North Carolina Ranked the 7th Strictest State on Speeding and Reckless Driving

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina Ranked the 7th Strictest State on Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speed kills. We have all been told that since driver’s education class, and yet America drivers routinely exceed the speed limit. To find out which states take the hardest line on dangerous driving behavior, personal finance website WalletHub conducted an analysis of 2018’s Strictest and Most Lenient States on Speeding and Reckless Driving.

WalletHub analyzed penalties for speeding and reckless driving in each of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia across 12 key metrics. Their data set ranges from what speeds are automatically considered reckless driving to how many speeding tickets it takes to earn an automatic license suspension.

Speeding and Reckless Driving Penalties in North Carolina (1=Strictest; 25=Avg.):

  • 2nd – Speeding Automatically Considered Reckless Driving
  • 2nd – Average Increase in Cost of Insurance After One Speeding Ticket
  • 20th – How Much Do Speeding Ticket Points Count Toward a Suspension
  • 9th – Minimum Jail Time (first reckless offense)
  • 12th – Minimum Jail Time (second reckless offense)
  • 12th – Maximum Fine (second reckless offense)

The Tar Heel state ranked just behind Oregon (#6) and California (#5), and just ahead of Illinois, Virginia, Alabama, and Washington (all tied for #8);

Source: WalletHub

 

What do you think about drivers in North Carolina? 

Dozens of Fires Erupt Around Charlotte During Illegal 4th of July Firework Displays

Steve
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Dozens of Fires Erupt Around Charlotte During Illegal 4th of July Firework Displays

Last night dozens of fires broke out all over the Charlotte region as residents illegally set off fireworks around their neighborhoods and city streets to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day.

This photo was sent to us from Bill Gray, who said the massive fire started in the Berryhill area around 10pm last night, just moments after a series of fireworks were set off in West Charlotte. He noted that the fire “appeared to be very aggressive until FD showed up. Not certain of exact location but very near Walkers Cove Trail or Elcar Drive.”

 

Fire departments all around the Charlotte region worked tirelessly through the night to put out the blazes;

Mel Renzo with the Charlotte Fire Department urged Charlotteans to let the professionals handle the fireworks, saying;

Hope y’all enjoyed your #4thofJuly b/c I certainly did. Fought some fire last night do to someone’s illegal use of fireworks 🤦🏾‍♂️. All in all it’s an honor to be able to do what I do for a living. Serving the great city of #Charlotte through service and duty is a rewarding feeling. I truly thank God for giving me the opportunity to save lives and make a difference in my community. Grateful to be a firefighter and humbled to be apart of a dope crew known as the #HighRollers. PS please leave the pyro to the professionals!

Every year thousands of Charlotte residents drive down to South Carolina to buy fireworks and smuggle them across the border. Since most Charlotteans live in small-lot subdivisions, townhomes, and apartment complexes, the illegal fireworks are usually set off in close proximity to other homes, trees, and cars.

This was a common sight in most neighborhoods around Charlotte last night;

Happy Fourth

A post shared by Joseph Diepenbrock (@diepyman) on

This Charlotte resident lit off a series of fireworks just inches from a wooden fence;

Happy 4th

A post shared by Brian Ritenour (@jbrclt) on

PSA – if you ever set off fireworks, please make sure that you are not close to any flammable structures, cars, other people, dry wood, or anything else that might be damaged or set on fire by explosions and smoldering embers, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby!

How do you feel about illegal firework displays in Charlotte?

Redevelopment Brings New Life to Charlotte Properties

Michael Fulkerson
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Redevelopment Brings New Life to Charlotte Properties

ATCO Properties located in Charlotte recently purchased 75 acres last year for $13.5 million. The plan is to adaptively reuse the buildings there for office space, a film studio, apartments, hotels, and production plants. Henry Ford used to build Model T’s in one of the plants acquired in the purchase. It was also once used to build missiles. The plan is to install new businesses in over 1.2 million square feet of vacant warehouse. The plan is to be developed in stages.

This plan helps alleviate some of the environmental concerns by reusing spaces that are already zoned for commerce. Preserving the local ecosystems and waterways is crucial. By effectively recycling older businesses, we conserve resources, time, and the precious ecosystems.

