Mailbag: Highlighting 36 electronic feedback letters

Responses are from Ted for this Mailbag edition.

“Like we all do, I get a stupid amount of email in my phone every morning. Yours is the only one I make all the way to the bottom of. I actually even click on some links.” – W

Ted: Thank you for actually clicking on some of the links.

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“Can you please not italicize the feedback column? It makes it harder to read in my opinion and gives me a headache.” – K

Ted: Yes, we listen and improve.

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“Thank you so much for the work you do 🙂 I find your Agenda to be so useful and entertaining :-)”

Ted: : – )

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“Hi! This isn’t a news submission, but can I buy a Axios Charlotte coffee mug? I’m a huge fan. Thanks!”

Ted: Ugh, I thought this was a submission.

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“So you like my honor system pumpkin patch?! Haha. Hate I missed whoever showed up. Free pumpkin if you oblige me there.” – J

Ted: I love honor systems and pumpkins. The combination is a winner, nice work.

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“You and your writers need to calm down with the Ballantyne bashing. We’re all ‘Charlotte’.”

Ted: I love Ballantyne. Seriously. It’s our writers.

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“First, I let me say how much I like your blog/newsletter and the daily emails I get at 6:30 am every morning. I had an idea for a story…. best places for Chinese take out, take it one step further and list best places for lo mein or egg rolls/spring rolls. I’d have to throw in Dragon Fly (Park and Selwyn). They have the best lo mein. Anyway, just a thought. Keep doing what you guys do, it’s awesome.” – F

Ted: Good idea. I prefer Panda Express. I’ve even watched a documentary called The Search for General Tso (94% Rotten Tomatoes grade) on Netflix with my wife.

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In response to: Dress code, snacks, subtitles: What to expect at your first Opera Carolina performance

“Hilarious that you included a photo of your fun-size M&Ms. And that pizza place looks really, really good.” – S

Ted: It’s Benny Pennello’s pizza in NoDa.

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In response to: Halloween candy newsletter introduction on Thursday, October 22nd

“Re: trick or treating, I signed up on the Nextdoor candy map. Unfortunately, Plaza Midwood is really beating my neighborhood in the candy department.”

Ted: Nextdoor’s marketing is so smart, but they can afford it because they’ve raised $210 million in capital with a $1.1 billion valuation.

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In response to: 5 businesses that Charlotte desperately needs

“Too long for Twitter. We used to have one of those sushi boat places on Highway 51 back in the 80’s called Nakato’s. My son, now 32, has loved sushi from the cradle. One night when he was five, we took him to Nakato’s, where the chefs stood in the center, and the sushi floated by. My husband and I were deep in conversation, and not paying close attention to our son He was being so good! I noticed the chefs laughing and didn’t know why until I looked at our son and realized he had a tower of plates in front of him and had consumed $65 worth of sushi. This was 1988, so that was real money back then. Not played with, not torn up, eaten every bite. The chefs thought it was a riot that he had done so much sushi damage and we were oblivious. They were right. And we learned a lesson. Do not take your eyes off of sushi monster in front of sushi boats. Not sure what happened to the restaurant, but it was a cool concept and I agree. We need it back!”

Ted: Unreal.

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In response to: A guide to fashion trucks in Charlotte

How did Jordan Dollard miss Circa 360 in her story about Charlotte Fashion Trucks? Jaya Muldrew and her repurposed bread truck were the first rolling fashion boutique in Charlotte to the best of my knowledge.

Ted: You’re right. Our fault.

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In response to: WWJD: A year after gay marriage became legal, Charlotte churches take sides

“Write about restaurants and beer. Stay out of religion and gays. One more liberal slanted article from a previous Observer staffer and I will unsubscribe.” – L

Ted: Faith and our LGBT community are important. Our coverage will only increase.

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“I used to enjoy checking out your website when it was truly about things going on in Charlotte, but it’s developed into another liberal advocacy/political agenda site…I’m done with this.”

Ted: If anything, we’re known for our coverage of Park Road Shopping Center.

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In response to: Introducing Hygge: More than just a coworking space

“First of all let me just say that I absolutely love the Axios Charlotte. Not only is it my weather check (because let’s be serious, the Apple weather app sucks), but I love almost every article every single day. But the reason for this email is not just to say that I love Axios Charlotte, but to discuss one article/idea. I saw the article about Hygge and was instantly interested because I studied abroad in Copenhangen for a semester in 2010 and my favorite thing about Danish culture is hygge. Do you know anything about hygge (not the co-working space in Charlotte)? There is no English equivalent to hygge — but it essentially helps the Danes get through the long, cold, dark, winter. It’s all the best of coziness and coffee and candles and blankets and friends (Yes, I realize I sound like a plain white girl, but that’s what the Danish women are — except 1000x more beautiful and taller and blonder than me). It’s just the best, and I hope that is what inspired the people to bring Hygge to Charlotte. After writing all of this, I think there may not be a great point after all, but I hope you learned something. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Monday!”

