A proposed bike park beneath the north side of the Olgiati Bridge could just be the start of the city’s bike park scene.
That was the vision shared by renowned bike park developer Judd de Vall, of Whister, British Columbia, at a public meeting Monday afternoon at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park.
De Vall, the owner of Alpine Bike Parks, was in town to meet with local officials and the public about the proposed bike park project that has outdoor enthusiasts buzzing, even though it is still early in the planning phase.
Noel Durant, Chattanooga Program Director for the Trust for Public Land, talks Thursday, July 23, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn., about a proposal to build a bicycle park on this two-and-a-half acre space underneath the Olgiati Bridge on the north side of the the Tennessee River. The Tennessee Riverwalk will pass through the site when it is extended from Renaissance Park to Moccasin Bend.
Noel Durant, Chattanooga Program Director for the Trust…
“I see this bike park as a regional, trend-setting facility,” de Vall said. “But it’s going to be the starting point, not the ending point. It will be the crown jewel until there is so much demand that it’s overrun and the mothership has to be built.”
De Vall and representatives from the Trust for Public Land met with Tennessee Department of Transportation officials Monday morning to discuss the plan. They met with city officials in the afternoon.
TDOT must get the city’s approval before it signs off on the bike park project. The city would operate the park, and the current plan is for it to be free to the public. Another proposal on the table would turn the space under the bridge into a parking lot.
But the Trust for Public Land already has secured a letter of support from the city for the bike park project, said Trust for Public Land program director Noel Durant.
Nothing will be done on the site until the widening of the Olgiati Bridge is complete in 2019.
That leaves plenty of time to dream up a facility that project leaders say is the next frontier in the area’s growing cycling scene, one that would cater simultaneously to beginners and professionals.
The bike park would consist largely of varying levels of pump-track terrain — small hills on which cyclists can go airborne — and other trails with features designed for bike interaction.
One concern is that if the park is designed with concrete track over dirt track, which is more difficult to maintain, skaters could migrate to the facility.
“I like the idea of bringing people together, but that’s not without its challenges,” de Vall said.
Parking and lighting concerns were brought up. So was the fact that the space underneath the bridge is commonly used by homeless people.
The vision for a bike park started at the grassroots level with local extreme sports enthusiast Tom Bowen and some of his friends. The group initially targeted Raccoon Mountain as the potential destination, but usage restrictions at the TVA-operated area sent him looking at other ideas.
“Then I saw a bike park under a bridge out west and figured there would be some opportunity to do that here,” Bowen said.
The nearest bike parks like the one proposed for Chattanooga, Brown said, are in Ohio and near Charlotte, N.C., which validates de Vall’s assertion the bike park would create substantial tourism.
“I can see people coming from New England to ride here when they’re snowed in,” de Vall said, “especially with it being a covered facility.”
Tyler Biss, trails director of the Chattanooga-based Southern Off-Road Bicycle, called the bike park proposal “super exciting” for the biking community.
“Cycling is already wonderful here,” he said. “But this is the next step.”
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.
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Flooding sweeps East amid ‘mind-boggling’ rains
Flash flooding intensified in some areas of the East on Sunday as unrelenting torrential rain and high winds blamed for at least five deaths swept across much of the battered region.
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As historic rain continues to pound South Carolina, people were forced to evacuate their homes. Boats helped rescue those who were stranded.
Much of South Carolina was gripped by floodwaters early Monday, as emergency responders promised renewed door-to-door searches for anyone still trapped after days of torrential rain.
At least seven weather-related deaths have been blamed on the storm, as “historic” rainfall up to 2 feet in some areas combined with high winds to strand motorists and residents and force hundreds of evacuations and rescues.
As for the economic cost of the flooding, it should “easily surpass $1 billion given the enormity of the damage,” according to an early estimate from Steve Bowen, a meteorologist with Aon Benfield, a global reinsurance firm.
“The cost to infrastructure alone could be that much, ” Bowen said in an e-mail to USA TODAY. “Unfortunately, as is the case with flood events, much of the damage will not be covered by insurance since only a small percentage of homeowners in South Carolina are current National Flood Insurance Program policyholders.”
The rain was forecast to continue deep into Monday in some parts of the state. Overnight curfews were in effect beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday in Columbia, Sumter and several counties.
Gov. Nikki Haley on Sunday said South Carolina’s first responders were battling flooding from rains that can be expected once in 1,000 years.
“Our goal is all hands on deck,” Haley said of the emergency response. “We will get through this, but we need everyone to stay strong.”
The National Weather Service’s Charleston office reported “mind-boggling rain amounts.” They included 24-plus inches in Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston, since the storm began Thursday. Columbia recorded more than 10 inches.
