20
INSIDE ▼ Developer envisions outdoor dining along N.C. 51
02
– 2026
24
PAGE 3A Friday, May 22, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 20
thecharlotteweekly.com/mmhweekly
@mmhweekly
Mint Hill OKs e-bike regulations by Justin Vick
justin@charlottemediagroup.org
MINT HILL – Town commissioners approved a resolution May 14 to stop people from riding electric-assisted bicycles on sidewalks. The resolution outlines three exceptions: • Riders are under the age of 17 and accompanied by an adult. • The sidewalk is designated
a shared-use path measuring at least eight feet in width. • The adjacent highway has a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or more. Police Chief Joseph Hatley explained the resolution may need changes down the road as state lawmakers consider bills that define e-bikes. N.C. Rep. Beth Helfrich, of Mecklenburg County, is the primary sponsor of one such bill (HB 1084).
“Our goal is not going to be to go out and tow people’s e-bikes,” Hatley said. “It’s literally going to be education over enforcement. We will do enforcement when necessary, but like anything else, education needs to take place first.” Commissioner Patrick Holton said he believed the resolution was needed. “This is new technology,” Holton said. “It’s constantly
changing … So with this ordinance, if I’m not mistaken, we can make amendments and changes to this every month if need be as this technology changes.” Commissioner Trey Long thanked staff for their work on the resolution while also acknowledging the texts he has received from his son’s friends and neighbors about the issue. “We’re trying to balance
several competing things here: public safety, rapidly changing technology, neighborhood quality of life, accessibility and mobility concerns,” Long said. “So I think having something concrete in front of us is important and it really helped me.” He encouraged parents to stay involved and understand what types of vehicles they’re giving see E-BIKES, Page 3A
Welch does it again Mint Hill avoids tax rate increase by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
TAKE A BOW
Best Actress finalists, including Anna Jernigan (far right) as Ariel Moore in "Footloose," rehearse for the 2026 Blumey Awards. Jernigan won the competition, earning the opportunity to showcase her acting skills in New York. Photos courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
Carmel Christian senior wins major opportunity CHARLOTTE – Blumenthal Arts recognized Carmel Christian School student Anna Jernigan as Best Actress at the 2026 Blumey Awards on May 17 at Belk Theater. Jernigan won for her portrayal of Ariel Moore in Carmel Chrsitian’s production of “Footloose” during high school theater season. “I loved this role because of the people – because of the way we got to connect with each other,” she said in an interview clip posted on social media by Blumenthal Arts. “In Jernigan ‘Footloose,’ we are all so connected because we are friends. I think playing that alongside my best friends was a sweet experience for my senior year. It was the best show they could have chosen for the group that we had. I loved it.” Best Actor and Best Actress winners will head to the Jimmy Awards in New York City, where they’ll participate in Broadway-led training, workshops and rehearsals, culminating in a live performance at the Minskoff Theater. Jernigan joins a distinguished list of Blumey Awards Best Actress winners including Reneé Rapp (2018) and Amina Faye (2016).
Aside from the competition aspect of the Blumey Awards, students could learn from theater professionls. Fifty-nine schools participated in this year's Blumenthal Arts program.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the Blumey Awards is watching these students step into what comes next,” said Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “What we see on the Blumey stage is the result of months of hard work, collaboration and fearless creativity. It’s incredibly exciting to witness so many of them at the very beginning of their artistic careers.” Fifty-nine high schools participated in this year’s program, including Butler (“9 to 5 The Musical”), Independence (“Mamma Mia!”), Providence (“The Addams Family”) and Providence Day (“Sweet Charity”).
The ceremony featured appearances from Broadway performers, composers, choreographers, producers and arts leaders with strong ties to theater education and professional performance. “Tonight’s Blumey Awards were an incredible celebration of the talent, teamwork and heart on display across our high schools,” said Kieth Cockrell, president of event sponsor Bank of America Charlotte. “From the first moments of this program through the final ceremony, it’s inspiring to see students build confidence, discover new possibilities and develop skills that will serve them far beyond the stage.”
check us out on - line THE
thecharlotteweekly.com | WEEKLY
MINT HILL – Town Manager Brian Welch is recommending a $30.3 million general fund budget for the 2027 fiscal year that does not require a property tax rate increase. The tax rate will remain at 22.5 cents, much to the delight of town commissioners. “No tax increase – doing a good job there with town manager and staff,” Commissioner Tony Long said after the public hearing for the budget. “Excellent work.” Mayor Dale Dalton was impressed with how the town was able to buy a new fire truck and public works trucks as well as staff the Mint Hill Community Center without raising taxes. He gave credit to state legislator Tricia Cotham for securing funding for construction of the center. “We as a town have been extremely blessed to get what we have gotten and not have to raise taxes,” Daltson said. Welch’s budget message said the town opened the center in March with two fulltime and eight parttime employees. His recommended budget calls for one more fulltime position. Eight part-time seasonal Welch positions will help with summer camps. Other highlights from the budget include: • Weekly curbside collection of one 96-gallon can, bi-weekly recycling and weekly debris pickup. • Landscaping equipment, including a truck and trailer for parks and recreation. • Two project managers and four maintenance workers responsible for stormwater-related work within the street rights of way. • 5% market rate adjustment for employees beginning Jan. 1, 2027 and a 2.5% merit pool. • Three new sworn officers and four vehicles for the police department. • Three new firefighter positions and costs related to two new engine companies. in the fire department.