gambling over the course of a year still will likely owe income taxes because the bets they win are subject to tax while the bets they lose typically can’t be deducted on federal taxes and cannot be deducted on North Carolina taxes.
The Ledger first heard about the quirk in N.C. law from a reader in late March. Following the publication of our article on April 24, the issue was highlighted in a blog post by an N.C. State accounting professor and by Raleigh TV station WRAL.
Even if N.C. legislators change the law to allow deductions for gambling losses on state taxes, that would not address the issue on federal taxes, on which taxpayers can deduct losses only if they itemize.
The state legislature reconvened in Raleigh last week. It is expected to take up budget issues. —TM
Related Ledger articles:
“Tax surprise awaits sports bettors” (🔒, April 24)
“Update: State revenue department anticipates smooth sailing on treatment of gambling wins and losses” (April 26)
Lawsuit filed against town of Pineville over planned substation location
The owner of land that the town of Pineville has designated as the site of a future electrical substation has filed a lawsuit against the town, saying it is illegally taking land by eminent domain that includes property in South Carolina.
In March, the Pineville town council approved a plan to build a substation on a 1-acre site in Pineville off N.C. 51 near the Miller Flea Market and the McCullough neighborhood.
Related Ledger articles:
“Pineville approves controversial electric substation” (March 26)
“Neighbors upset over plans to build an electric substation in Pineville” (Dec. 7, 2023)
🎭 Theater review: Musical ‘Doubtfire’ hits mark, doesn’t miss Robin Williams
Ledger arts critic Lawrence Toppman got a first look Tuesday night at the Broadway Lights season opener of “Mrs. Doubtfire,” which runs through Sunday at Belk Theater.
In his review for the Ledger, Toppman writes:
The musical keeps a lot of the dialogue and scenes from the screenplay, notably the famous one where Daniel and Doubtfire have simultaneous encounters in a restaurant with a boss looking for TV talent and the family that’s celebrating Miranda’s birthday.
Williams had infinite time during the shoot to change his appearance — the movie won an Oscar for makeup — but McClure must don and doff prosthetics and wig within seconds onstage. It’s like watching NASCAR vehicles hurtling around a track: We don’t hope for a crash, but the possibility of one raises the stakes. Though the creative team assigns “here’s where I’m coming from” songs to Stu, Miranda and eldest child Lydia (Giselle Gutierrez), the supporting characters remain planets revolving around a dazzling sun.
Check out Toppman’s full review, with information if you want to go:
A night to honor the Charlotte Ledger’s 40 Over 40 winners
We had a blast last night honoring the Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 class of 2024 — an incredible group of people ages 40+ who are working to improve our community in many different ways. You can read all about this year’s winners here. Thanks to the 200+ people who came out for the celebration!
You might be interested in these Charlotte events
Events submitted by readers to The Ledger’s events board:
THURSDAY: SouthPark After 5, 5-9 p.m., Symphony Park, Charlotte. Experience free live music, food trucks, and interactive art experiences at SouthPark After 5 at Symphony Park. On May 2, expect music from Shelley Ruffin with Sounds of Memphis and a free coloring station with The Broken Crayon. Free.
MAY 3-12: Swan Lake, dates and times vary, Knight Theater in uptown. For the first time ever, Charlotte Ballet presents one of the world’s most famous classical ballets that has transcended generations. Choreographed by Ib Andersen and accompanied by the exquisite Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Price varies.
MAY 4: McColl Center's Benefit Art Auction, 6:30-10 p.m., McColl Center, Charlotte. McColl Center’s 2024 Benefit Art Auction is a unique opportunity to view exceptional works from local + alumni artists, fuel transformative artist-focused programs, and support artist development through the sale of artwork. $100.
◼️ Check out the full Ledger events board.
➡️ List your event on the Ledger events board.
🎵 In the mood for music? Ledger members get a discount code for the Lovin’ Life Music Festival
We have arranged for a 10% discount for Ledger paying members on any ticket type for the upcoming Lovin’ Life Music Fest, which runs Friday through Sunday. That could save you $30 or more per ticket.
To redeem,
In brief
UNC protesters clash with police: UNC Chapel Hill canceled classes on Tuesday afternoon, as police and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed on campus. Police detained 36 protesters who refused orders to leave an encampment on a university quad. Protesters later hoisted a Palestinian flag up a flagpole, replacing a U.S. flag, after tearing down metal barricades. The school’s chancellor, surrounded by police, raised the American flag again. (WRAL)
Developing airport entrance: Charlotte’s airport has received 10 proposals to redevelop land near its Wilkinson Boulevard entrance. The plans include a variety of uses, including hotels, breweries, office space and warehouses. Axios Charlotte has the details on the different proposals.
CMS approves funding request: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted to approve a budget plan that seeks $643M from the county for 2024-25, an increase of $46.4M. The money would go toward employee raises, technology and the effect of rising costs. (WFAE)
N.C. State Health Plan to cover transgender care: A federal appeals court ruled that North Carolina’s State Health Plan must cover certain transgender healthcare procedures for state employees and their families, deeming the exclusion unconstitutional. (WRAL)
Music festival preparations: City leaders are preparing safety measures for the Lovin’ Life Music Fest, set to kick off Friday in uptown. Tens of thousands are expected to attend performances by artists including Post Malone and Stevie Nicks. Visitors are encouraged to use mass transit. (WCNC)
CEO fired: Toussaint Romain, known for his prominent role in Charlotte’s 2016 Keith Scott protests and campaign for Mecklenburg County district attorney, has been fired as CEO of Charlotte’s Center for Legal Advocacy. His termination follows a period of staff turnover within the organization, including high-profile departures. The center named Kara Mosowitz as acting CEO. (WFAE)
Family-style takeout: CharlotteFive has compiled a list of local restaurants that have to-go family meals for busy nights when cooking isn’t convenient.
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman