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.

Did you know?
Did you know Rider Transit has a new, mobile-friendly website? Whether at home, in class, at work, or on the go, you can stay up to date with service changes and detours, track your bus in real-time, subscribe to e-alerts, and more! Visit ckrider.com to get started.

Two weeks of Woodturners' exhibit still available at ClearWater, Saturdays 11-4
ClearWater Artist Studios' featured exhibit in August is Artistry in Woodturning, available through 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 each Saturday in August, 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.

United Way events to help benefit those in need locally—cookout lunch Monday August 22!
The City of Concord's coworker-led campaign to benefit member agencies of United Way of Central Carolinas is ramping up for 2016 with two upcoming special events open to the community starting Monday! You're invited to our August 22 cookout lunch (serving 11a-2p), and November 22 pancake breakfast (serving 6-9:30a). Both events will be at the Brown Operations Center (850 Warren C. Coleman Boulevard, entrance across from Manor Avenue SW). Proceeds from all events make a difference locally by benefiting United Way member agencies. Please call Shane Russ at 704-920-5447 with questions about either of these events or visit concordnc.gov for details.

Utility work to require lane closures on NC 73 westbound near I-85 next week.
City Water Resources crews will close two westbound NC 73 travel lanes near I-85 late Monday evening and throughout the day on Tuesday to repair a raw water line, weather permitting. The lane closures will also affect motorists turning left from International Drive. Message boards on westbound NC 73 and International Drive will provide guidance through the lane closures. Normal traffic should resume Tuesday evening, but the lane closures will be in place again during resurfacing, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26. More information is available at ncdot.gov.

Fifth annual Safety Palooza planned for NEW location – coming 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.

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.

Just a few weeks left to register for adult flag football leagues
Are you ready for some football? Concord Parks and Recreation is once again offering coed and men's 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.

Did you know?
Did you know the Hartsell Recreation Center is getting an upgrade? Hartsell Center will be closed until summer 2017 while the latest in a series of improvements to the City's recreation centers is underway. The project will renovate exercise, fitness, and multi-purpose rooms. Visit concordnc.gov for more information.

Highlights of the August 11 City Council Meeting
Please visit concordnc.gov to see the Council Agenda in its entirety.

Presented a retirement plaque to Phillip Crook, 19 years of service - Fire Department.

Presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for period ending June 30, 2015 to the Finance Department (27^th consecutive year).

Recognized Rider Transit's selection for the Small Urban Bus System Safety Award by the North Carolina Public Transit Association for 2015-2016.

Presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Terry Austin, for six years of service on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Continued a public hearing and adopted an ordinance for annexation of six (6) parcels of land located at the intersection of Odell School Road and Davidson Highway.

Received the annual Municipal Service District report from the Concord Downtown Development Corporation.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance for annexation of two parcels owned by Pierce Realty Co., Inc.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an administrative land use amendment and a zoning amendment to facilitate developing property owned by Ronald Gold Overcash Estate and Childress Klein Properties for industrial and distribution uses.

Conducted public hearings and adopted ordinances to amend the Concord Development Ordinance (CDO), Articles 8 - Use Regulations, and 14 – Definitions, and Article 5 - Subdivision Plats, Site Plans, and Construction Plans.

Conducted a public hearing and carried a motion to hold the property located at 26 Union Street North, the Municipal Building, (PIN 5620-87-9814) with a listed tax value of $692,490 as economic development property under NCGS § 158-7.1, and directed.

Reviewed a draft RFP and directed staff and the UNC DFI to proceed with solicitation of development partners for the Municipal Building site.

Approved the 2016 Downtown Master Plan.

Authorized the City Manager to execute a contract addendum for the sale of potable water to the Town of Harrisburg and adopted an ordinance amending the FY16-17 Fees, Rates, and Charges Schedule.

Entered into a Municipal Agreement with NCDOT on Project U-4910A and U-4910B, Derita Road widening from Poplar Tent Road to Concord Mills Boulevard.

Adopted an ordinance on second reading to grant a five-year franchise renewal to U.S. Tire Recycling Partners, L.P. for a scrap tire processing and disposal facility.

Adopted a resolution authorizing the sale of property at 15 Reed Street.

Fifth annual Safety Palooza planned for NEW location – coming 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.

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.

Olympic fun continues with Camp Olympics August 15-17
Join Concord Parks and Recreation for Camp Olympics next Monday through Wednesday. Kids ages 6-12 can compete in games and activities with a chance to become a gold medalist! Meets at the Les Myers Park Amphitheater (338 Lawndale Avenue), from 9:00 a.m. until noon each day. Fee is $25 ($5 City-resident discount available). Click here to register now or call 704-920-5600 for more information.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is the Council Chamber of City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Avenue W.

August
16 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

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

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.