President Obama approved federal disaster aid for South Carolina.
Haley said first responders received more than 750 rescue calls in a 12-hour period that started before dawn Sunday. Hundreds of road closures were reported, including a section of Interstate 95, the vital highway connecting eastern states from Maine to Florida.
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South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley says that parts of her state haven’t had this much rain in 1,000 years. So far, three people have died from weather-related incidents in South Carolina. VPC
Haley said 600 National Guard personnel have been called out, with hundreds more on alert. And she warned residents not to plan on getting out until Tuesday to ease the burden on rescue personnel.
Among those rescued were a mother and her 15-month-old daughter, who were rescued from the roof of their flooded home by a Coast Guard air crew in Huger, about 25 miles north of Charleston, on Sunday. A helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, Ga., evacuated the pair to Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski called the weather event the worst in the state since Hurricane Hugo, which made landfall near Charleston as a Category 4 storm in 1989, killing 27 people in the state.
“Charleston got 11.5 inches of rain on Saturday, which is a one-day record,” Pydynowski said. “Today Columbia is setting records.”
USA TODAY
Heavy rain pounds South, floods historic Charleston, S.C.
In Mount Pleasant, Sarah Shinners said her home was above the waterline — but the only road out of her neighborhood was impassable.
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGUnusual things South Carolina flooding left behind | 01:56
Mother Nature left some oddities in unlikely places after the South Carolina’s historic flooding. WLTX-TV
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSC Natl Guard Brings Clean Water to Hospital | 01:31
US Soldiers with the South Carolina Army National Guard supplied water purification units to create clean water at an area hospital on Saturday. (Oct. 11) AP
Almost a week after the flooding rains, residents in Georgetown, South Carolina were still evacuating their homes as high waters rushed downstream. (Oct. 10) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGColumbia residents face daunting cleanup after flooding | 01:58
Columbia, South Carolina residents are starting to clean up after last week’s devastating storms. Neighbors are banding together to assess and clean up the damage. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGS. Carolina Flood Victims: ‘We Lost Everything’ | 01:05
South Carolina National Guard assists flood victims with neighborhood missions and encourages evacuation. (Oct. 9) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGRaw: National Guard Delivers Sandbags To SC | 00:45
Officials in South Carolina are deciding how to protect the capital city’s main water source after part of the Columbia canal collapsed following historic rains. The National Guard delivered sandbags on Wednesday to help dam the breached canal. (Oct AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSC Governor Urges Evacuations Along The Coast | 00:56
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is urging residents of Georgetown and other coastal areas to evacuate ahead of flooding that is expected as storm water flows down swollen rivers toward the coast. (Oct. 8) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGOfficial: No plans to turn Columbia’s water off | 01:05
A Columbia, South Carolina official insists that the city’s water plants are running at full capacity after news broke that the Columbia canal collapsed, a setback in the effort to protect the city’s main water source. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGA Search For Normal After Historic Floods | 01:02
Residents of Summerville, South Carolina, continue to recover from this week’s historic floods. Some residents forced from their homes wonder when their lives will return to normal. (Oct. 7) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGVolunteers Show up in Droves for Flood Cleanup | 01:41
As hundreds of homeowners return home to assess the flood damage in Columbia, South Carolina, they’re met by a number of volunteers looking to help. (Oct. 7) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSC Gov: Death Toll Rises, Dams Being Monitored | 01:30
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said the death toll from massive flooding across the state has risen to 15 people. Meanwhile, officials are monitoring dams as water continues to swell rivers. (Oct. 7) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGEngineers Scramble to Reinforce SC Dam | 00:39
Engineers scrambled Wednesday to reinforce portions of the Beaver Dam in Columbia, South Carolina, adding 2 tons of rocks to a failing section. As crews strengthened the dam, local authorities urged residents to evacuate. (Oct. 7) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSC Residents Assess Damage after Historic Rains | 02:09
On the the first sunny day since historic rainfall flooded parts of South Carolina, residents of Columbia help one another try to salvage what’s left, and search for personal items. (Oct. 6) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGFloating fire ant island will make your skin crawl | 00:30
South Carolina’s record floods were no match for these fire ants, who clustered together to form a floating raft on the high waters of Dorchester County. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGGov. Haley: “It is Hard to Look at the Loss” | 02:14
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is warning residents not to get complacent because several rivers have still not crested after the heavy rains. (Oct. 6) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGAl Roker sorry for smiley South Carolina flood selfie | 01:09
Al Roker created a natural disaster while reporting on the deadly South Carolina floods when he tweeted a picture of himself, smiling beside destruction. Sean Dowling (@seandowlingtv) has the reactions that lit up Twitter. Buzz60
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGS.C. Residents Clean Up After Flooding | 01:31
Residents in Columbia, South Carolina cleaned up soggy debris Tuesday after heavy rains flooded their homes with waist-deep water. (Oct. 6) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGFloodwaters Slam South Carolina; 12 Killed | 01:29
