Merry Oaks Neighborhood Association

MONA Newsletter February 2006

Central@ Briar Creek Rezoning Withdrawn

Central @ Briar Creek Rezoning
In response to neighborhood opposition, on February 2 the developers withdrew
their petition to rezone the 4.5-acre Plummer property at the corner of Central
Avenue and Briar Creek Road. The developers had planned to sell a portion of the
property to the discount grocery store chain Aldi, if the rezoning passed. Aldi
would have immediately built a small box store at the back of the property, and
the developers would have followed with additional phased-in development on the
remaining property. Eight neighborhoods — Merry Oaks, Briar-Creek Woodland, Commonweath-Morningside,
Chantilly, Medford Acres, Medford Glenn, Windsor Park and Markham Village — opposed
the rezoning, and Plaza-Midwood was going to consider it at their February meeting.
Eighty-five neighbors, mostly from Briar-Creek Woodland, attended a January 26
meeting with the developers as part of the rezoning process. Later, the lead developer
Grey Poole of MarkPiercePoole said that he and Chris Ogundrinde of Neighboring Concepts
had “heard the neighbors loud and clear” that they did not like the direction things
were moving. You can read a transcript of this meeting on the Merry Oaks web site
www.merryoaks.org.
The neighborhood leaders do not oppose rezoning this property from its current
zoning, R-22 (multi family residential) to Neighborhood Services or Mixed Use Development
District, which is what the developers had proposed. In fact, that zoning is called
for in the Briar-Creek Woodland and Merry Oaks Small Area Plan (adopted November
1998). However, neighbors felt that Aldi would not act as a positive catalyst for
the ongoing development of Central Avenue and that its prototype store would not
permit a good site plan for the development. In addition, there was too much uncertainty
about what would eventually land on the rest of the site.
The MONA Board and other area neighborhood leaders have said they will support
rezoning to NS or MUDD if the site plan will provide a focal point, a gathering
place for the members of the creative class who are moving into this area. Features
should:
? Emphasize pedestrian and bicycle circulation;
? Have two- or three- story buildings, including retail below residential;
? Place the best features, such as a landmark restaurant, on the site first as a
catalyst to more positive development;
? Include a tree save plan;
? Be master-planned with the Renfrow property;
? Have a good residential/retail mix;
? Use urban streetscape design such as parking at the rear and clear-glass windows
at the sidewalk.

MarkPiercePoole and Neighboring Concepts say they still plan to purchase the
property under the current R-22 zoning. They may seek to rezone it to a mixed-use
category at a later date. In this case, they would be required to once again put
forth a site plan for the neighborhoods’ review and comment. The 8-acre Renfrow
property across the street is still under contract to Tuscan Properties, a company
known for its innovative urban residential infill.

Neighborhood News and Updates

Neighborhood News & Updates
Central Streetscape
As you may recall the City contractors ran out of trees last year, so they had
to wait until this planting season to complete the streetscape tree planting along
Central Avenue. The firm of Ingle & Son is scheduled to begin planting the trees
on Feb. 6th and to be completed within two weeks. Of course this depends on weather.
Here’s a list of plant materials that will be planted:
Lagerstomeia Sioux (Crepe Myrtle) 36
Acer Truncatun (Shantung Maples) 50
Zelcova Serata (Japanese Green Vase) 2

Briar Creek Greenway
After much delay, the bridge over Briar Creek was installed on Friday, the 13th
of January. Now it is possible to walk from the trail entrance on Arnold Drive
(near Graybark) over the creek to Masonic, then up a ped-bike path to Logie and
on into Plaza-Midwood. The construction crew is waiting for dry weather to finish
the trail, which includes an asphalt surface and a concrete circle with benches
on the Masonic side of the creek. Once the trail is complete, it will become part
of a signed bike route which continues the bike lane off Central Avenue.
Several neighbors observed the installation throughout the day including Tom Poston,
Tom’s dad, Gary O’Brien, Nancy Krewson, Nancy Pierce Shaver, Kim Entrekin, her new
baby daughter, Kim’s mom, Elisabeth and John Primm and their new baby daughter.
Also, there was a contingent of Park and Recreation people and, of course, the construction
crew.
The actually installation only took a few minutes, but it was an awesome sight
to see the bridge hovering over the creek at the end of the crane, after so many
years of advocating for this project. Gary O’Brien took webcam moving pictures which
can be viewed (if you have Quicktime installed) at
http://charlotteobserverphoto.com/webcam/mobile/mobile.html

