PeytonC

This one paragraph sums up my concerns. Very well said. It may make Charlotte super-urban someday and make it even more shiny and sterile, but the negatives outweigh the positives for practical, everyday family people such as myself. My kid will grow up in a beautiful, shiny, Southern city with it's own history and charm - with the added bonus of being an already-growing and evolving metro area that has great things for the future at a REASONABLE pace. We don't need to be Toronto or Hong Kong to produce happy, intelligent, successful humans. I hope that overpriced, over-taxed Boston or even Atlanta gets this and we stay humble with our local companies rapidly expanding and bringing more jobs and a sustainable growth rate.

Growth is always good as long as it is smart and reasonable. Another negative impact of the (low) possibility of HQ2 in CLT besides the obvious crowding would be the continued rise in consumer real estate pricing that is already close to out of reach for many average (not only low-income) residents. I'm fine with the steadily-growing city that Charlotte has become - affordable for most. It is a very pleasant place to raise a family without spending your life savings on housing or living expenses. If we wanted a place like that we could move to Seattle, San Francisco, or any other over-priced, pseudo-sophisticated city.

I noticed yesterday how they have changed South Mint St already. I actually like it better. Before the change, the lanes were too small for two cars in each direction, and the bicycle riders have good room now. I sometimes use Mint to West Blvd as an alternative to Tryon or South Blvd

Went to Mattie's today for lunch with friends and I must say the menu was better than I thought it would be. They have a nice array of sandwiches and shakes, and also some scrumptious-looking entrees. I had the Italian Stallion sandwich. I am going back soon to try the Italian Meatloaf, stuffed with mozzarella, with tomato and onion sauce. Sounds yummy. Only complaint is it took a while to get the food, but I know they just opened and everybody is learning the place, plus there was a crowd. I will definitely be back. I just hope they serve breakfast anytime, and eventually are open 24/7 (if business can support it, with the other diner on Carson).

Bought a new Nikon DSLR a couple weeks ago, and the first pic I took was the worn-out view from Central Ave Bridge, one of my favorite views of the skyline. I have posted pics in this thread of it before, but now we have a few new buildings in the mix...

Does anyone know when the diner should arrive in Charlotte? I passed through Kings Mountain Wednesday and could see a diner on the south/east side of the freeway on a tandem chassis ready for transport. Must be the Carson Diner, unless there is a really weird coincidence. It would be interesting to see what route they take to get the big chrome box into place.

Something a little different

Sorry, veered off-topic for a sec. There are a lot of people upset about the library closures, as evident in local forums. Sure, they will re-open when things get better. I wonder how many more programs/ammenities will be slashed as a result of the budget crisis. Anyone hear of any major cuts to the Parks/Rec?

I had to go over to Central Ave Bridge for a sunset shot with the new towers in the skyline. Still waiting on them to get everything finished. (I know this view is way overdone, but oh well)

^That's a great photo, InitialD.

Great pic Uptownliving. I was playing around in Uptown the other day, and snapped a couple. Too bad I don't have a pano lens, or for that matter, a new camera yet. The skyline is getting wide. This is an angle we don't see in here a lot.

Great shot, InitialD. Sure would be nice to see some new neighborhood tours of yours. Myers Park, maybe?

Went to Marshall Park this morning while in Uptown. This view will be great when the Wachovia tower is completed.

I'm sure there is more to the story that hasn't yet been released. I believe that authorities have more common sense than some people like to give them credit for. How often does this happen, relatively speaking?

^^WOW some of those pics give you a perspective of Charlotte rarely seen. Especially the beautiful "urban pond" in the first one . Good work, though and thanks for sharing.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I guess without them on, the politicians and CEO's can say they are being "environmental".

Another Charlotte Pic.....

Thought I would add these - taken Tuesday. Admittedly not the best shots but you get the idea. the area is already getting congested. Super Target Drury Hotel

So since I asked you guys where to get skyline shots, I've tried out a few. I know this is probably an overdone angle, but thought I'd share one from this evening.

WOW Cyrusuncc - That is a great shot. Where did you take it from? I have seen this angle in several photos but have not been able to figure it out yet.

Thought you guys mike like this one. Taken from 7th Street Station

Hi Everyone. New to the site. Thought I would throw a pic in to start. You guys have some great ones... I have a few more in my album http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/ee61/Robb28269/