The window of opportunity has closed

At least, for getting a picture of the new Maxwell's Tavern menu (mentioned here). My wife live-in source has informed me a few days ago that the windows are all boarded up and the menu is gone.

This is the first time I've been thwarted by Maxwell's Tavern, but unfortunately for me, probably not the last.

Big Drug Heist - Waxhaw Style

There was a big drug heist in Waxhaw last week.

WAXHAW, NC (WBTV) - Police in Waxhaw are hoping to identify a man and woman wanted for allegedly stealing products from a drug store Friday morning.

Both the man and woman are seen in surveillance photos walking into the Walgreens on Cuthbertson Road and Highway 16.

Waxhaw Police say they entered the store around 9 a.m. and stole about $800 worth of Prilosec, according to Detective Bobby Haulk.

WBTV has the full article and video clip, including pictures of the alleged perps.

New businesses on the way

A couple new businesses are coming to Waxhaw, per information provided by my most reliable live-in source.

* Dairy Barn will be moving into the old Jackson's Emporium place. The sign on the building was advertising it as selling ice cream, coffee, and treats, awful similar to the fare offered by the previous two businesses to occupy this space.

* Also, Waxhaw Yoga & Massage is at the building across the parking lot from Fox's Pizza; the same building housing the Eight Legs Gallery if I'm not mistaken.

Speaking of businesses, the move of Chesterbrook Academy to the old smokestack building seems to have fizzled long ago as it appears to be back on the market. Maybe my dream of a microbrew taking up residence there is once again a possibility.

UPDATE: Updated with link to Waxhaw Yoga website and some minor

Millbridge & Cureton sold

I'm a little late on this, but Millbridge and Cureton were sold by BB&T to a joint venture of developers, says the Charlotte Business Journal.

A snippet:

Millbridge and Cureton, which comprise 1,276 acres of southwestern Union County, have been bought from BB&T Corp. The two communities had been taken back by the bank through foreclosure proceedings.

Atlanta developer Landeavor and Chicago-based private-equity firm Walton Street Capital formed a joint venture to buy the communities.

“We believe it’s a good time to invest in high-quality residential assets that are well positioned for the recovery,” says Adam Lorry, Landeavor co-founder.

Given the state of the economy and the glut of houses on the market, this seems like a strange time to make such an investment, but there's not enough details in the article to cast judgment nor do I consider myself qualified enough to make such a judgment on the viability of this investment for that matter.

Given how long neighbors have had houses on the market, I'm not sure I'd be investing in real estate at this time.

The article does have an somewhat interesting quote from the Mayor though. It is:

Daune Gardner, mayor of Waxhaw, says building activity in the subdivisions is “yet to be seen.” Landeavor officials have been talking to Waxhaw administrators about renewing a conditional-use permit at Millbridge.

This is probably due to the editorial discretion of the author/editor of the piece, but the mayor comes off as rather curt. Mainly due to the fact that if the purchase has just occurred, it seems far too early to expect to see any significant building activity occur.

Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but the fact that the mayor and others pushing for the Waxhaw Research Park had been eying up Millbridge as a possible location for said park comes to mind. At first glance, it would seem like this investment preliminarily suggests that Millbridge may not a potential location for the research park.

By the way, has anyone finished reading the poorly written (if the early pages are any indication) 200-page report on the research park yet? If so, let me know because if you make it through the whole thing, you deserve to be recognized.

Looking to create an authentic meadow?

Got enough land and free time to do it?

Then stay in town on September 12th and visit the Museum of the Waxhaws to learn the ins and outs of creating an authentic meadow from Trena McNabb of Winston-Salem.

See John Anderson's article in the Charlotte Observer for more details.

Last word on new animal ordinance?

Just one last note on the new animal ordinance that essentially bans pets from town-supported events. I've discussed this here and here previously.

I've corresponded with Town Manager Mike McLaurin and there is a small amount of news about the new ordinance. Per Mike, the town is looking into posting signage announcing the new ordinance (so attendees will be aware of the new law).

He also mentioned that they will be looking into tweaking and clarifying exactly what constitutes a town event. We'll see what comes of it.

Time again for First Friday

Coming up on September 4th is the next First Friday event held by the town.

Gavin of the STMSPPC was kind enough to provide a description of the evening's happenings at my last First Friday post.

Here is the text of the unfinished poster compliments of Gavin, laying out the evening's events. If I can get my hands on the poster, I'll update accordingly.

You’ve had a busy summer but now the kids are finally back in school… take some time to relax before things get crazy again. Join us for Stress-less September on First Friday in downtown Waxhaw and take some stress out of your wallet with fantastic deals, learn a new relaxing hobby or pick up a great book that will help you de-stress anytime you need it, and enjoy some great music, food, and fun!

Escape to another world with a good book from The Waxhaw Reading Room Used Bookstore, where they have a great selection of used books and phenomenal prices! Relax outside the store with a game of corn hole, or sit back and listen to the violinist. Home-baked brownies and coffee also provided!

Slash your stash of unused yarn at Tangles on Main! Bring in your unused yarn and swap it with someone else’s unused yarn… learn how relaxing knitting can be and enjoy some refreshments while you’re there.

Need something relaxing to do, yet also practical? Come to The Quilting Nook for a no-sew make it and take it activity. Bring your glue gun and a pair of scissors and buy a snowflake kit at the store and learn to make your own fabric snowflake! Could be a home decoration or a great gift.

Looking at great art is always a fine way to relax. Even better- enjoying free chocolates and treats while doing it! Stop in at Waxhaw Art & Chocolate and shop for some great artwork, meet an artist, and taste some delicious chocolate samples and other treats!

Fans of local author Carolyn Digh Griffin will want to be sure to come to Southport Gifts. She will be doing a book signing from 7:30-9:00 P.M. Her books will be on hand for sale.

Those of you who like to unwind by rocking out to music will be pleased with your choices on First Friday. We will have musical acts playing throughout downtown.

-We’ve got the band Five-17 playing a blend of Christian and secular rock

-Joe Middleton will be playing his brand of Americana/Rock

-Josh Birch and his band will be rocking and rolling inside his store, Birch Studios, on N. Broome Street

-The ever popular Fiesta band will be entertaining us with their unique mix of music and outrageous characters

All acts scheduled to start at approximately 7:00 P.M. Exact times and places TBD.

Finish off your evening with the heartwarming and family favorite movie UP, brought to you by the town of Waxhaw’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee. Movie will be shown on the wall of the Furry Godmother at dusk. So bring your chairs to the Main Street Grill Parking lot (Hwy. 75 and S. Church St.), kick back, and relax with a terrific family film!

If you've never been out and about on a First Friday, I recommend it. A ncie evening for the family without having to travel real far.

Here's a lengthy post of my family's travels during a previous First Friday for those interested.