Lake Norman Growth Pressures Mount as 324-Unit Housing Development Moves Forward

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Lake Norman Growth Pressures Mount as 324-Unit Housing Development Moves Forward

A Charlotte developer is pushing forward with plans for a massive new 324-unit apartment community near Lake Norman.

RK Investments Charlotte, LLC has just filed a request to rezone roughly 30 acres along the west side of North Pilot Knob Road in the 200 block, north of N.C. 73 and east of N.C. 16 Business in Catawba Springs Township.

The proposed Denver Apartments project would include 324 multifamily units, a 12,000-square-foot childcare center, and a 6,500-square-foot medical office building. The developer is seeking a Planned Development–Mixed Use designation to allow the project under site-specific conditions.

County planning documents show the site is currently zoned Residential-Transitional, General Business, and Planned Development-Commercial. Staff say the proposal aligns with the county’s Walkable Activity Center land-use designation, which encourages mixed residential and commercial growth.

A Traffic Impact Analysis estimates the development would generate 2,182 daily vehicle trips, including 284 during the morning peak and 224 in the evening. Engineers concluded nearby intersections would remain within acceptable service levels, though a new full-access driveway and a northbound left-turn lane on Pilot Knob Road are planned.

Part of the property lies within the WS-IV Protected Area of the Catawba/Mountain Island Lake Watershed. Planning staff noted that portion would remain preserved as open space to meet environmental standards.

Residents raised concerns about traffic, density, and infrastructure during two community meetings late last year. However, county planning staff have recommended approval, calling the request consistent with adopted land-use plans.

The rezoning now heads to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and final decision.

Charlotte Leaders Shut Down NoDa’s Street Vendors Program

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Charlotte Leaders Shut Down NoDa’s Street Vendors Program

Street vending in NoDa has effectively come to a halt after the City of Charlotte ended its pilot program, leaving just one vendor on North Davidson Street Monday afternoon.

The City of Charlotte officially concluded its 6-month NoDa Market Pilot Program on Sunday. As a result, anyone caught selling merchandise in the area without authorization could now face a $500 fine.

Charlotte City Council leaders cited NoDa’s narrow sidewalks as a major issue. In some cases, vendors reportedly blocked pedestrian pathways. Officials also raised concerns about vendors obstructing access to a nearby fire station.

While vending has ended in NoDa for now, opportunities remain elsewhere. Vendors can still apply for permits in other Charlotte neighborhoods, including South End and Uptown Charlotte.

The City Council will host a listening session tonight (2/17) at 6 pm at the Government Center in Uptown to discuss potential citywide policies.

Gastonia Man Arrested After Police Find 12 Pounds of Marijuana In His Home

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Gastonia Man Arrested After Police Find 12 Pounds of Marijuana In His Home

A Gastonia man is facing felony drug charges after police say they seized more than 12 pounds of marijuana, along with cash and paraphernalia, from his home.

Authorities arrested Levar Taylor following an investigation at a residence on South Yates Street near West Garrison Boulevard. Police say they launched the probe after receiving a drug complaint tied to the property.

Detectives conducted surveillance on Friday, Feb. 13. During the operation, officers stopped a vehicle leaving the home and recovered a small amount of marijuana.

That stop provided probable cause for a search warrant, according to police.

During the search of the residence, officers reported finding more than 12 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and $2,770 in cash.

Taylor was taken into custody and is now charged with felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, trafficking marijuana by possession, and trafficking marijuana by manufacturing.

The case remains under investigation as it proceeds through Gaston County courts.

NCDOT’s New Passenger Rail Line Between Charlotte Area and Asheville Could Generate $1.05 Billion

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NCDOT’s New Passenger Rail Line Between Charlotte Area and Asheville Could Generate $1.05 Billion

A new passenger rail line between the Charlotte region and Asheville could generate more than 5,000 jobs per year, produce $1.05 billion in economic output, and deliver tens of millions in new tax revenue during construction, according to a new state report.

The study, released by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division, highlights the economic and connectivity impact of reviving the Western North Carolina Rail Corridor. The proposed line would run between Salisbury and Asheville, strengthening ties between the Charlotte metro, the Piedmont Triad, the Research Triangle, and the Blue Ridge region.

