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INSIDE ▼ MLB in Charlotte? PAGE 2A
Friday, June 26, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 25
thecharlotteweekly.
@southcltweekly
Council appoints interim mayor CHARLOTTE – Charlotte City Council announced the selection of Interim Mayor Robert Harrington to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mayor Vi Lyles. Under North Carolina state law and Charlotte’s governing procedures, city council must appoint a qualified candidate of the same political party to serve out the remainder of Lyles’ term, running through December 2027.
On June 9, nominations were submitted for the mayoral vacancy and council scheduled a special meeting on June 18 to interview candidates ahead of the appointment. Harrington, who is president of the North Carolina Bar Association, acknowledged during those interviews that he had not served in public office before and he did not have political
aspirations beyond this role. But he did see an opportunity. “I think this interim period gives us an opportunity to work internally some within the council to make sure that all the council members' voices are being heard and that the council members feel that their voices are being heard,” he said. “Then moving out from there, making sure that the public believes that there is a free flow of
information and viewpoints.” Harrington later said engaging the public was vital for the Interstate 77 South project. He added that there should also be a dialogue with the state legislature about congestion. He believes the biggest issue affecting Charlotte is affordability, particularly with housing. Harrington was among five finalists for the position. Harold
Cogdell, Carrie Cook, Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell and N.C. Sen. Caleb Theodros were the other finalists. The city council took a vote June 22. Harrington had four votes, followed by Cook with three, Cogdell with two and Mitchell with two. The council held a second vote between Harrington and Cook. Harrington had the most votes.
WHAT'S INSIDE
DRACULA A Comedy of Terrors Tax Reform State halts property reappraisals, 2A
Recipes Fresh ways to enjoy grapes, 1B
250 Years Reflecting on how far we've come, 2B
Kristin Lozoya won first place in the Charlotte Area Transit System’s Transit Pass Design Contest. Photo courtesy of CATS
Blumenthal Arts serves as a producer for the campy, contemporary comedy that reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic through satire, spectacle and humor. Matthew Murphy photo
Booth Playhouse bringing Off-Broadway comedy production to Charlotte stage CHARLOTTE – Blumenthal Arts is sinking its teeth into a new comedy this summer with “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” The Off-Broadway comedy will have a five-week run from July 7 to Aug. 9 at Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St., as part of the PNC Broadway Lights series. As producer, Blumenthal Arts is bringing “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” to see DRACULA, Page 3A
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” is a 90-minute, no-intermission show recommended for ages 13 and older, featuring adult humor and language. Matthew Murphy photo
Palisades Country Club under new ownership CHARLOTTE – Heritage Golf Group has acquired The Palisades Country Club from Timberlake Golf Club LLC. This acquisition marks Heritage’s entry into the Charlotte market and expands the company’s presence in the Carolinas beyond its existing concentration of clubs in the Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island areas. “The Palisades is a special club with an outstanding Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, exceptional familyfocused amenities and a strong sense of community that makes it a centerpiece of life in the Palisades,” said Mark Gore, executive vice president of operations for Heritage Golf Group. “We are honored to become stewards of this club and
excited to bring our culture of reinvestment and memberfocused service to the Charlotte market.” The Palisades Country Club is located within the 1,600-acre master-planned Palisades community just outside Charlotte. The club is home to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that follows the natural terrain along Lake Wylie. The course is complemented by practice facilities and a dedicated short game area. Members also enjoy access to a collection of sports and wellness amenities through the club’s Signature Sports Complex. The facility includes tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center and a resort-style aquatic complex. Early capital improvement
One of the fastest-growing owners and operators of golf and country clubs in the United States has ventured into the Charlotte market with the acquisition of The Palisades Country Club. Photo courtesy of Heritage Golf Group
plans are being evaluated and will be guided by member and team feedback. Initial investments will focus on improving the golf course and enhancing amenities
that support the member experience. This acquisition marks Heritage’s 48th property in just six years under the current ownership group.
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Artwork picked for CATS passes CHARLOTTE – Kristin Lozoya won first place in the Charlotte Area Transit System’s Transit Pass Design Contest, which will place her artwork on Local Monthly Passes for the 2027 calendar year. CATS asked residents to submit original artwork with the theme: “Where do you move forward?” “To a kid from the suburbs, Charlotte felt like an Emerald City,” Lozoya said. “The illustration features a CATS bus entering a scene filled with sunlight and vivid color. The yellow bars of the crosswalk serve as my version of a yellow brick road, reinforcing the sense of movement, discovery and imagination. This piece reflects not only the physical motion and energy of Charlotte’s residents, but also the city’s ongoing growth and transformation.” Ken Knudtsen won second place. Knudtsen’s submission will go on Express Monthly Passes. Tyler Baum won third place. Baum’s work will go on Express Plus Monthly Passes. A committee of transit staff members and local art professionals selected winners based on specific criteria. CATS commits 1% of design and construction costs to the integration of permanent art into most capital improvement projects, including rail stations, park and rides, bus stops, transportation centers and maintenance facilities. The idea is to provide vibrancy to public spaces and enrich neighborhoods. Ken Knudtsen won second place in the CATS Transit Pass Design Contest. Photo courtesy of CATS