Thousands of South Carolina residents faced the prospect of going days without running water, With dams overflowing, bridges collapsing and floodwaters rolling down to the coast, the state on Monday was anything but done with the disaster. (Oct. 6) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGS.C. Residents Clean Up After Flooding | 00:32
Residents in Columbia, South Carolina cleaned up soggy debris Tuesday after heavy rains flooded their homes with waist-deep water. (Oct. 6) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGNew Flood Worries In Coastal South Carolina | 00:53
As South Carolina recovers from historic floods, there are new worries for people in Georgetown, a coastal city at the confluence of four rivers. (Oct. 6) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGBirds-eye view of widespread devastation from floods | 01:02
See the sheer destruction caused by this week’s catastrophic flooding in South Carolina. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGAerial footage shows roads washed out by S.C. flood | 01:01
Hundreds of roads remain closed in South Carolina after a historic flood swept much of the state. Emergency crews are still working to assess the damage and make repairs. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGStrangers rescue man and dog trapped in car by flood | 01:23
An 87-year-old man was driving from Canada to Florida with his dog, when their car got caught in South Carolina’s floods. They were trapped in the water for hours before a Columbia couple spotted them and rushed to their rescue. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGRaw: Aerial Tour Shows S.C. Flooding Damage | 01:30
After a week of steady rain, the showers tapered off Monday and an inundated South Carolina turned to surveying a road system shredded by historic flooding. (Oct. 5) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGRaw: Helicopter Rescues From S.C. Flooding | 01:02
After a week of steady rain, the showers tapered off Monday and an inundated South Carolina turned to surveying a road system shredded by historic flooding. (Oct. 5) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGForced evacuations after dam breaks | 01:02
Residents in several areas of South Carolina are being evacuated after a dam broke in Forest Acres. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSC Gov.: 9 Weather-Related Deaths from Storms | 01:26
Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley advises residents to still stay indoors as 9 deaths were reported as a result of the vast rainstorms impacting the state. (Oct. 5) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGCaskets, cars carried away in South Carolina floods | 02:55
South Carolinians are struggling to cope with historic floods caused by the heaviest rain ever recorded in parts of the state. USA TODAY
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley says recovery efforts are underway, but dangers remain from the state’s historic flooding. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGRaw: SC Hit Hard By Driving Rains And Flooding | 01:22
Hundreds have been rescued from fast-moving floodwaters in South Carolina as days of driving rain reach a dangerous crescendo. (Oct. 4) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGMom and toddler lifted from flooded home to chopper | 00:46
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a mother and her 15-month-old child from a flooded house in Huger, South Carolina. The family’s neighborhood was severely flooded. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGBoats used to rescue stranded flood victims | 02:16
As historic rain continues to pound South Carolina, people were forced to evacuate their homes. Boats helped rescue those who were stranded.
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSC Governor: Haven’t seen this much rain in 1,000 years | 01:07
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley says that parts of her state haven’t had this much rain in 1,000 years. So far, three people have died from weather-related incidents in South Carolina. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGRaw: S.C. Residents Rescued Amid Heavy Flooding | 01:44
Torrential rains soak residents across South Carolina, washing out roads and forcing locals to be rescued by fire department officials in boat. (Oct. 4) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGThis couple didn’t let a little rain spoil their big day | 01:15
Rain or shine, John and Judy Joye were determined to get married on the beach. The couple made the most of their soaked ceremony, even jumping in the ocean right after their vows. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGDozens rescued in flooded South Carolina | 01:46
After historic rainfall drenched parts of South Carolina, flash flooding stranded hundreds, forcing several rescue attempts. (Oct. 4) AP
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSC resident: A dumpster was floating down flooded river | 02:45
As South Carolina continues to be hit by historic rainfall, curious residents can’t help but take a look outside. One witness describes seeing a dumpster floating down a nearby flooded river. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGSouth Carolina floods ‘worse than you think’ | 01:10
Flood waters have swallowed cars, destroyed homes and devastated businesses in Columbia, South Carolina. Some stranded residents have had to be rescued by boat. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGHeavy rain causes flooding up and down East Coast | 01:08
Cities up and down the East Coast are flooded from heavy rain. The torrential rain comes as Hurricane Joaquin continues to move away from the U.S. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGDangerous floods turn South Carolina roads into rivers | 00:59
Heavy flooding across South Carolina trapped some people in their homes and forced others to abandon their cars in the high water. VPC
S.C. STRUGGLES WITH HISTORIC FLOODINGFlood witness: I just can’t believe the power of water | 01:35
Some South Carolina residents were able to return to their homes after being evacuated only to find the damage the floodwaters caused. VPC
“Everything around us is completely flooded. It’s terrible,” Shinners told USA TODAY. “We are just hunkering down.”