Did you know?
Did you know the City collects bulky waste from residents every other week? The transition to the new, biweekly collection schedule for bulky waste (same schedule as recycling) began in July. This change allows the City to continue providing a complete range of solid waste collection services with no additional charge to residents. Bulky Waste includes all items that cannot fit inside curbside carts such as furniture, tires, equipment, appliances (white goods), and e-waste (anything with a circuit board, especially TVs and computers). Recycling and bulky waste is collected every other week according to the established blue/green zone schedule. Weekly garbage and yard waste collection continues unchanged. Visit concordnc.gov for full details.

Downtown Master Plan update process in final stage
On Monday, August 1, the Concord City Council and Cabarrus County Commissioners held a joint meeting to discuss recommendations emerging from the Downtown Master Plan process. The Planning and Zoning Commission received a presentation on the Downtown Master Plan recommendations and strategies at their meeting on July 19 and unanimously voted to recommend that City Council consider approving the plan. The Council will formally consider the plan at the August 11 regular session. Learn more about the Downtown Master Plan at designconcordnc.com.
 

City partnerships recognized at CDDC Annual Party
On August 4, the Concord Downtown Development Corporation celebrated the previous year's accomplishments and introduced key initiatives for the new fiscal year at its Annual Party. As part of the celebration, the City organization and its initiatives were recognized with several awards.

Transportation Technician Ricky Shue was named Volunteer of the Year, which is a departure from the traditional recipient since he is a paid City coworker. This award recognizes an individual for his or her investment of time and energy as a volunteer, supporting CDDC projects and events. If there is an event happening Downtown, Ricky is there because he makes sure street closures and signage are in place to facilitate event and parking…but he does so much more than "just his job." According to the CDDC, "…he takes the initiative to assist the staff and event volunteers with setup and breakdown to lessen their workload, he helps the CDDC staff in documenting what worked and what to improve, and has the best possible "can-do" attitude from start to finish." Although Ricky could not attend the event on Thursday, he was surprised at the end of his workday on Friday with the award.

Rehab Development's Patrick Reilly was named Main Street Champion, recognizing a person or organization for their significant support of Downtown Concord through activities related to spearheading a project, investing in a redevelopment, or raising community support for the CDDC and Downtown. Although not from Concord, Patrick has invested over $2.7 million in Downtown through the successful Lofts 29 project. While building out Lofts 29 he turned his energies to the redevelopment of the Hotel Concord and adjacent buildings. Once development is complete, the combined investment of Lofts 29, The Hotel Concord, and the adjacent buildings in that block will combine to exceed $8 million.

Finally, the City of Concord was honored with the 2016 James E. "Jim" Ramseur award. This award was established in 2015 to recognize an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to not only Downtown Concord but to our community as a whole. The nomination cited the City's over $19 million Downtown investment in the new City Hall, along with financing of an update of the Downtown Concord Master Plan, and the City's partnership in the Hotel Concord and Lofts 29 projects. The CDDC said, "Downtown Concord is not alone in benefitting from the support and staff time of our recipient, our entire city as a whole is reaping the rewards of the leadership and vision of a strong local governmental body and staff."

For more information about Downtown Concord and the Concord Downtown Development Corporation, please visit concorddowntown.com.

Pardon our dust: maintenance and cleaning in Cabarrus Avenue Parking Deck
The City of Concord launched a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance project in the Cabarrus Avenue Parking Deck, to last throughout the month of August. The City is working to minimize the disruption to public parking during this time. The only days where the parking deck will be closed to the public are Saturday, August 6 and the evenings of Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28. Other times during the month of August, isolated sections of the upper levels of the deck will be closed on a rotating basis. The upper levels of the deck are typically available for parking weekday evenings and throughout the weekend. Visitors should exercise caution and park away from barricaded locations in the deck during this time. Visit concordnc.gov for more information.

Final call: Concord Police open house recruitment event set for August 10
Interested in joining the Concord Police Department team? Age 19 or older? Come to the Concord Police open house on August 10, 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Concord Police Department recruiters will be available to answer questions and provide information about the selection process. To learn more, visit the Concord NC Public Safety Facebook Page, or register at 704-920-5034 or surveymonkey.com/r/DQ7K8XG.

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.

Compete for glory in the Olympic games
A final Greenway Adventures class for children ages 4 and up remains for this summer. The greenway will be our classroom as we explore critters and their habitats with fun and creative activities. In honor of the games, we host one of our favorite adventures, Bug Olympics next week! Each critter you collect will compete for glory! Meets Thursday, August 11 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Hector H. Henry II Greenway trailhead, 1215 Moss Farm St. NW. Pre-register by August 8. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun. Each class is just $10 ($5 for City residents).

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is the Council Chamber of City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Avenue W.

August
9 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
10 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
11 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
16 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.