Agenda for Monday July 20

Saturday morning the streetcar rear-ended an SUV in what will go down in history as the worst thing that could have happened to the already controversial but heavily hyped addition to our transit system less than a week after its debut. 

There’s important protocol surrounding legal and insurance issues in any accident, so it doesn’t surprise me at all that none of the CATS employees on the scene would talk to me. What I don’t understand, though, is how the organization has remained so quiet all weekend. A brand new streetcar rolled down the street through a traffic light, hit a vehicle, sent two people two the hospital (minor injuries) and remains out of service while the city’s other two trolleys hit the streets to continue service. The cause of the accident is under investigation but all I want to know is how CATS is ensuring it won’t happen again.

VITALS

Today’s Weather: 98. Scattered thunderstorms possible. 40% chance of rain.
Today’s Stat: 663. Customer satisfaction score for Duke Energy Carolinas on a scale of 1000.
Today’s Job: Admissions Counselor at Johnson C. Smith University. Apply.
Today’s Charlottean: Charles Thomas, Executive Director at Queen City Forward, for pushing our social enterprise scene ahead with the programs and resources entrepreneurs need.

ORIGINALS

A guide to South End’s apartments
Can’t keep up with all the apartment buildings along the light rail? No one can. That’s why Jason compiled an interactive map of 17 current complexes and 5 future projects to help you differentiate.

Inside Newgrass Brewing Company, Cleveland County’s first foray into local craft beer
Last week when I visited Shelby I got to tour this impressive three-story brewery and taproom, which will open in mid-August with a full menu (even dessert) and regular live music lineup. The city hopes it will drive tourists (that’s us, people of Charlotte) into the area.

That time I saw Sam Smith and gave 15 year olds life advice
Erin attended the singer’s first full-length concert since vocal cord surgery and doled out some words of wisdom, vodka in hand. From proper concert foot attire to the importance of traveling often and on your own path, her advice works for all ages.

Poll: Who has the best bagels in Charlotte? A look into Poppy’s Bagels in Cotswold
Did you know Poppy’s cranks out 1,500 to 2,000 bagels every day? Or that they whip their own cream cheeses? Ted picks this as the best bagel place in Charlotte. Your turn… take our poll.

Shots! Shots! Shots… of protein powder! Label repurposes nightclub for fitness classes.
I haven’t been in a nightclub since I was in Vegas but I went to Label to do Zumba, HIIT and yoga on a dance floor I’m not totally confident had been properly sanitized. There were signature smoothies, protein shots and $6 waters. 

13 homes for sale under $500,000 in Plaza Midwood
Want to live in Plaza Midwood? (Why yes I do!) We’ve pulled together a list of options under half a million dollars.

TALKING POINTS

CATS is investigating Saturday’s streetcar accident [Roberts/Observer]. Transit authorities are investigating what caused the new streetcar to rear-end an SUV less than a week after its debut. A witness on the streetcar says “It seemed like the trolley was shut off, and we were coasting down the hill.”  

Poll: Which mayoral candidate will you vote for? [Williams/Agenda] Take our poll and let us know where you stand on the 8 candidates in the running for Charlotte Mayor.

Anthropologie opening soon next to Luna’s in South End [Williams/Agenda]. Managing director of the development project calls it “the start of Atherton Mill as a retail hub.” Check out the construction site and current job openings.

City cracks down on hookah bar regulation  [Steimer/Observer]. “Totally unacceptable” carbon monoxide levels found in some hookah bars have triggered stricter fire code regulations specifically in regards to ventilation.

Have a great one and don’t forget to celebrate National Fortune Cookie Day. (It’s also National Ice Cream Sundae Day. We cannot lose!)

– Katie