Much of the East Coast has been saturated by rains that have lingered since Thursday. Power was knocked out to about 50,000 residences and businesses in South Carolina and Georgia as of Sunday afternoon.
“Major to localized catastrophic flash flooding along with possible landslides and mudslides in the higher elevations of South Carolina and Georgia remain an ongoing concern,” the National Weather Service warned.
Flood warnings also were issued for three Virginia counties. North Carolina also was dealing with flash flooding on some secondary roads, and some ferry services were canceled. But South Carolina was taking the brunt of the unrelenting storm.
Chris Morris is one of the lucky ones in his Charleston neighborhood. He said many neighbors have evacuated, but his family’s home is on a raised slab and hasn’t been breached. He lives on a golf course, but you would not know that by looking at it.
“We woke up this morning to about 10 inches of water surrounding the house,” Morris told USA TODAY. “And the golf course is completely under water.”
The weather service blamed a low pressure system that has stalled over the state since Thursday, combined with the outer edges of Hurricane Joaquin. The Category 2 hurricane, with sustained top winds of 105 mph, avoided a direct hit to the U.S. but did add fuel to rains and high wind along the coast. Joaquin was forecast to lash Bermuda late Sunday and Monday.
South Carolina emergency management officials counseled residents to “remain where you are if you are safely able to do so. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.”
In Columbia, officials said many residents were without drinking water because of water main breaks. Greater downtown Columbia and southeast Richland County were most affected. City officials said those affected should be prepared to be without potable water from the city system for three to four days. The city issued a boil water advisory for all of its 375,000 customers.
City fire officials said several dams had breached. WLTX-TV meteorologist Jim Gandy said the Village of Sandhill had received 11 inches of rain by 6 a.m. On I-95 in Clarendon County, a 32-mile stretch of road was closed. Parts of Interstate 77 and Interstate 20 also were covered in water.
Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins told WLTX-TV that the city has been inundated with rescue calls.
“We do need more resources,” Jenkins said. “People who can’t get out should call 9-1-1. Don’t give up, keep trying.”
Lisa Britton, left, and her husband, Jody, right, leave their house on the Black River with the son, J.D., driving the boat, near Kingstree, S.C. All that’s visible of the house is the second floor, which is 22 feet off the ground. Their message on the roof, “In God we Trust,” was put there before the floodwaters came. Mic Smith, APArmy National Guard Spl. John Stephens, left, gives J.E. Briggs, right, bottled water in Columbia, S.C. Water distribution remained a key problem across much of the state. In Columbia, as many as 40,000 homes lacked drinking water, and the rest of the city’s 375,000 customers were told to boil water before using it for drinking or cooking. Chuck Burton, AP
The revamped Economic Development Alliance and reorganized Greater Fayetteville Chamber have a terrific opportunity to partner with elected officials on a long-overlooked and often ignored major industry that meets the mission statement of both organizations.
Tourism is the second-largest industry in North Carolina, exceeded only by agriculture. And Fayetteville is a destination city, which means visitors will come and stay. Fayetteville has Revolutionary and Civil War history, heritage sites, festivals second to none, a renowned botanical garden, unique museums, terrific theater and art exhibits, and a quaint downtown.
What it does not have is a collaborative vision on how to leverage these wonderful assets into a viable economic driver for the local economy. That’s money-speak for developing a market to draw the tourism dollar here to benefit the entire community.
After years of civic struggling to stretch funding to support attractions, culture and the arts that were all bidding for the same limited resources, a 6 percent occupancy tax was imposed on hotel rooms. And after further wrangling, the revenue generated was finally split between the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Arts Council.
Since its inception, the occupancy tax has been interpreted to mean putting “heads in beds” rather than being the mechanism for collection of a sales tax. This narrow definition caused tourism efforts to focus on filling the local hotels and has given the hotel industry (with all due respect) greater representation on the FACVB board than warranted. The confusion on the collection mechanism with the intended beneficiaries has also distorted the funds toward advertising versus tourist attractions. The need for hotel space for Fort Bragg personnel and contractors kept revenue flowing without much competition.
For several years, the FACVB directed the dollars toward the military market, at times shocking the community with “commando raids” on a Travel Council meeting or posting a video online showing old ladies carrying soldiers on their backs across Hay Street. In reality, the wealthier FACVB was perceived as squandering money, while the Arts Council struggled to support many groups and projects worthy of tourism funding.