During project implementation, the corridor is projected to support about 5,280 jobs annually and generate $360.5 million in employee earnings. The report also estimates $33.6 million in state and local tax revenue during the construction phase.

Beyond construction, long-term operations are expected to sustain 305 jobs each year, along with $19.9 million in annual earnings and $59.8 million in yearly economic output. Recurring tax revenue is projected at $1.8 million annually.

Transportation leaders say the restored route would create a critical east-west rail connection across North Carolina, improving access for residents and visitors while supporting long-term economic growth statewide.

“The Western NC rail corridor presents a unique opportunity to strengthen regional connectivity, support local economies, and create a more resilient and dynamic transportation system for North Carolina,” said NCDOT Rail Division director Jason Orthner in a press release. “The interest this route is receiving underscores the opportunity to better connect western North Carolina to the state’s existing intercity passenger rail network.”

The Charlotte Region Produced These 2 Great American Presidents

Steve
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The Charlotte Region Produced These 2 Great American Presidents

Over the past 250 years, the Charlotte region, and specifically Mecklenburg County, has produced some of the greatest leaders our nation has ever seen.

Soon after Mecklenburg County became the first place in America to declare independence from England in 1775, a man named James K. Polk was born on a small homestead near Pineville on Nov. 2, 1795. James would eventually become the 11th president of the United States, and under his leadership, our country would expand significantly with the annexation of the Republic of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Cession following the American victory in the Mexican–American War.

His birthplace is now registered as an official NC Historic Site;

About 20 years before President Polk was born, another American legend was being raised just south of Waxhaw in Union County.

President Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767 to a Scotch-Irish family in a modest home. His statue now stands proudly outside the capitol building in Raleigh.

Jackson became the only US president to completely pay off our national debt. In January 1835, he also became the first US president to survive a presidential assassination attempt.

The Charlotte region’s 3rd great “presidential figure” was born on a modest dairy farm near what is now the Park Rd. Shopping Center. The “Pastor to the Presidents“, Billy Graham, was born on Nov. 7th, 1918. Mr. Graham has personally met with and counseled the past 12 US Presidents, starting with President Harry Truman in 1945.

Our city has also hosted almost every president in American history, starting with a visit by President George Washington on May 28, 1791, who stayed at Col. Thomas Polk’s Inn near the corner of Trade and Tryon.

Happy President’s Day everyone!

Lancaster Police Asking For Public’s Help To Find “Pine Straw Bandits” After Multi-Year Landscaping Scam

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Lancaster Police Asking For Public’s Help To Find “Pine Straw Bandits” After Multi-Year Landscaping Scam

After allegedly intimidating homeowners and pressuring them into paying thousands of dollars for dramatically inflated premium pine straw, three Georgia men are now facing arrest warrants in Lancaster — and police say the scam has stretched across multiple states for years. Lancaster police are now asking for the public’s help as two of the suspects remain on the run.

The Lancaster Police Department confirmed that Joseph Nasir Butler, Tyderrius Kemon White, and Anthony Scott Bell Jr., all of Georgia, are wanted in connection with the door-to-door landscaping scheme. Butler turned himself in to the Lancaster Police Department and is currently in custody.

Butler now faces charges of obtaining property under false pretenses valued between $2,000 and $10,000, strong arm robbery, and criminal conspiracy. White and Bell remain wanted on the same charges.

Investigators say the suspects approached homeowners offering pine straw installation for $6 per bale. However, they allegedly refused to provide written estimates before beginning work. After completing the job, police say they claimed to have used an excessive number of bales, which resulted in unexpectedly high charges.

When victims questioned the totals, authorities say the suspects became aggressive and intimidating. In some cases, they allegedly pressured homeowners to make immediate payment, leading to the strong arm robbery charge.

Police determined the alleged scam has been occurring since at least 2020. Furthermore, investigators believe it has targeted communities across South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges could follow. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or who has information about the remaining suspects is urged to contact the Lancaster Police Department at 803-283-3313. Residents should call 911 immediately if they see White or Bell.