Ted: I actually did know all of this because Garrett Tichy forced me to watch this hygge explainer video.

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In response to: 10 tough questions city expert Gil Penalosa posed to Charlotte leaders during breakfast

“I hate that I missed Gil’s talk and thanks for the excellent writeup. To your point 10, he’s absolutely right that BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is a much smarter transportation spend than a streetcar. BRT can be built with much of the sexiness of a light rail system (dedicated “permanent” stations, elevated platforms and same level boarding, electronic ticketing, clean modern interiors, etc.) Glad to see the city is studying it for the silver line on Independence. I think a BRT would help the aging population get around as well. Here’s more info.”

Ted: Agreed. Buses are the most economic way to move people and we’re only scratching the surface on bus improvements we can make.

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“Whether in a park or somewhere else, we have got to get back to meeting each other in a physical environment to have strong local communities. Technology and social media have allowed us to connect with people around the world but at the cost of connecting with people right next door. It’s a double edged sword I suppose. I lead my neighborhood association and we are implementing more meet-and-greets and other events just to try and rebuild the sense of community in our microcosm.” – E

Ted: At our Axios Charlotte office, we talk about this all the time. Without physically meeting, you just can’t get a feel of the community. I’ve been freaking out about this more and more.

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“You must have been kidding about only knowing one guy over 65. Right?” – B

Ted: I was just trying to be honest and self reflect on the age of people I find myself around. I need to do a better job of this.

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In response to: Why the Charlotte apartment industry isn’t worried about a bubble

“If there’s a glut of apartments and rent prices drop, it shifts the balance away from home purchasing. Property values drop to compensate. We’re not so far away from 2008 that this kind of speculation doesn’t give one hives.”

Ted: I don’t believe this will happen.

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In response to: A photo tour of the Historic Cherry Neighborhood

“Katie, Great article on Cherry and its history. I drive through Cherry all the time and I cannot in good conscience call this once quaint and unassuming historic neighborhood “historic” any longer with the newly built two-story McMansions, a mere 6 feet away from each other, and monotonous modern homes going in. The gentrification of Cherry is overwhelmingly alarming. I am deeply saddened at the lack of respect developers have regarding the historic fabric of a neighborhood, not just Cherry, in which they want to build. All they seem to see is monetary gain, and how fast they can get in and out. It is so true that Charlotte is losing its soul one development, one house at a time. When will this madness stop and respect and sensibility resume? I am also dismayed with City Council (except Patsy Kinsey) regarding the recently approved development at Baxter and Kings. A mere 6 foot compromise from the builder is all it took to sway the majority. Really?! This type of development that disregards the wants of the neighborhood is happening all over Charlotte, like a plague, and we will have the scars to show for it for decades to come. Aside from Cherry, I’d like to comment on all the other apartments and condos going up in Charlotte. They all look the same! Same cheap box structures, no details, faux roof peaks, and non functional porches to name a few. No historic relevance to the surrounding neighborhood. Developers need to sit down with people who actually live nearby to get input PRIOR to drawing a conceptual. But usually by the time a neighborhood finds out about a project, its ‘too late’ to change the plans. Yes, land owners have the right to do what they will with their property, but to what cost? Thanks for reporting, and thanks for listening.”

Ted: Our team meets every other Friday to reflect on the week. A few Friday’s ago, Andrew and I drank a bourbon on Katie’s front porch in Cherry. It was odd to look out over the neighborhood.

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In response to: The 14 most anticipated fall restaurant openings in Charlotte

“When I saw ‘The 14 most anticipated fall restaurant openings in Charlotte’ while doing my usual CA morning reading, I was excited to see what would be listed, then quickly disappointed. 12 out of the 14 ‘restaurants’ listed were either chains or second (or third) Charlotte area locations. Is it possible for this city to put away its chain safety blanket and instead attract restaurateurs/chefs with original concepts (i.e Kindred in Davidson)?” – J

Ted: I have less of an opinion on local vs chain. Great restaurants win, not-great restaurants lose. Also, I have so much respect for what Kindred has built.

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In response to: CURED opening at Dilworth Billiards location in late summer

“Can the Agenda launch an investigation to give us an update on Cured? You posted the original here. When the news hit of a wine, cheese and charcuterie opening within walking distance from my house, I have thought of nothing else since…until they never opened, their website shut down, and their building is still empty with a weird permit outside. Where is Cured?!?!?!”

Ted: Cured is not happening. It’s confirmed. We reached out to the founders for comment, but have no additional details at this time.

