Despite years of bickering among Charlotte leaders, there hasn't been a mad dash to put up single duplexes since the city earlier this summer loosened restrictions on where they can be built.

Yes, but: The city is vetting a number of higher-density housing proposals.

By the numbers: There were seven building permits filed for duplexes with Mecklenburg County in June and July. Six were in a Neighborhood 1 district, the new name for a traditional residential zone.

• By comparison, there were 20 total new construction permits for duplexes in June and July of last year and 29 in 2021.

• The city reviewed 21 sketch plans for projects incorporating duplexes, triplexes and/or quadruplexes in June and July.

Why it matters: Proponents say by allowing multi-family housing in more places, the market can better meet housing demand for the 400,000 residents expected to move here over the next two decades.

• Opponents fear the increased density could harm an established neighborhood's character.

There could be a few reasons the duplex construction rate didn't increase.

1) Construction costs and interest rates remain relatively high.

The effects of COVID-19 inflated the costs of labor and materials. The total cost of residential construction projects soared from $1.3 billion in 2018 to nearly $2 billion in 2022, per Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.

2) Architects and designers are still figuring out the new rules.

Duplexes and triplexes still need to meet height, driveway and other design criteria that can make projects financially unfeasible.

3) Deed restrictions and homeowners' associations are regulating multi-family housing.

Higher density housing makes the most sense in south Charlotte where land values are higher, land use and zoning attorney Collin Brown tells Axios. But that's the part of the city where deed restrictions and homeowners' associations are more likely to prohibit multi-family housing.

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The Western and Southern Open is underway in Mason, Ohio, this week. But in a few years, could it be in Charlotte?

The latest: There's no word yet on whether Beemok Sports has chosen Charlotte to build a much-desired tennis complex that would host the prestigious tournament yearly. But there are signs the economic development project is moving forward behind the scenes.

• The city is looking to increase funding to fast-track road construction at the River District, a largely undeveloped and expansive future development that will be home to the tournament should it come here by 2026.
• By the end of this month, the city wants to have resolved all of Beemok's questions, assistant city manager Tracy Dodson said recently.

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💼 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.

1. Audiologist at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates.
2. Retail Sales Associate at J.T. Posh.
3. Casino Cruise Specialist at Pair-A-Dice Travel.
4. Maintenance Supervisor/Service Director at Marsh Properties.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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🏈 The Carolina Panthers' preseason opener was not a good look for the offensive line. The team lost 27-0 to the Jets. (Observer 🔒)

🌳 The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission is asking the city to explore the idea of building a "Freedom Park on the Eastside," if the other proposals for 29 acres at the old Eastland Mall site don't work out. (Charlotte Ledger 🔒)

🗳 The Black Political Caucus released its 2023 primary election candidate endorsements and, for the most part, seems pleased with the city's current leadership. (Axios)

🏀 A basketball court at Sheffield Park was replaced with a pickleball court. A neighborhood association said they requested the change because the court had been a hotspot for crime. Other residents are upset about the swap. (WFAE)

⚽️ Charlotte FC lost to Inter Miami Friday night 0-4 in the Leagues Cup. (ESPN)

There are a number of LGBTQ+ events this week to kick off Charlotte Pride. Axios' McKenzie Rankin has listed all the celebratory happenings in our weekday planner, plus other things to do around town, including:

🏳️‍🌈 Tonight, PFLAG Charlotte is creating Pride posters at Time Out Youth to prepare for the festival.

😆 Tomorrow night, a group of Black comedians known as the Black Power Rangers are putting on a show at Starlight on 22nd. Admission is $18.

💿 Wednesday, rapper 50 Cent is performing with Busta Rhymes and Jeremih at PNC Music Pavilion. Tickets start around $29.

🍏 Thursday, be the first to head to Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery this year as it opens for the fall season.

🪩 Friday night, Hi-Wire has a silent disco going on, with tracks by T. Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez and more. Tickets are $12 online.

Full weekday planner

An unassuming cocktail bar in Uptown called The Conspiracy quietly opened in July.

What to expect: A dimly lit bar, two areas of standing room and table seating.

• The drink menu features eight craft cocktails, plus wine and beer.
• Food consists of starters, such as cheese and charcuterie, and small plates, from a tuna crudo to Cuban sliders.

📍 Details: It's located at 412 W. 5th St., around the corner from The VUE.

• Open Tuesday-Saturday from 4pm to midnight.

Reading with your child teaches skills for the classroom and beyond.

• Some examples: Vocabulary, listening comprehension, real-world knowledge.

ReadTogetherCLT.org has tips on making reading together a fun part of your family's routine, plus information on Charlotte's book access programs.

Uptown Cabaret is now topless. And bottomless. And without sides.

What's happening: Over the weekend, demolition tore down the strip club, which, perhaps surprisingly, was long housed in a nearly 90-year-old building, as journalist Jeremy Markovich recently noted in the NC Rabbit Hole.

Why it matters: Charlotte gets a lot of heat for tearing down its old buildings, many of which have rich histories, Axios' Katie Peralta Soloff writes. The Uptown Cabaret property — which will be home to a two-tower, $700 million mixed-use development called Queensbridge Collective — had a lesser-known history.

Flashback: The building went up during the Great Depression, around 1930, per Markovich. Back then, the property at the edge of South End and Uptown was in the city's suburbs.

• Over the years, the building was home to a grocery store, an antique shop, a finance firm, a plasma donation center and a computer store, among other tenants, Markovich writes.
• Uptown Cabaret opened in 1995. It closed last month.

What's next: Uptown Cabaret will reopen eventually in a new location, Markovich reports.

• The residential portion of Queensbridge Collective is expected to wrap up sometime in 2025.