The final straw came when the suggestion was made to drop “Fayetteville” from the convention bureau’s name. That may be one reason why county commissioners sought legislation to redirect FACVB tax funding into projects controlled by the commissioners.
That bill caused uproar for its secrecy and nebulous projects. What projects? Perhaps an art museum, a baseball stadium, restoration of Heritage Square, the Civil War museum, a center for the performing arts or even a Cape Fear River visitor venue. All are worthy projects but require collaboration, cooperation and partnerships with the stakeholders and other local organizations.
The legislation went down in flames.
Dependence on Bragg
The latest issue of concern is the new Fort Bragg Conference Center, which local hotels feel threatens revenue from both hotel rooms and meeting space. But the center is here to stay, and years of relying on Fort Bragg to generate the lion’s share of the occupancy tax will have to be reconsidered. This dependency has resulted in a complacency that failed to invest in infrastructure (including the airport) and support of a comprehensive tourism plan that included all sectors of the community.
The Fort Bragg dilemma also offers opportunities. Although the Economic Development group and Chamber have just separated, there is a need to take a look at tourism (especially heritage tourism) as a bona fide industry. It means bringing the stakeholders out of their silos to get actively involved with the mentoring of both the Chamber and Alliance to develop new venues that interest the insatiable tourist industry. It might well attract tourism dollars and investment in the community and stimulate the small businesses that thrive in a destination city. And after all, aren’t investment, growth and business stimulation the mission of both organizations?
Fayetteville resident Sharon Valentine is a retired business owner, farmer and nonprofit executive. She has owned travel agencies and worked as a meeting planner.
Raleigh, N.C. — When preparing for a head-to-head matchup in the Got to Be NC Competition Dining challenge, it is not uncommon for chefs to conduct reconnaissance by secretly eating in an opponent’s restaurant beforehand. But when Joseph Cornett, head chef at the Flipside Café in Fort Mill, S.C., sat down to strategize, he realized something about his opponent, Ryan Conklin of REX Healthcare.
“I hope I never have to eat his food,” Cornett told the crowd at Wednesday night’s Battle of Champions. Luckily for Cornett, he had a chance to taste his opponent’s work at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills instead of through a hospital visit.
The two chefs prepared three courses each, with every dish but dessert featuring fresh North Carolina seafood, and all dishes featuring vegetables from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. Pro judges for the event included Michelle Bailey, executive chef at Smoky Park Supper Club in Asheville, food critic John Batchelor, Andy Hopper, chef and partner at Circolo Restaurant Group, and Lionel Vatinet, master baker at La Farm in Cary.
The Meal
COURSE 1: NC White Shrimp, Chimichurri, Okra Green Tomatoes, Smoked Bacon, Charred Cauliflower, Marinated Tomatoes, Smoked Green Tomato Butter (Flipside Café) Score: 29.347
The mild, plump shrimps paired well with the bright chimichurri, but the true thrills of Chef Cornett’s first offering were the small surprises hidden beneath: the smoky sauce, the dark crisp floret of cauliflower, briny okra and tomatoes, fatty bacon crumbles. It was a tour of the palate, by way of a lighter gumbo than you’ll ever find in Louisiana.
Lionel Vatinet highlighted Cornett’s shrimp as his favorite dish of the night, and the crowd agreed: Course 1 scored higher than any other on the evening.
COURSE 2: NC Sweet Potato Crusted Flounder, Jalapeno Cheddar Grits, Smoked Pink Lady Apple-Butternut Squash-Kale Salad, Johnston County Ham Crowder Pea Vinaigrette, Sweet Potato Butter (REX Healthcare) Score: 27.525
Compared to the shrimp in the first course, the flounder was underwhelming. Multiple diners remarked that their flounder was dry, and the fried sweet potato crust was novel, it was under-seasoned. Luckily for Conklin, the jalapeno cheddar grits were perfectly rich, with just enough heat to cut through. Also notable was the ham-and-crowder vinaigrette, like the most complex gravy imaginable.
The mackerel was my favorite dish of the night. Chef Cornett’s composition, from the row of white and purple layered accompaniments to the purple pansy on white fish above a purple sauce, looked as much like a piece of art as an entree.
My table disagreed. “It’s just too oily,” one nearby diner said of his fish, while another found the idea of edible flowers entirely unappetizing. Worse, portion size varied greatly around our table, with some plates holding pieces of fish that seemed to have been halved and then halved again.
The dish was a lesson in two common mistakes Competition Dining chefs make: stepping too far outside the diners’ comfort zone, and using a recipe too involved to cook, plate, and serve to 100 guests simultaneously.
