University City begins to stir

Today's newsletter provides many updates on the renewed state of life within University City as North Carolina eases its pandemic-required shutdown of most group activities.

We should applaud the new ways we've discovered to safely shop, dine, work, gather and play while, at the same time, protecting the most fragile members of our community.

We also now have time to thank the many people who have served us and helped us through this crisis, sometimes at risk to their own safety.

The experts say that the one thing we must not do is forget that the COVID-19 crisis remains. The next year at least will be tough. But as these past few months have shown, we can do much to keep each other safe, when so many caring people work together. Thank you for helping to protect yourself and others in University City.

Darlene Heater
Executive Director, University City Partners

To the University City community:

On June 1, University City Partners Executive Director Darlene Heater issued a heartfelt statement about the killing of George Floyd, the ensuing wave of protests in Charlotte and nationwide, and our group’s commitment  to nurture a University City that provides equitable employment, living and leisure experiences for everyone in our diverse and inclusive community.
CLICK HERE to read the full statement and to learn ways that you can also can help build a more inclusive and equitable University City.

Giving help and saying thanks

Many individuals and groups are working hard to ease the suffering spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some help for University City has come from as far away as China, and much from people like you.

Atrium Health University City thanks donor – University City developer and University City Partners board member Jane Wu received a big thank-you recently from the staff at Atrium Health University City, after she arranged for a donation from China of tens of thousands of surgical masks and other supplies. WCNC NEWS REPORT

Your food gifts will feed neighbors – Many University City residents are struggling to afford food. You can help. A community food drive to replenish five food banks in University City will take place 10 am-noon June 13. Drop off canned vegetables, soups, pasta, pasta sauce and other non-perishable food items at StoneBridge Church Community, 3700 Prosperity Church Road. Questions? Email info@stonebridge.org.  You also can drop off food donations at StoneBridge Church every Tuesday morning. MORE DETAILS

Join these groups in easing the pain – Several organizations are working together to bring help to suffering individuals and families in University City, including the Keith Family YMCA, The Community Hub, HealCharlotte, Second Harvest Food Bank, OneBlood (formerly Community Blood Center of the Carolinas), UNC Charlotte Health and Human Services, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Learn how you can help, too, on this webpage maintained by the UCITY Family Zone. MORE

Latest news on COVID-19 community resources

North Carolina has entered Phase 2 of the state’s planned reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. These new and expanding resources for individuals and businesses are intended to make that journey smoother.

Testing sites multiply – Three University City urgent-care facilities, including the Atrium Health facility at the JW Clay Blvd LYNX Parking Deck, are among 30-plus locations across Charlotte offering COVID-19 testing.

• TESTING DETAILS
• FIND A TEST SITE

Phase II COVID-19 Toolkit for small businesses – A new toolkit to provide resources and support to area small businesses is now available from Mecklenburg County. The new toolkit specifically targets businesses reopening during Gov. Roy Cooper’s Safer At Home Phase II. MORE

State hotline on COVID-19 – Find answers for many COVID-19 questions – including the current Phase II rules – at the state’s COVID-19 Response website. MORE

Hopeful signs

Even in the midst of our pandemic-spawned economic winter, University City continues to move forward – whether with cranes, walking shoes or racecars!

New buildings rise across University City – Work has continued throughout 2020 on several major projects, including:

• Aria at the Park for-sale townhomes in University Research Park
• Escent Research Park office building in University Research Park
• Mallard Pointe Apartments near Mallard Creek Church Road
• Mosby University City Apartments near the University City Blvd LYNX Station
• University Division Police Station on North Tryon Street
• UNC Charlotte Hotel and Conference Center at the JW Clay Blvd LYNX Station.
• UNC Charlotte Science Building

Millions watch as Speedway roars! – The familiar roar of powerful race cars could be heard throughout University City on May 24 as the 61st Coca-Cola 600 raced into the history books. Though the Charlotte Motor Speedway stands were empty, an estimated 6.4 million spectators watched from home as Brad Keselowski raced to victory in his No. 2 Ford. MORE

New greenway to open soon  – A short but important new link in our greenway network, Barton Creek Greenway, is expected to open by mid-summer. The path will connect University Place to University Research Park, UNC Charlotte and several communities via 10 miles of existing trails. • DETAILS  •  MAP

Shane Hockensmith sat at a table in front of his store on Memorial Day and pointed out the cars with bike racks slowly rolling past. “They’re checking to see if we’re open,” he said. Giant University City was closed to customers this day, but inside, the store’s four employees were assembling recently sold new bikes and repairing others. In 22 years, the bike shop near UNC Charlotte has never been so busy. MORE