Also, you can view still photos from the day at
http://tranquility-base.us/merryoaks/bridge.html

Code Enforcement
If you want to report a code violation regarding tall grass, abandoned cars, cars
parked on the lawn, litter or garbage, call 311. If you want to track the progress
of the code enforcement, go to:http://ww.charmeck.org/code_enforcement/nuisancegraffiti/emeraldcases_list.asp
Urban Cost Share Program
There is still time to apply for Urban Cost Share grant money, but the program
will probably be ending this summer. All resident in the Briar Creek watershed (that
means us) can get three-fourths of the total cost (up to $3000) reimbursed for water
and soil conservation projects on their property. This includes tree planting, kudzu
and invasive plant removal, rain barrels, compost bins, rain gardens, cisterns,
erosion and flood control, and so on. A consultant from the County will come out
and give you advice on what you can do. Call 704 336 2455 and ask for Urban Cost
Share, or go on-line at www.mecklenburgconservation.com

Neighbor’s Corner
Take care of your little part of the world
If there are leaves in the street gutter or on the public sidewalk in front of
your house, please remove them. Also clear the storm drains of all debris, including
leaves and sticks. If ivy or other vegetation of growing across the public sidewalk,
cut it back. Please sweep gravel from your driveway off the public sidewalks.
Doing these things helps keep your neighbors safe when they are walking, protects
our creeks and drainage system from clogging, and makes the neighborhood look better.
Your neighborhood thanks you.

Use your computer to improve Merry Oaks Neighborhood
You can schedule bulky item pick up on-line, for your own or for someone else’s
property. You do not need to list the items, but remember they will not pick up
tires or construction material such as or wood with protruding nails.
Here is the link to schedule the bulky items on-line. http://servicerequest.charmeck.org/Emweb/mnt/Request04Entry01Contact.asp?sk=oyfImyMRrMY2oSb
You can also call 311 for bulky item pickup or any other City-County question
or issues.

Web Web Web Web Web Web Web
It does seem like everything is accompanied by a web address these days. This
newsletter is full of them! But we know many of you don’t use computers or if you
do, you may not access the web or use e-mail. But so much information is exchanged
this way now. In fact, even the Merry Oaks newsletter may opt for an electronic-only
format at some point. It would certainly be cheaper and would save a lot of work.
But if you are someone who values the printed newsletter and/or does not use the
computer, we promise to not cut you off! If this describes you, please contact Nancy
at 704 535 7409.
On the other hand, if you do have e-mail and are not on the MONA list, you’re
missing out on bimonthly updates and important notices. Send your e-mail address
to nancypierce@carolina.rr.com

Acorns (lots of scattered little stuff)

Acorns
A safer Merry Oaks
Help keep our neighborhood a safe place for other drivers, bike riders and pedestrians.
When you approach an intersection with a Stop sign, you MUST STOP before turning
or proceeding.

Library
The Charlotte Mecklenburg library web site is www.plcmc.org and has many activities
for young children. Contact Elizabeth Merklein, Call (704) 336-2982 to register
or for more information. Books, puppets, puzzles, games, and activities provide
a wide range of learning activities designed to develop a lifelong love of reading.
I am a Little Teapot! (All ages) Mondays at 11 a.m.; Thursdays at 11 a.m. Stories,
rhymes, songs and movement activities for all ages.

Where do I report a junk car/trash on a property?
If the property in question is inside the City limits of Charlotte, call the City
of Charlotte Community Improvement Department at 704-336-2573 .

Acorns
Utility Workers
Plaza Midwood has had incidents where persons impersonated utility workers or
wore a hardhat so their presence would not be noticed. If a Utility worker should
knock on your door, they should be wearing their ID badge. If not, ask to see it,
and note the name of the person. Most utility workers do not need to enter your
house as most of your meters and connections are located outside your home. Generally,
the only time, a utility worker needs to enter your home is when YOU have called
THEM for service. Recently, we have had legitimate contract workers installing electronic
meter reader equipment for Piedmont Gas. These small trucks should have Tru Check
and a sign on their trucks explaining that they are working for Piedmont Gas.