COURSE 4: Land Sea: Seared NC Sheepshead, Roasted Shallot Local Tomato Salsa, Mediterranean Green Lentils Fried Fava Beans AND Slow Braised Veal Cheeks, Truffle-Parmesan Parsnip Puree, Pickled Oyster Mushrooms-Onions-Fresh Herbs (REX) Score: 28.730
If the mackerel was an example of how chefs can easily alienate eaters, Chef Conklin’s surf and turf course showcased the best trick to getting ahead in Competition Dining battles: throw red meat at the diners. The veal cheek was almost impossibly tender, pushing across earthy, rich flavors no fresh fish can match. The diner response was uniformly positive, with many happy not just for a change of pace, but for a new take on a classic combination.
COURSE 5: Spiced Pumpkin Layer Cake, Rum Apple Butter Mascarpone, Sea Salted Candy Apple Caramel, Brown Sugar Baked Apple, Funnel Cake Spaghetti Squash (Flipside) Score: 25.341
“When I got into town, everyone was talking about the fair,” Cornett said after the battle was over, adding, “So I thought about fair food, and Fall flavors.” The mascarpone and baked apples showcased the season’s deep, spiced flavors, but the dish’s standout component was almost certainly the crown of spaghetti squash funnel cake. Stuff it with a candy bar and it would have fit in perfectly outside Dorton Arena last week.
COURSE 6: NC Apple Fritter Bread Pudding, Ginger White Chocolate Semifreddo, Maple Apple Butter, Vanilla Mascarpone, Butterscotch Sauce (REX) Score: 28.804
While the first dessert went full fair, Course 6 took the sweetness in a different direction, playing with a broader palate. Despite the apple fritter flavors, there was the slightest touch of salt in the crumble topping, mint to balance out the strong butterscotch sauce, and ginger shining through the quenelle of ice cream. It felt like the right way to end a six course meal.
The Results
Chef Joseph Cornett built a lead on the strength of his first course, but by the time dessert plates were cleared from the table it was not enough: Ryan Conklin and his REX Healthcare team topped Cornett’s Flipside Café, 28.261 to 25.914.
As diners cheered, fans and friends crowded Conklin for photos, handshakes, and autographs. The chef appeared equally elated and exhausted, understandable considering that a member of his kitchen staff needed to be replaced at the last minute due to untimely jury duty.
“I was sure it was going to be oysters,” a dazed but pleased Conklin admitted after his win was announced.
“Your mind is going all the different ways about what you’ll do before you come in, but then they tell you and you go blank,” he added.
But Conklin recovered from the initial shock wonderful. He was particularly happy with his surf and turf idea.
“The veal with the parsnip puree, that’s my kind of food. That’ what we do best,” Conklin said.
Across the room, a smaller crowd gathered beside Joseph Cornett.
“We thought we did everything right,” Cornett said, “but it didn’t go our direction. I was really happy with what we pulled off, especially the ideas we came up with at the farmers market. We took corn husks from someone’s decoration, smoked those, and used those to smoke the mackerel. I’m proud of that.” Yet, a disappointed Cornett couldn’t help but second guess his decisions.
“Maybe I didn’t push myself hard enough,” he said.
Before leaving, when REX Healthcare’s Ryan Conklin was asked how he would prepare for his next bout, Thursday night against Richard Miller, of Winston-Salem’s Graze, Conklin shrugged.
Asian Americans will grow to nearly 12 percent of the U.S. population by 2060 — from today’s 6.3 percent — as the country’s non-Hispanic white population dips to less than 44 percent, according to projections by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Immigrants from Asia, mostly from India and China, are arriving at a brisker pace than those from Latin America, propelling Asian Americans as the country’s fastest-growing ethnic group, according to Pew.
That rising population translates to a potential treasure trove of voters.
“We’re the rising new electorate,” said Christine Chen, the executive director of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, a nonpartisan group that works to increase electoral and civic engagement nationwide. “Hopefully, it means they can no longer take us for granted.”
She hopes that elected officials will more aggressively address issues near and dear to Asian Americans, including help with fulfilling the American dream of homeownership, paying for college and reuniting families faster by reducing current delays due to limits and backlogs in immigration visas.
Already, AAPI voters in seven states — Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Washington — account for at least 5 percent of the voting-eligible population, according to Nonprofit Vote, a Boston-based voter advocacy group.
Among those states, only Nevada is expected to be a swing state in 2016 — although Asian Americans have the potential for flexing political muscle in battleground states like Virginia, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina and Ohio.
In 2012, Obama won Florida by less than 1 percentage point, a margin that AAPI groups say could have been delivered by Asian American voters. Similarly, Obama’s margin of victory in Virginia was less than 3 percentage points, a margin also covered by Asian American voters.