Gastonia Man Arrested For Trafficking Large Amounts of Meth and Heroin Into York County

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Gastonia Man Arrested For Trafficking Large Amounts of Meth and Heroin Into York County

A Gastonia man accused of trafficking heroin and methamphetamine is now being held without bond just days after posting a $250,000 secured bond on similar charges. Authorities say 37-year-old Okevius Farrell Bigger was re-arrested and booked into the Gaston County Jail this past week following a multi-month drug investigation.

Jail records show Bigger is being held as a pretrial inmate on a hold with no bond allowed. Court filings list numerous felony trafficking counts filed February 9, including multiple heroin trafficking charges under several docket numbers, multiple methamphetamine trafficking charges, and one count of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances.

Bigger had previously been booked February 6 on similar trafficking charges and released February 8 after posting a $250,000 secured bond. He was taken back into custody just days later.

According to police, officers initially located and arrested Bigger in York County, South Carolina, before extraditing him to North Carolina. Investigators had entered him into the National Crime Information Center database as wanted with extradition authority.

County records also show a July 31, 2025 booking for misdemeanor Schedule VI possession that resulted in a written promise to appear.

Bigger, who is listed as 6 feet tall and 200 pounds with a Gastonia address, remains in custody as prosecutors move forward with the felony trafficking case.

How Industrial Gas Solutions Support Modern Operations

Sharon Anderson
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How Industrial Gas Solutions Support Modern Operations

Today, modern operations make use of reliable solutions to continue with their efficiency and productivity. Industrial gas solutions such as these provide an essential support system for various sectors, which ease operations and maintain safety. Using these solutions, facilities achieve the same output every time while ensuring full safety without the worry of downtimes. 

The use of gases in several applications improves performance, safeguards the equipment, and ensures quality results in several industries. Trusted providers like Linde Gas offer comprehensive solutions tailored to diverse industrial needs. Let’s explore how these solutions support modern operations. Below are the key areas where industrial gases make a significant impact.

Enhancing Manufacturing Efficiency

Industrial gas solutions are beneficial to manufacturing facilities. Keep in mind that oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen are commonly used for faster improvement of welding, cutting, and metal fabrication processes. The use of these gases aids in ensuring accurate and clean results necessary for the quality and durability of the components. Inert gases such as argon also protect the materials from oxidation during key steps, leading to repeatable products.

Boosting Food and Beverage Safety

Gases are also used in the food and beverage industries, where they hold freshness and shelf life. Modified atmospheres with carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the packaging reduce spoilage and limit the growth of bacteria. This technique helps providers deliver food quality from the point of production to the point of consumption in keeping with the stringent health and safety standards practiced in the industry. By doing so, producers can provide consumers with products that are safer and more attractive.

Advancing Healthcare and Medical Services

Hospitals need gas supplies so they can stay in business when it comes to patient care and actual treatment. Medical oxygen is a key ingredient in respiratory therapies, and nitrous oxide is used for anesthesia and pain relief. Such solutions guarantee that treatment centers react without delay to the requirements of individuals. Regular quality and supply of gas support high standards in laboratories as well, which is essential for accurate diagnostics and research.

Supporting Environmental Initiatives

The need to make manufacturing processes more environmentally friendly leads many firms to embrace gas solutions for pollution control and emissions management. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, monitoring industrial emissions is critical for maintaining air quality standards. Specialty gases are utilized to monitor air quality and tail gas streams from power plants and manufacturing units. They assist businesses in remaining compliant with regulations while ensuring they have the lowest ecological footprint possible. A more sustainable environment means cleaner operations, lower emissions, and a healthier planet for all of us.

Facilitating Technological Development

Advancements in technology require very specific gas applications. For example, ultra-pure gas is utilized in semiconductor production and testing within the electronics manufacturing process. These gases remove contaminants that would prevent sensitive components from operating properly or reliably. Gas quality consistency is an essential component in the production of high-performance electronic devices.

Promoting Safety and Compliance

All industrial sectors that use industrial gases should prioritize safety above all else. Gas detection and monitoring systems that are working properly prevent leaks and accidents and help protect workers and properties alike. It is important to have proper practices in place to reduce potential hazards. Proper training of staff and the correct functioning of equipment ensure facilities operate safely and in compliance with the regulations. This reliability means any operation will perform just as it is meant to.