Another company in Charlotte, Edifice, relocated to a former airplane hangar. The 1.7 acre lot was purchased in January for $1.4 million. The 20,000 square feet of space took six months to prepare for business. Axiom Architecture designed the exterior, and the interior was designed by Redline Design Group. Dragonfly Studios supplied interior reclaimed-wood details. The address was incorporated in the architecture design along with multi-colored glass. It now staffs about 45 people. The owners chose the building because of the proximity to the older location. The firm is working on another restoration project in north Charlotte, and renovating East Mecklenburg High School.

The idea was to give more space for each employee. There is about 250 square feet per employee. The building also makes use of more open spaces and collaborative meeting rooms.

This trend is becoming popular not just in United States, but around the world.

Australian businesses are also making new use of older spaces. Commercial property investor Fivex refurbished a 19th-century post office in Sydney. The $5 million dollar project is now a mixed development commercial, retail, and residential area. They upgraded the outside and added a built on four story building which includes six luxury apartments. A bank occupies the space, and a hair salon rents the upper floor. They preserved the timber staircase in the adaptive reuse project. Maintaining historic buildings and using them for modern businesses is an example of sustainability in big cities.

Australia has strong winds across the whole coast, and often businesses use cyclonic buildings alongside hangars or warehouses because they are easy to build and take down. Reuse of older spaces is typical of this culture.

Another restoration project is to redevelop a bank building into a restaurant with a retractable roof. The playful mix of modern design with classic buildings inspires architects to be imaginative and resourceful. The team plans on maximizing outdoor seating space by making use of the roof. They plan on adding a second staircase to accommodate more traffic.

In Ireland, a Belfast cinema is set to be redeveloped. The cinema will be incorporated into the new office buildings. Recently The Richland Group built new apartment buildings near the site. They are targeting younger people looking to invest in properties. About 100 construction jobs will be created, and at the end of the project the buildings will employ about 450 workers.

Biggest 4th of July Fireworks and Festivities Around The Charlotte Region

Steve
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Biggest 4th of July Fireworks and Festivities Around The Charlotte Region

Independence Day is finally here, and along with hot dogs and burgers, there will also be plenty of fireworks all over our region tonight!

Most towns surrounding Charlotte will be having a 4th of July festival tonight, but there are also several festivals, concerts, and parades happening throughout the day today.

Here are biggest 4th of July fireworks displays and festivities this year around the Charlotte region (weather permitting);

Uptown Charlotte’s BB&T Ballpark: The city’s biggest firework display after the 6:05 p.m. baseball game.

Charlotte’s U.S. National Whitewater Center: Music and 4th of July festival throughout the day and fireworks starting at about 9:30 p.m.

Charlotte Motor Speedway: Fireworks will start at about 9:30 p.m. after the Legends racing program.

Downtown Belmont: 4th of July festival with music starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks starting at about 9:45 p.m.

Carowinds: Fireworks will start tonight at about 9:30 p.m.

Lake Wylie: Fireworks will be shot off over the Buster Boyd Bridge at S.C. 49 starting at about 9:30 p.m.

Rock Hill: 4th of July festival starting at 5:30 p.m. with a kids’ zone (with a fee), a free concert, and fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m.

Davidson: A parade will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by live music.

Huntersville: Birkdale Village will host a 4th of July festival from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Matthews: 4th of July parade starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by music at Stumptown Park.

Where will you be watching the fireworks tonight? 

TowBoatUS Expands 24-Hour-Service In Lake Wylie To Help Stranded Boaters

Charlotte Stories
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TowBoatUS Expands 24-Hour-Service In Lake Wylie To Help Stranded Boaters

On Lake Wylie when a boat breaks down, runs aground, runs out of fuel, or needs a tow to the launch ramp, TowBoatUS Lake Wylie is ready 24-hours a day to help. Captain Adam Huth, the new owner of the on-water towing and assistance service, has added a second location to help manage the lake’s increasing recreational boating activity.

“We’ve got a lot of new boaters with the recent explosive growth on Lake Wylie,” said Capt. Huth. “Including myself, we have four local captains stationed on Lake Wylie, greatly reducing response times and ready to help boaters 24/7.” All of the company’s professional captains are US Coast Guard-licensed with years of experience on the waterway.

