Did you know?
Did you know the City of Concord is leveraging millions of dollars in private investment in Downtown Concord? Recently, the Concord City Council adopted strategies to continue progress in redeveloping and growing Downtown, as recommended in the Downtown Master Plan process. Two major redevelopment projects (Lofts29 and Hotel Concord-5/3 Bank) are feasible for private investors thanks to over half a million dollars in City support through property acquisition, grants, and loans. These projects are bringing the first new residents to Downtown Concord in decades and set the foundation for future investments.
At the same time, the City has laid the groundwork for its vacant properties on Union Street to become the next wave of transformative private development in Downtown. These projects, combined with other funds budgeted annually for Downtown infrastructure and support, total an estimated multi-year investment of more than $1,000,000. The City is leading the way to continued success in Downtown Concord, supported by its partners at the Concord Downtown Development Corporation and Cabarrus County, which will bring the community returns in the form of additional investment, jobs, and quality-of-life improvements. Learn more at concordnc.gov.
Fall City Circular and Leisure Times coming soon
If you have not yet already, you'll soon receive the latest issues of the City Circular and Leisure Times in the mail soon. The Fall 2016 City Circular digital edition is available now, where you can read all the articles on your screen of choice. Looking for something from a recent issue? It’s in the digital archives – every story, every photo, and every page. In the Fall 2016 City Circular, get a sneak peek at the new Commercial Service Terminal at Concord Regional Airport, opening this fall. There will also be a special brochure in your packet with an update about the City's Smart Community program.
Final chance to see featured Woodturners' exhibit at ClearWater
ClearWater Artist Studios' featured exhibit in August is Artistry in Woodturning, on display one final Saturday – August 27. An exhibition of some of the finest and most original works on offer by members of the resident Southern Piedmont Woodturners (SPW) Association, the show also includes works by ClearWater's resident Leathersmith. The SPW Studio and the Gallery will be open 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., with woodturning demonstrations in the SPW studio as a special feature of this Guest Artist exhibit. In September, the Main Gallery exhibit will change to artist Robert Crum’s solo show, “Return to the Land of My Ancestors,” with an Opening Reception Friday, Sept. 9 and Artist Talk Saturday, Sept. 10. More info on the CW Facebook page. The CW Gallery has a new Guest Artist Show slated for every month through next March (and counting). Join the CW E-Newsletter List to stay informed, visit clearwaterartists.com for details and weekday hours, or call 704-784-9535.
Cabarrus County Schools to welcome students back August 29
As thousands of students, teachers, and families prepare for the new school year to begin on Monday, the City of Concord encourages everyone to be cautious as the community readjusts to school year vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Familiarize yourself with laws regarding stopped school buses at ncbussafety.org. Be extra careful around bus stops, school zones, and crosswalks, and plan extra time to travel next week so you will not feel rushed on your morning and evening commutes. Learn more on the Cabarrus County Schools back to school site: cabarrus.k12.nc.us/bts.
Cabarrus County CVB seeks community input concerning potential new sports complex
The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau is requesting public participation in an online survey to evaluate the feasibility for a local sports complex. The online research is being conducted by Conventions, Sports and Leisure International (CSL) and takes less than five minutes to complete. Residents are asked to complete the short survey to receive feedback on which, if any, components of a new sports complex would best serve the needs of our community. Public participation is critical to make informed decisions regarding the potential for new development. Residents can take the survey at bit.ly/CSLSurvey.
Just two weeks until Fifth annual Safety Palooza on September 10
Safe Kids Cabarrus and the Concord Fire Department are hosting the fifth annual Safety Palooza from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10. This year's event will be at Concord Fire Station 3, located at 100 Warren C. Coleman Boulevard N. With the new location comes the new featured activity: Junior Firefighter Challenge for youth ages 6-17. The event will also feature local public safety agencies and a variety of activities to help keep kids safe, such as car seat checks, free CPR training, and safe disposal of expired and unused medications. Enjoy free food, inflatable amusements for kids, and community vendors! Visit safekidscabarrus.org or call 704-920-5529 for more information.
CDDC seeks entries for October 22 Downtown Concord Innovation Day
Creative artists, inventors, and members of the greater community are invited to develop design concepts to activate the sidewalks of Downtown Concord. These inventions will be placed along Union Street for a one-day public viewing on Saturday, October 22, 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. The top designs, as selected by the public who come out the day of the event, will be awarded cash prizes, ($1000, $500, and $250) with the potential for one design to be built out for permanent installation in Downtown Concord. There is no entry fee to submit a design; however the installation itself has to meet a list of criteria. Interested participants are asked to email a sketch of the proposed design, including length, width, and height dimensions to diane@concorddowntown.com before beginning the build out. Sketches will assist the CDDC in verifying that the design meets the criteria. For complete details including a list of criteria, visit concorddowntown.com. Deadline for submitting a sketch is September 15, 2016. Sponsorships available.
Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Summer 2016 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Back to school means the fun continues with Parks and Rec
Did your family members have fun with us this summer at camps, classes, or other activities? Sad that the summer is coming to an end? Don't be! Classes and other programs for youth continue year-round, such as Messy Art classes meeting Tuesdays this fall after school, and Greenway Adventures meeting Tuesdays at 5:00. Visit concordparksandrec.org for details and to register, or call 704-920-5600.
Final days to register for adult flag football leagues
Are you ready for some football? Concord Parks and Recreation is once again offering coed and mens' adult 5 on 5 flag football leagues. Registration is available through August 31, and the playing season runs September through November. Each week, teams play one or two games weekday evenings, and registration is just $375 per team. For more information or to register, visit concordparksandrec.org or call 704-920-5600.
City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is the Council Chamber of City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Avenue W.
September
6 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
8 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
14 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
20 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
Stay Connected!
Visit the City's website for the latest information and updates at concordnc.gov. Check out our page on Facebook and our other interactive features!
Have you experienced great service from Team Concord?
If you have had an experience from our team that left an impact, we hope you'll let us know so we can recognize that coworker with a "High 5 for Excellent Service." You can get started by visiting concordnc.gov/High5 or call 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgement over the phone.