Improving Energy Production

We use different kinds of gases in power generation for combustion, cooling processes, and emission reduction. Oxygen boosts combustion, while nitrogen aids with inerts and purges. Applications like these enable energy providers to optimize their output and lower maintenance needs. Continuous and stable energy generation helps power the communities and industries that rely on steady energy to operate.

Optimizing Logistics and Supply Chains

Reliable gas solutions provide critical refrigeration and transportation needs for efficient logistics and supply chain management. Liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide are integral to maintaining food-safe temperatures for perishables. Their use ensures that products arrive at their destinations in good condition, which reduces waste and increases customer satisfaction. Temperature-regulated environments across the supply chain safeguard such delicate products during movement and storage.

Conclusion

Industrial gas solutions define modern-day operations across several industries. These contribute to efficiency, safety, and sustainability initiatives. Organizations that embrace these solutions will be poised to capitalize on the growth and optimize productivity. Gas applications for industrial applicability provide reliability, which ensures industries deliver quality products, protect the environment, and ensure the safety of people. These solutions will always be critical as technology advances to achieve greater scales of performance and safety.

South Carolina Rumbles as 2.8 Earthquake Shakes Lake Murray Tuesday Evening

Steve
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South Carolina Rumbles as 2.8 Earthquake Shakes Lake Murray Tuesday Evening

Another earthquake rattled South Carolina Tuesday evening, this time near Lake Murray.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 2.8 magnitude quake struck at 6:43 p.m. Initial estimates placed the epicenter near Hollywood Point and Yacht Cove. However, updated data shifted it closer to North Lake Drive.

More than 100 people reported feeling the tremor within minutes. Most described brief indoor shaking during the early evening hours.

At 2.8 magnitude, the quake is strong enough to be felt across nearby communities.

Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency around the Charlotte region over the past few years. Last year, we experienced the largest earthquake in over 100 years when a 5.1 magnitude quake hit Sparta, NC, and since then, dozens of aftershocks have continued to rattle our state.

According to USGS.gov, “Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.”

Have you felt any of the quakes?

Judge Orders I-85 Confederate Flag Lowered, Citing Permit Violations and Safety Risks

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Judge Orders I-85 Confederate Flag Lowered, Citing Permit Violations and Safety Risks

A Spartanburg County judge has just ordered a massive Confederate flag flying near Interstate 85 to be lowered or removed, at least for now, after sharply criticizing how the structure was built and disclosed to local officials.

The dispute centers on a 120-foot flagpole erected on less than an acre near Teaberry Road. The flag first appeared along the interstate in 2022.

County officials issued a Notice of Violation in October 2022, stating the group constructed the 120-foot pole without a required development permit under Spartanburg County’s Unified Land Management Ordinance. The violation required the group to remove the pole or reduce it to 30 feet and limit the flag to five by eight feet.

In his latest order, Judge Hayes rejected the group’s request to alter or amend a prior enforcement ruling, writing that the motion was “procedurally improper” because the earlier order was not a final judgment under state rules.

The judge also declined to reconsider constitutional arguments, stating those issues are for the appellate court to decide.

However, the most striking language in the filing centers on disclosure and public safety.

Hayes noted that the height of the 120-foot pole was disclosed to the Federal Aviation Administration before construction but not to Spartanburg County officials. He described the height as a “material element” of the project and questioned why it was not shared with local regulators.

The order states that failing to disclose known, material information to the county while seeking other approvals “undermines” the request for equitable relief.

The judge also emphasized the pole’s location near a major interstate corridor, referencing foreseeable safety risks associated with such a tall, unpermitted structure.

Earlier, the Spartanburg County Board of Zoning Appeals sided with the Sons of Confederate Veterans in January 2023. But a February 2024 circuit court ruling overturned that decision and reinstated the violation notice.
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The group has appealed to the South Carolina Court of Appeals. While that appeal remains pending, the circuit court lifted the automatic stay and ordered compliance.

For now, the ruling requires the flagpole to be lowered or the flag removed as the broader legal fight continues.

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