INSIDE ▼ Charlotte seeks input on budget PAGE 2A Friday, February 28, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 9
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REDi represents investment in Charlotte developers CHARLOTTE – A new initiative will help emerging developers gain the knowledge, resources and mentorship needed to drive inclusive and sustainable real estate development in Charlotte’s historically underinvested corridors.
The City of Charlotte’s Corridors of
Opportunity and LISC Charlotte have launched the first cohort of the Real Estate Developer Incubator. “This program is about more than just training. It’s about breaking down barriers and ensuring that our city’s growth includes everyone,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “By equipping local professionals with the
technical expertise, financial knowledge and industry connections needed to thrive, we are not only building stronger businesses but also stronger corridors, and ultimately, a stronger Charlotte.” REDi provides participants with hands-on Story continues, see REDi page 3A
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles speaks during the launch of the Real Estate Developer Incubator.
Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte
Discovery Place envisions Matthews location MATTHEWS – Discovery Place plans to open a Discovery Place Kids museum in Matthews.
Under a newly established development and management agreement, the Town of Matthews will provide building space and Discovery Place will oversee the upfitting and operation of the museum. Commissioners approved the agreement Feb. 24 during their meeting. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Matthews, and we couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” Mayor John Higdon said. “Discovery Place Kids is renowned for its engaging experiences that are both fun and educational for children and their families. While the museum opening is still a few years away, we are excited to welcome them to Matthews and look forward to the many
Discovery Place is known for interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. This is a photo from a Fantastic Frogs exhibit five years ago at Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte.
The addition of a Matthews location of Discovery Place Kids will provide local families with greater access to high-quality educational opportunities. Photos courtesy of Discovery Place
ways they will enrich our community.” Catherine Horne, president and CEO of Discovery Place, said the organization is thrilled to partner with the town. “This museum will be a hub of imagination, creativity and hands-on learning, designed to inspire young
minds and bring families together,” Horne said. “More than just a destination, it will be a valuable community resource where children can explore science in a fun and engaging way.” The building space will be funded through the town’s tourism fund and is expected to be available within the
next five years. The location has not yet been determined. The town expects to finalize the details in the coming months. "Discovery Place KidsMatthews will be built with the community, for the community,” said Nikole Hill, chief learning officer at Discovery Place. “From
interactive exhibits to dynamic STEM programs, every aspect of the museum will reflect the voices and needs of Matthews families. This spring, we’re excited to launch a series of community input sessions to hear directly from residents and shape a museum experience that truly belongs to Matthews."
MORE ON DISCOVERY PLACE Discovery Place’s network includes four distinct museum experiences – Discovery Place Science, Charlotte Museum of Nature (opening in 2026), Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. On the web: discoveryplace.org
CMS SCHOOL BOARD SHARES CONCERNS ABOUT CUTS TO LAWMAKERS
Breakfast club to discuss We know you share this commitSchool board chair Stephanie Sneed further proposes a significant reducCHARLOTTE – The Charexplained the effects of cutting school tion in school nutrition funding, ment and will work with us to protect lotte-Mecklenburg Board of Ballantyne including a dramatic change to the and strengthen these programs, as well meals. Education sent a letter to U.S. “Even though some students will eligibility formula in the Community as other future programs, that are so Reimagined Reps. Alma Adams, Tim Moore and Mark Harris asking them to remain eligible, the proposed reduc- Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of important to the students and parmaintain Medicaid benefits and school meals for all students who attend Community Eligibility Provision schools.
The timing of the letter follows President Donald Trump’s voiced support of the House Budget proposal. CMS says the proposal would reduce funding for both programs and leave thousands of students with unmet health and academic resources. If the House Budget passes as currently drafted, CMS says more than 17,000 students with disabilities will lose Medicaid funding to provide the services they are entitled to receive. Another 40,000 students from 100 schools in CMS will face the possibility of losing access to the free and reduced school nutrition program. “When identifying needs where there are gaps for our children in our county and all of North Carolina, food and specialized academic resources are two main areas that can make a difference in student success,” said Summer Nunn, chair of the school board’s intergovernmental relationships committee. “A child does not learn well or feel safe if they are hungry and this funding guarantees they get at least one good meal a day leading to stronger school performance. A child with special academic needs can thrive in a proper environment through accommodations that may be hindered without the right support of their disabilities and learning differences.”
tions in the school nutrition program would create additional barriers to access free and reduced meals,” Sneed said. “Priorities must be made to ensure that optimal learning conditions are in place and not force families to choose between paying for school lunches or electricity.” Below is the letter school board leaders sent to Mecklenburg County representatives in the U.S. House: Members of the Mecklenburg Delegation to the United States House of Representatives, Rep. Alma Adams Rep. Tim Moore Rep. Mark Harris
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (CMS) writes to you today to express our deep concerns regarding the proposed cuts in the House Concurrent Resolution budget (CR) currently moving through the legislative process. Providing a high-quality public education to all children is our mission. To achieve that mission, we need to ensure that children have access to all the resources they need to excel, not only for themselves, but for their families, and future generations of well-educated citizens. As currently drafted, this CR requires a minimum of 10% or $860 billion to be cut from the Medicaid program over the next decade. It
the mandated $330 billion cuts in the Education and Workplace budget. The proposed cuts to Medicaid will impact more than 17,000 students in your district who will lose approximately $16 million in funding. These much-needed funds provide critical services for students with disabilities as part of their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans. These proposed cuts include services for 3,000 students with critical and advanced needs and the 800 educators who support them. The proposed cuts in funding for school nutrition and changes to the Community Eligibility Provision eligibility formula will harm those families who can least afford it. More than 40,000 CMS students in more than 100 schools face the possibility of being removed from the CEP program altogether. These cuts will impact students across the state and will most impact those families in your district that can least afford to face these increased costs. We are committed to providing every student with the tools they need to succeed, but we need your help to fight cuts that would leave many of our students with insurmountable challenges. We are committed to ensuring students receive the educational services they are entitled to under their IEPs or 504 plans. We are committed to ensuring every student has the necessary school nutrition to succeed in the classroom.
ents in CMS and all schools in North Carolina. Public education is the foundation of a successful future for our community, state, and country. Citizens count and rely on a strong, well-resourced public school system. Thank you for your attention to the important issues that will help us continue to deliver a strong public education to all students. Sincerely, Stephanie Sneed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Board Chair Summer Nunn Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Chair of the Intergovernmental Relationships Committee Cc: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Sen. Thom Tillis Sen. Ted Budd Rep. Don Davis Rep. Deborah Ross Rep. Greg Murphy Rep. Valerie Foushee Rep. Virigina Foxx Rep. Addison McDowell Rep. David Rouzer Rep. Richard Hudson Rep. Pat Harrigan Rep. Chuck Edwards Rep. Brad Knott
CHARLOTTE – South Charlotte Partners will explore Ballantyne Reimagined, the project that transformed a golf course into The Bowl at Ballantyne, at its next SCP Breakfast Club meeting.
The topic, "Bringing to Life the Vision of Ballantyne Reimagined," offers a behind-the-scenes look at the south Charlotte new dining, retail and entertainment district. “This event is more than just a conversation – it represents growth, innovation and a new era for our region,” said Ben Mears, board chair of South Charlotte Partners. “We’re excited to feature visionary leaders who will share the story behind this project and what it means for businesses, residents and visitors alike.” Tony Mecia, of The Charlotte Ledger, will moderate a discussion with John Barton, president of Northwood Office and Ned Curran, president of Stone Cottage Advisors and former Story continues, see BREAKFAST page 3A