In a postmortem of its disappointing performance in 2012, the GOP vowed to expand its tent by broadening outreach to communities of color, particularly Latinos and Asian Americans.
Republican operatives conceded that the party needed to work harder in showing how the party’s platform aligns with the values of many Asian Americans.
It means courting votes in communities that may be apprehensive about being visible at community events and reaching out to ethnic media to reach immigrants with limited proficiency in English.
“We go to where our people are, but we also go to where we have to win,” said Jason Chung, who leads the Republican National Committee’s drive to pull more Asian Americans into the GOP fold.
Part of the effort is to chip away at the Democratic base. Last week the committee released an online ad chasing after Asian American millennials.
By some accounts, Republicans have made inroads.
In last year’s U.S. Senate race in Virginia, Democratic incumbent Mark Warner was expected to handily prevail over Republican Ed Gillespie, but it turned out to be a tight race. Warner won by just eight-tenths of 1 percentage point. According to some exit polls, they evenly split the Asian American vote. Gillespie’s performance stirred hope that a Republican message could resonate with communities of color.
However, those advances may have been recently slowed by some of the party’s highest-profile candidates for president.
Jeb Bush tried to quell one firestorm on the immigration issue but instead triggered another when explaining his use of the term “anchor babies” to describe children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S.
The furor was immediate among Latinos and was widened when he explained that the issue wasn’t about Latinos but “more related to Asian people coming into our country having children.”
When Bush made his comments, it was K.J. Bagchi’s first day on the job as the Democratic National Committee’s director of Asian American and Pacific Islander engagement. “It was jarring,” he recalled.
Carly Fiorina later chimed in, calling maternity tourism by Chinese women a “festering problem.”
While mocking Bush for his “anchor babies” comment, GOP front-runner Donald Trump might have alienated some Asian Americans when he used broken English to describe the cultural differences in how Asians negotiate business deals.
“The Republican candidates are making it easy,” said Bagchi, a former aide to Democratic Rep. Mike Honda of California.
“We understand the power of the AAPI voting bloc,” Bagchi said. “Do we have to make sure that we don’t take the AAPI vote for granted? Of course.”
But with a year to go before the 2016 elections, much of the political landscape remains unsettled.
Until then, both sides are laying the infrastructure that will mobilize the grass roots when it is time.
But Wolf, the town councilor from Herndon, offered some advice about wooing Asian American voters: Don’t wait.
“You have to be really proactive about reaching out,” she said. “And you have to be patient. It’s a community and electorate that is slow to warm up to people.”
Port City Daily has sent an identical questionnaire to each candidate running for Wilmington City Council.
There are eight candidates vying for three open seats. Each voter can choose up to three candidates, and the top three overall vote getters will win seats on city council.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, and their responses are unedited. Two candidates, incumbent Neil Anderson and MLK, Jr. Celebration Committee member Hollis Briggs, Jr., did not respond to our questionnaire.
The election takes place Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The city council meets in Wilmington City Hall, 102 N. Third St. Photo by Jonathan Spiers.
Margaret Haynes
Incumbent and current Mayor Pro-tem; first appointed to City Council in 2009, elected to a four-year term in 2011
The City of Wilmington expects 60,000 additional residents over the next 25 years. How do you see the city accommodating this growth? Please be specific and include your thoughts on how the city will meet transportation needs that arise from more residents.
We are already actively engaged in a long-range planning process. The Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan, with extensive citizen input, is looking at the issues of economic development, environment and recreation, land use, diversity and community, arts and culture, housing, and transportation. It’s an open and transparent process that’s looking 25 years into the future.
Specifically on transportation: I support re-locating the rail corridor to the other side of the river and re-purposing the tracks for some kind of muni transit system. Also, we need to address our heavy traffic intersections such as S. College and Oleander and resolve the Independence extension to MLK Parkway. Finally, we need to find an affordable solution to an additional Cape Fear River crossing.
Do you think the city is making an effective effort to reduce crime? What is the council’s role in making sure the city is a safer place?
We need to continue to expand and improve our community policing programs that build partnerships with various community groups. Community policing is not a new concept. For years, the city has been promoting organizational strategies and problem-solving techniques to address the conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder and fear. Working with the County Sheriff’s Department and the Wilmington Housing Authority, we need to build on programs like Saturday and Sunday Night Hoops Program, the Gun Violence Reduction Program for Kids, and U-Turn, a re-entry program to promote positive choices. The Mayor and Council consider public safety the top priority of city government.
Economic development has been a hot topic as the city competes with other regions for businesses to relocate. What is the city’s role in attracting business to Wilmington and how would you go about executing this plan if elected?