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In response to: 5 misperceptions I had about Escape Hour Charlotte

“Hi, Happy Friday! Dana Boone, it’s COTSWOLD! This is less of a misconception I had and more one I know readers may hold. I live near the weird nameless area that’s not quite Matthews/not quite SouthPark/not quite Cotswold where you’ll find Escape Hour Charlotte. In fact, I was happy to find something new to do in my hood.”

Ted: I appreciate the Cotswold pride.

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In response to: 27 questions Barclay Downs residents keep asking themselves

“The best neighborhood in Charlotte? For who – landscapers? Leaf blowers? Also, where exactly do you imagine Barclay Downs begins and ends? You seem to have extended its borders into Myers Park and SouthPark, unless I missed the memo telling us that Myers Park and SouthPark no longer exist as neighborhoods. Look, I love Axios Charlotte, but some of these neighborhood profiles push the boundary of common sense. Also, please tell the people who are in love with Plaza Midwood and its growing collection of overrated restaurants that you can get a meal that is twice as good and half as expensive just a mile or so east on Central Avenue where all of the ethnic eateries are located. Many regards.” – V

Ted: Thanks for the note V! I was using Google Maps for the boundary for Barclay Downs.

V: “Google Maps probably says Kentucky is in Indonesia.”

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“Hahaha…the first time I heard the marching band was startling (new to town)! I would add “how bad is traffic going to be turning onto Barclay Downs from Morrison once the developer (who isn’t fooling anyone) completes those awful apartments?” And maybe something about Scofield being such a dang cut-through street to Park! Keep up the great work — I’ve shared the CMS reading buddy thing (in yesterday’s newsletter) to my sorority alum group since literacy is our philanthropy. Hope it gets them some volunteers! :)” – A

Ted: I remember when I first heard the band, it’s an odd experience. I was amazed at how far their sound travels. I’ve grown to kind of like it. I know, weird.

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“Why is Steele Creek never included in any “neighborhood” talk whenever our area is mentioned? For some reason we are referred to is “Southwest Charlotte’ or bulked together with South Charlotte in some way. 60,000 residents in the Steele Creek area. 15 minutes away from…anything in Charlotte. Popular developing areas Ayrsley, Rivergate, Whitehall, Carowinds, Outlet Mall, etc. Renasaince park, McDowell Nature Preserve… The list goes on! Help get Steele Creek on the map!”

Ted: Good point. We currently don’t do that good of a job covering things outside of our core neighborhoods. This will evolve over time.

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“For your article, you googled a map of Barclay Downs. That map differs from the boundaries of the Barclay Downs Swim and Racquet Club lines. I would probably use their boundaries and mention their country club in article about Barclay Downs. Here is a link for easy access.”

Ted: Tell me about it. My wife and I looked into joining and I noticed our street wasn’t included. Our street is in a weird location – neither Barclay Downs or Myers Park wants to include us.

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“Wow! It’s like you were READING my mind!! Haha- thanks for the entertainment! 🙂 Have a great day! PS I walk my dog around that circle on Selwyn every morning and wonder the same thing…. Why is it there???” – K

Ted: I don’t walk dogs, but I have this same thought.

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In response to: 4 underrated grab-and-go breakfast options for Charlotteans that love breakfast food

“Hey! Don’t neglect the Laurel Market for grab and go breakfast sandwiches. They are literally the most incredible and delicious!”

Ted: You’re right.

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“Grab and Go breakfast: Lola’s — I’ll put their burrito up against anybody’s. But all these places don’t open until 7 a.m.? What the hell? That’s way too late. The one at 8:30 a.m. is an absolute joke.

Ted: I once waited outside at Earl’s until they opened. I was shocked that they didn’t open earlier.

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In response to: The 20 highest-paid people at the City of Charlotte

“What’s with all the articles on salaries lately? I don’t see the point. Seems like a high school game – I’ll tell you my salary if you tell me yours. None of your business!”

Ted: Our tax dollars go here, so it is our business. It’s also important to review the correlation between talent and money and results.