Much like an auto club for boaters, BoatUS offers on-water Unlimited Towing Memberships for freshwater boaters and anglers for just $72 a year, with towing services provided by TowBoatUS. Without a membership, boaters face steep out-of-pocket costs that can be upward of $400 per towing incident. “The $72 annual membership is the best deal in town”, says Huth. “The Unlimited Towing Membership provides for tows, fuel drops, and battery jumps on any boat you own, borrow or charter.”

Huth grew up in south Florida and has lived in Charlotte for 15 years. His career in boating started years ago when he quit his job to go sailing aboard tall ships, earning his captain’s license along the way. Later he settled in Charlotte to start a family, and built a business that serves the medical community. Huth and his wife, Keirsten, who also helms the company’s response vessels, have called Lake Wylie home for several years along with their three daughters. Now, he’s focused on bringing his passion for boating to Lake Wylie’s growing area.

“I got into TowBoatUS to give a great experience to people who’d otherwise be having a pretty bad day on the water,” said Huth. “It’s what I love to do. Occasionally boaters need a gentle pull when they’ve run up too far up on a bar, or they’ll call for a tow back to a dock or ramp after a breakdown. Water levels can vary, and you can get stuck if you’re unfamiliar with an area. We’re ready 24 hours a day.”

TowBoatUS Lake Wylie keeps two response vessels on the lake ready to assist boaters in need. Both are easily recognizable by their red hulls and TowBoatUS logos emblazoned in bright white letters on their sides. They are rigged for towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery and soft ungroundings. Separate from BoatUS on-water towing services, the company also refloats sunken boats and provides salvage services.

Boaters can reach TowBoatUS Lake Wylie by hailing on VHF channel 16, by calling the company directly at 803-681-0911, by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, or via smartphone using the new BoatUS Towing App. More information can be found at BoatUS.com/towing, or call 800-888-4869.

Sustain Charlotte Hosting Panel Discussion About Energy in Charlotte and Climate Change

Charlotte Stories
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Sustain Charlotte Hosting Panel Discussion About Energy in Charlotte and Climate Change

As Charlotte grows (adding 44 new people every day), it is critical that we “grow smarter”. To help, Sustain Charlotte’s monthly event series, Grow Smart CLT, explores the multiple sustainability challenges that Charlotte faces due to our rapid growth.

Each event focuses on a different issue that is being impacted by our growth, and explores the obstacles and potential solutions. Attendees walk away with a better understanding of the challenges we face and at least one action they can take to put Charlotte on a smarter path.

Grow Smart CLT’s July event will be July 11th and will address the connections between growth, energy, and climate change. Featured panelists will be Joel Olsen, CEO of O2emc; DeAndrea Salvador, founder and Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Transition Initiative (RETI); Emily Yates, Deputy Director of Envision Charlotte.

The event will be held at Three Spirits Brewery (5046 Old Pineville Rd.) and is open to the public (free for Sustain Charlotte members, $5 for non-members). Free parking is available on-site. Doors open at 6 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration available at growsmartclt.org.

Famed Rapper Post Malone Surprises Fans During Visit To Charlotte’s Blackstone Shooting Sports

Steve
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Famed Rapper Post Malone Surprises Fans During Visit To Charlotte’s Blackstone Shooting Sports

One of the biggest rising stars in the rap world recently visit Charlotte’s most popular shooting range to show off his impressive skills with a gun.

According to Blackstone’s Corey Brausch, Rapper Post Malone originally contacted Guns Daily and told them he wanted a unique experience when he came to Charlotte. Guns Daily then worked with Blackstone to set up a full day of tours, training, and shooting for Post.

During his visit, several of fans noticed him and many wanted autographs and pictures, according to Brausch, he never turned anyone away.

Here’s the full video of his visit;

A few of the team members at Blackstone are huge fans of Post – one of the associates was even invited backstage and into VIP for Post’s show in Greenville.