Do I need a permit for a fence?
No, a fence is not a structure and does not require a building permit. However,
there are height restrictions. Generally these restrict the height of the fence
to 5 feet in the front yard, 6 feet on the sides and 8 feet in the rear. If the
fence close to the street or near city right of way you will need to contact the
Department of Transportation (704-336-2261) for review. Call the Zoning Counter
at (704-336-3569) for details.
311
For almost any question regarding City services, call 311. Source: www.charmeck.org

Unlicensed or junked?
What is the difference between an “unlicensed” vehicle vs. a “Junked” Vehicle?
The City of Charlotte Zoning Ordinance allows for no more than two (2) unlicensed
vehicles that are not fully enclosed in a permanent structure to be on any premises.
Unlicensed vehicles are not permitted to be located within any required setback
or yards in street right-of-way. One junked motor vehicle can be located in the
rear yard if it is covered. The City Code defines a Junked Motor Vehicle as an
unlicensed vehicle that:
• Is partially dismantled or wrecked; or
• Cannot be self-propelled; or
• Is more than five (5) years old and appears to be worth less than one hundred
dollars ($100.00).

Too cold to walk?
You have several choices for indoor walking:
• Eastland Mall
• Green Memorial Baptist Church, 1324 The Plaza
During Jan. and Feb, they open the church gym 9a.m. until noon on Mondays, Thursdays
and Fridays. Contact Mishael Griffin at 704-332-3191 if interested.

Year Of The Dog by Nancy Pierce Shaver
On January 29 I was reading the Sunday paper when all of a sudden I heard it:
Bam! Pow! Bam bam bam! For split second I thought the neighborhood had finally
erupted in total violence. I imagined a gunfight in a parking lot somewhere, people
running for cover. Crack! Bang!
Then I thought, “Fooled again, for about the fifth year in a row”. It was, after
all, the Chinese New Year and our neighbors down at Saigon Square were celebrating
with fireworks. By the Chinese calendar, we are in 4703, The Year of the Dog.
To see Merry Oaks neighbor Gary O’Brien’s 360-degree panoramic picture of a Chinese
New Year event at Dim Sum, go to:
http://www.charlotte.com/multimedia/charlotte/KRT_packages/archive/pan/newyear/pano.html

Merry Oaks School
by Nancy Krewson
A meeting was held January 9, 2006 with CharMeck Parks and Recreation department,
who presented plans for Phase I of the planned Merry Oaks school park. Neighborhood
participants and school principal Stanley Frazier approved the plans, which call
for construction to begin midsummer of 2006 after school is out for the year. This
will be Phase I and includes a measured, concrete walking trail on school grounds
as well as a gravel trail surrounding an area to be later developed as a native
plant/woodland area. There will be a concrete trail connection to Merry Oaks Road.
This is a partnership between the school and Parks and Rec and should become a
great place to walk for the neighborhood as well as a playground for both adults
and kids. There are six basketball hoops and playground equipment for smaller children
there already so next time you want to toss a Frisbee or fly a kite, think of the
school.
Mr. Frazier states that the school encourages walkers after school hours and on
weekends, even before construction begins this summer. Dogs on leashes are permitted
for now but absolutely must be accompanied by a pooper-scooper. The present school
gate will be relocated so we can park in the lot on the immediate left of the school
entrance, even if the school gate is closed.
Merry Oaks school at 3508 Draper, has approximately 524 students from pre-K through
5th grade. During the first year of the fifth grade competency test 98% of 5th graders
passed, way above the CMS system-wide average. Mr. J. Merritt’s class has been featured
recently in a series of articles in the Charlotte Observer.
The students are in need of mentors, lunch buddies, tutors or reading buddies.
The school day is from 7:30-1:45 and volunteers who can even come once a week can
call Anna Smendziuk at 704-343-6422.
To see the Phase I master plan, go to www.neighborhoodlink.com/charlotte/merryoaks

The Very Popular MONA Web site
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/charlotte/merryoaks/
Here are the hits on the MONA web site since August of 2005:
August 291 September 302
October 548 November 596
December 319 January 1256

Three-quarters of January’s hits occurred between January 26 and January 31, after
various information about the Central @ Briar Creek rezoning was posted on the MONA
web site.