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In response to the Newsletter intro on Friday October 1

“I have some feedback on this morning’s newsletter regarding the opening line: ‘If Park Road Shopping Center was a woman, she would have likely filed for a restraining order against me. I’m obsessed.’ I know you meant no harm. I also believe that humor is often times the best way to expose society’s ills; Jon Stewart and Amy Schumer being some great examples of those that are able to be hilarious yet serious at the same time. Having said, they use humor in well scripted and planned stories about the issues they are joking about. Today’s newsletter was anything but. In college, I taught a course about men’s health and masculinity. I did a lot of work with the Everywoman’s Center and University Health Services as it pertained to addressing campus sexual assaults. My focus was working with those college men who were so often bystanders in the face of those crimes. The intersectionality of hegemonic masculinity, however, as it relates to off-the-cuff remarks to all out violence, is not appropriate for an e-mail. I simply want to urge caution in the types of jokes you use to draw attention to your publication. From Carolina’s Greg Hardy to college campuses to our smart phones, bullying and domestic abuse is a serious issue that is sadly either dismissed or laughed away, intentionally or unintentionally. My ask is that you and your staff think twice about using stalking or men’s violence against women jokes from your newsletters. The key here is to not think about intent; rather, the key is to thinking about the impact. We all mean well, but that doesn’t always translate to a well meaning impact. Especially when many of the businesses in the Park Road Shopping center are run by women. As writers you know this all too well: know your audience. Today, you missed the mark. By a lot. – R

Ted: Had never thought of it this way.

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“Meant to tell you how much I enjoyed your intro last Friday. Park Road Shopping Center had a huge role in why we wanted to be in our neighborhood. Great memories from childhood there and my favorite place in town (Sir Ed’s). Love how Edens has modernized the center without taking away its soul. I still need to checkout Chopt. My wife shares your sentiments towards the Teeter. – W

Ted: I’ve still never been to Sir Ed’s. Crazy. I’ve heard from so many people that it’s their favorite neighborhood spot.

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In response to: The 14 largest Charlotte churches, by membership and attendance

“What these churches are doing to address the social issues in our city. Looking at Elevation, they seem to be do nothing but expand their empire. In particular, the homeless problem in Charlotte needs a lot of attention. While dealing with the addicted & mentally ill has traditionally been left to the government, there is a gaping hole that needs to be filled. I’m a non denominational Christian, but what better way to serve Him that to care for those most in need? I would gladly donate to a church as a non-member if there were a strong program to give to.”

Ted: Disagree with your Elevation sentiment and our churches do an incredible amount for the community.

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“Thanks for the article on the largest churches in the Queen City! Unfortunately, you missed one. Good Shepherd United Methodist is the largest Methodist church in NC (larger than Myers Park by the way). One campus, on South Tryon. And the best church around, I might add!”

Ted: Good point.

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In response to: Here’s one bold idea that could change Charlotte forever

“Love the article on bold idea for Charlotte…..whatever the idea, why not build a huge community garden as part of the ‘attraction’ and let this community garden help teach the children of the community AND feed the homeless and less fortunate….stay with me here, those in need and the children (and their families) can help with the garden, learn how to cook the food they grow or sell the produce at a stand etc. If people participate there is a sense of pride and they learn something about nutrition, and how to help others who may be less fortunate. Community is the key word and people who come to Charlotte to see the ‘bold idea’ may find this (huge) garden an inspiration and take it back to their communities – ‘Hey, you should see how Charlotte takes care of their people!!’ Worth giving this ‘crank’ idea a chance to succeed. Be bold Charlotte!”

Ted: Even as a non-gardner, I love the ideas of gardens as a way to educate and build community.

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“…As someone working in the nonprofit community, I get a kick out of so many voices telling me what I ‘need’ to do. Apparently, we NEED certain restaurants and retailers to be a Real City. I NEED to drink a certain local craft beer, at a specific venue that I NEED to visit, preferably during an event that I NEED to not miss out on. I NEED to get to know him better, NEED to read what makes her tick, and NEED to follow all these other social media voices clamoring for attention. Heck, apparently I even NEED to know a donut shop!! Doesn’t so much “need” stress the crap out of your generation? With so many different directions to turn to daily, how do you even know where to start?? Here’s what we really need. We need to help more of our children have a fighting chance in school. We need to help more of our neighbors get into stable housing. We need to care for the elderly and disabled in our community (loved Katie’s ‘life advice’ piece – awesome). We need to vote, as well as know why we’re voting – keep shining that spotlight! And yes, we do need to get out of our comfort zones and visit the east and west sides of Charlotte if we’re ever going to make real progress, as you noted in the CBI bus tour recap. Great stuff there! (We also desperately need to get rid of handguns and semi-automatic rifles, but this nation’s politicians would also need to grow a conscience and a spine for that to happen, and that’s not going to happen.) Every generation has its own overused terminology – I’m surely just tilting at windmills here. But to echo Altersgate’s Richard Carpenter, I have a request: do you think y’all could help lead your audience in better differentiating between needs and wants? If we’re going to improve this community together, we NEED a lot more focus on the former and a less glamorization of the latter. Meanwhile, this weekend, I need to spend time with my daughter and her YGuides tribe (unless this storm puts a tree on my house, which would escalate to a whole ’nother level of need). Hmmm … is a MUST more important than a NEED? ;)” – B

Ted: Well said.