“So, when I finally met Post, I could not stop my excitement. After he shot, we chilled and talked about how I used to follow him from this Soundcloud days. He invited me to his concert the next day in Raleigh. When I got there, my name wasn’t on the list so I called his manager. He was upset about how messed up it was, so he picked me up at the gate in a. gold cart and took my friend and I backstage. His manager said Post kept asking if we were going to make it to the show. After we got backstage, we hung out before and after the concert. He’s just like anyone else… super humble and a likable guy. For him to invite me out showed he really does care about his fans,” commented Blackstone Receiving Clerk Sean Keegan.

This wasn’t the first time Blackstone had a special celebrity visit. They’ve also hosted Colion Noir, and they’re about to host Mr. Guns N Gear this week.

You never know who you might find at the most random places in Charlotte!

Owners Exploring Multi-Billion Dollar Sale of NASCAR – Including All Charlotte Operations

Charlotte Stories
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Owners Exploring Multi-Billion Dollar Sale of NASCAR – Including All Charlotte Operations

The majority owners of NASCAR are continuing to explore a possible sale after over a decade of declining race attendance and revenue.

According to Reuters, “The France family, which controls NASCAR, is working with investment bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) to identify a potential deal for the company, three sources said, cautioning that the deliberations are at exploratory stage and no agreement of any kind is certain.”

The Reuters report when on to say that “NASCAR could attract interest from media companies and private equity firms, according to the sources. The company’s exact valuation could not be established, though the sources said it could be worth several billions of dollars.”

NASCAR was originally founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948. Grandson Brian France is the series’ current CEO and Chairman.

While the official headquarters of NASCAR is in Daytona Beach, FL, the NASCAR Media Group, including productions, digital, and NASCAR.com is headquartered in Uptown Charlotte, along with the majority of marketing, communications and strategy departments, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Over 80% of NASCAR teams are also based around the Charlotte region (mostly in Welcome, Mooresville, and Concord).

While a new NASCAR owner would have the ability to move Charlotte-based operations, such a move would undoubtedly cause negative ripples in the industry’s already strained culture, especially given Charlotte’s deep roots with the sport.

What are your thoughts about the possible sale of NASCAR? 

Over 30 People Hospitalized After ”Exposure to Feces” During Charlotte Party

Charlotte Stories
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Over 30 People Hospitalized After ”Exposure to Feces” During Charlotte Party

The Mecklenburg Health Department just released an official statement saying that an “exposure of feces” at a birthday party this past weekend in east Charlotte has sent dozens of people to the hospital.

Charlotte paramedics were called to a large event at an apartment building off Four Seasons Lane in east Charlotte yesterday afternoon.

There have now been at least 33 people who have been taken to the hospital in connection with the event. 2 out of the 3 people in intensive care are children.

“The diarrhea is severe and could go on for days. We want to get everyone tested. We worry about people getting dehydrated,” the Mecklenburg Health Director commented this morning.

The health department is asking anyone who took food home from the event to throw it away and not to eat it.

This past weekend’s incident is not related to the recent West Charlotte’s Hardees Hepatitis A Outbreak.

Charlotte’s Apartment Rates Continue To Increase For The 5th-Straight Month

Steve
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Charlotte’s Apartment Rates Continue To Increase For The 5th-Straight Month

Charlotte’s apartment rental prices continue to increase, in spite of the incredible pace of apartment complex growth around our city. According to a new report by ApartmentList.com, median rents in Charlotte now sit at $960 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,120 for a two-bedroom.

June was the 5th-straight month that we saw rental increases after a decline in January. Our year-over-year rent growth leads the state average of 1.0%, but is in line with the national average of 1.4%.

The report also notes that, “rent increases have been occurring not just in the city of Charlotte, but across the entire state. Of the largest 10 cities that we have data for in North Carolina, all of them have seen prices rise. The state as a whole logged rent growth of 1.0% over the past year.”

Here are some highlights the report noted about Charlotte;

  • Rents in Charlotte have increased 0.5% over the past month, and are up 1.4% year-over-year.
  • Charlotte’s median two-bedroom rent of $1,120 is below the national average of $1,180.
  • Over the past year, rent increases have been occurring not just in the city of Charlotte, but across the entire state – of the largest 10 cities that we have data for in North Carolina, all of them have seen prices rise.
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