Newsletter Advertising
Contact Pam Stenhouse at 704-535-4026 to advertise in our newsletter.
Newsletter Help Needed!
The newsletter is supported by advertising revenue. Most area restaurants, grocery
stores and home-related services are eager to advertise in neighborhood newsletters.
But someone has to approach them, get the ad together and keep track of who has
paid. Pam Stenhouse has been doing this but can use some help from another person
who can take complete responsibility for two or three “accounts”. Call her to discuss
704 535 4026.
On-line in Merry Oaks
Charlotte Observer staff photographer Gary O’Brien and his wife, photographer
and horticulturist Meredith Hebden, love their “1950s brick double-wide home” on
Graybark Avenue, and they love the Merry Oaks neighborhood.
As a respected photographer whose work has taken him to distant places, Gary says
there are a lot of interesting photo subject right here in Merry Oaks. “The diversity
of our community is something to be proud of, and I want to share that with the
Observer’s readers”, he said.
One of Gary’s current projects is teacher Jeremiah Merritt’s fifth grade class at
Merry Oaks Elementary School. The occasional Observer series by Gary and writer
Pam Kelley is called: “One teacher. 16 students. A year in fifth grade. What will
it take to leave no child behind?”
You can view it on-line at:
http://www.charlotte.com/multimedia/charlotte/KRT_packages/archive/pan/20051104_merritt/merritt.html

View some other images by Gary and Meredith:
http://charlotteobserverphoto.com/webcam/mobile/mobile.html (Briar Creek Greenway
Bridge installation – requires Quicktime)
http://www.charlotte.com/multimedia/charlotte/KRT_packages/archive/pan/newyear/pano.html
(Chinese New Year at Dim Sum)
http://charlotteobserverphoto.com/obrien/whisper/whisper.html (Spring in Flynwood
Drive backyard)
Meredith’s site: http://www.laughingearth.com
Gary’s site: http://www.garyobrien.com

MONA Board & Volunteers
Cate Martin
President
704-535-3501
cate1868@yahoo.com

Donna Howard Peters
Treasurer
704-563-1422
dhowardpeters@hotmail.com

Carol Herrington
Secretary & Newsletter Design
704-563-0288
robcar1823us@yahoo.com

Nancy Pierce Shaver
Neighborhood Advocate &
Past President
704-535-7409
nancypierce@carolina.rr.com

Tom Poston
Meeting Signs
704-567-0020
tom@tranquility-base.us

Nancy Krewson
Webmaster
nkrewson@earthlink.net

Richard Stenhouse
Newsletter Printing & Circulation
Pam Stenhouse
Advertising Manager
704-535-4026
dandp@carolina.rr.com

Beth Brown Al Rawi
Board Member
704-567-1207
bhalrawi@aol.com

Thomas Blue (incoming) 704-535-2583
thomasblue@aol.com

Ayesha Omer (incoming)
704 -535-7923
ayeshao@hotmail.com

New Mona Board Members
Jasper Parham has resigned from the MONA Board. During his several years on the
Board, Jasper always reminded us to pay attention to details and he insisted that
we walk our talk. Jasper has organized the Briar Creek Walk for several years, one
of the longest running and most reliable adopt-a-creek projects in Mecklenburg County.
We hope he continues to do so, even though he is not a MONA Board member.
Two Board nominations will be voted on at the general meeting January 16:

Ayesha Omer of Farmington Drive. She and her husband Don Thornton have lived
in the Merry Oaks neighborhood for two-and-a-half years, prior to which they lived
near UNCC. Ayesha, who was born in India and raised in North Carolina, is an instructor
at CPCC. She loves their house, the neighborhood and being close to uptown and the
ethnic restaurants along Central Avenue. She and Don have a dog and three cats,
and her interest on the MONA Board is community building.
Thomas Blue was introduced in the last newsletter but was unable to attend the
general meeting so there was no vote. A Charlotte native, Tom works at Wachovia
and is a licensed real estate broker. He moved from Plaza-Midwood, where he was
active in the neighborhood association, Crime Watch, rezonings and Pedscape Plan.
He lives on Flynwood Drive and has invested in several properties in Charlotte East
and the Belmont neighborhood, as well as the Woodmere Condos in Merry Oaks.

The MONA Board is open to anyone who wishes to nominate themselves or be nominated
by another. It meets three times per year and communicates by phone and e-mail in
between. Members deal with issues as they arise and as there is interest. If you
would like to be a member, contact MONA President Cate Martin at 704 535 3501 or
cate1868@yahoo.com