Articles

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Where are the real opportunities in the ‘Opportunity’ act?
   January 30, 2014

Those of us who raise concerns about the “Opportunity Scholarship Act” do not do so because we oppose school choice. All parents should be able to choose the best education for their children. However, the opportunity this taxpayer-funded voucher program creates is the opportunity to fail North Carolina’s children, particularly those from low-income households. (Photo: Nancy Pierce) Read more


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Nest boxes for nuthatches
   January 30, 2014
Ruth Ann Grissom
Davidson College Professor Mark Stanback proved brown-headed nuthatches can flourish in unexpected places as long as they’re provided adequate nesting sites. Audubon North Carolina is leading an effort to reverse their declining numbers by providing homes for these charming birds. (Photo: Dick Daniels) Read more


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Public money for private schools? Two views
   January 29, 2014

Starting with the 2014-15 academic year, the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship Act will offer a $4,200 voucher to pay for low-income children in public schools to attend private schools. Rep. Rob Bryan, R-Mecklenburg, and MeckEd's Bill Anderson weigh in on the change with opposing viewpoints. Read more


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Affordable housing near Charlotte light rail? Still a challenge
   January 23, 2014
Mae Israel
As hundreds of apartments pop up around transit stations in Charlotte's South End neighborhood, the city's plan for more high-density housing near its rail line is taking shape. But a sister policy encouraging apartments for low-income families isn't faring as well. (Photo: John Chesser) Read more


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The forest unseen
   January 23, 2014
Ruth Ann Grissom
Biologist David George Haskell’s book "Forest Unseen: A Year’s Watch in Nature," will open your eyes to the abundance of life around us in the forests. Haskell’s observations, insights and academic explorations will inspire you to get a hand lens and explore the tiny wonders of the natural world. (Photo: Ruth Ann Grissom) Read more


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Improve your block with programs for Charlotte neighborhoods
   January 22, 2014

The City of Charlotte and other local organizations are offering neighborhoods two opportunities in coming months: One will teach ways to boost traditional neighborhood newsletters using digital tools such as Twitter, texting and other online products. The other will help neighborhoods plant trees. Read more


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Foxx: Bikes, pedestrians are priority, too
   January 16, 2014
Chuck McShane
U.S. Transportation Secretary and former Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx gave urbanists and bike enthusiasts hope recently, telling the Transportation Research Board he would "look out for modes that traditionally don't get much attention." He pointed to a rise in pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths in Charlotte while he was mayor. (Photo: Mary Newsom) Read more


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NCDOT letter poses dilemma for low-tax Union County towns
   January 15, 2014
Chuck McShane
A North Carolina Department of Transportation letter has planners and officials in several small Union County towns scrambling to figure out how they'll maintain new subdivision streets in one of the state's fastest growing counties. Read more


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Growing greens indoors to boost local foods, job skills
   January 15, 2014

Just northeast of uptown Charlotte, in a previously abandoned and cluttered warehouse, is Lila's Garden. It's more than a for-profit hydroponic garden. The owners hope it could be a key to revitalizing a struggling neighborhood. (Photo: Selena Skorman) Read more


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Institute accepting questions for 2014 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Annual Survey
   January 14, 2014

The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute is signing up participants for the 2014 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Annual Survey. The year’s first survey is scheduled for April, so if your agency or nonprofit would like to obtain more information, there is still time. (Photo: iStock) Read more