The City of Wilmington is now the center of a three county region including Brunswick and Pender counties in addition to New Hanover County. We need to be the driving force behind this regional economic development partnership and make it more efficient and effective. We need better cooperation in infrastructure development and more consistent regulations in zoning and land use ordinances. Working together, we can grow our existing businesses, support our entrepreneurial sector and attract new clean industries that the diversified job opportunities of the future. But we need to develop a regional plan with Wilmington at the center.
If you were to receive a city council seat, what is your top priority for your time on the council? What is your strategy for getting results for that priority?
My top priority is managing our growth as we build a safer and more livable city. Growth always provides both opportunities and challenges, and with the city now pressing against its geographic boundaries, it will involve compromise. We need to preserve our historic heritage and our fragile coastal environment, but we also need smart growth to provide opportunity for the future. There’s no easy answer. It requires an open and transparent planning process and the full engagement of the City Council.
Deb Hays
Realtor; currently serves on the steering committee for the City of Wilmington Comprehensive Plan, Chair of the Wilmington Planning Commission
The City of Wilmington expects 60,000 additional residents over the next 25 years. How do you see the city accommodating this growth? Please be specific and include your thoughts on how the city will meet transportation needs that arise from more residents.
As Chair of the Wilmington Planning Commission, I have been diligently working with elected officials to build and maintain better roads, while looking for alternative transportation options to reduce traffic.
Traffic and transportation issues will always be at the forefront of our city’s agenda. With water on both sides of Wilmington, we have unique challenges in traversing our area. Since road building is a city and state responsibility, I plan to work closely with our local delegation in Raleigh to be sure Wilmington is a top priority in the state legislature.I believe we can improve how traffic is directed through our city with assistance from our traffic engineers and properly programing advanced signaling software.We must also be creative in looking for future opportunities to reduce vehicle usage; making our city walkable, multi-facet transportation options, and maximizing connectivity correctly throughout our city.In the short term, we have the ability to establish park and ride areas to offload traffic during peak hours; using our existing trolley system and enhancing our bus routes with smaller buses running more direct routes at peak times. Long term plans must be incorporated into all future developments via implementing the new City Comprehensive Plan.
Higher density development and infill can be incorporated into existing neighborhoods while maintaining current character.There are many neighborhoods where increased density makes sense and can add to that neighborhood’s character and property values. There are many neighborhoods where it does not make sense and we must preserve those and the essence that is Wilmington. Density does not mean just an apartment complex.It can be transitional, from a large acre development to a medium acreage development to smaller acreage – all single family homes, or combination of detached and attached homes (the new cottage style development is a prime example). Another example of incorporating density and facilitating traffic is the neighborhood node. This idea incorporates all the amenities needed and wanted by residents within a neighborhood; having walking/biking access to grocery stores, banks, drug stores, churches, schools, etc… within or along the perimeter of a residential neighborhood so the residents do not have to access major roadways for their daily needs/amenities. This provides green space, outdoor activity, and lessens traffic on roadways. If we act reasonably and responsibly looking for development trends and ideas that add beauty and character to Wilmington, we will have done our jobs. We must think creatively!
Do you think the city is making an effective effort to reduce crime? What is the council’s role in making sure the city is a safer place?
We must plan for ways to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe.We have very effective law enforcement but it will be challenged by the growth that is coming. As past Chair and current Commissioner of the Wilmington Housing Authority, we instituted a joint task force with Wilmington Police Department (WPD) and the New Hanover County Sherriff (NHCS) to provide Community Policing on all our sites.This task force has been overwhelmingly successful due to the community policing aspect.The same officers are assigned to the same neighborhoods; they become familiar with the residents, they know who lives where and who is not supposed to be in the developments.This has proven hugely successful with a year to date reduction in crime of nearly 60%.In addition, the Officers have engaged the youth in the community, regularly playing with them in the afternoons, and taking them on field trips to sporting events, etc…
In speaking with Chief Evangelous, he feels that we can implement city-wide community policing over a period of time, without impact to the city budget.Having seen first-hand the great success of this program, I would definitely be in favor of a city-wide community policing program.
In addition, the community needs to engage; establishing neighborhood watch programs, neighborhood associations, etc… to augment and assist the police in preventing crimes and to accurately and expediently report it when crimes do take place.Our Law Enforcement Officers will work with any and all city neighborhoods to establish and train the citizens for effective neighborhood programs.
Economic development has been a hot topic as the city competes with other regions for businesses to relocate. What is the city’s role in attracting business to Wilmington and how would you go about executing this plan if elected?
We need to bring good paying, long-term jobs to Wilmington.We will do this by encouraging existing businesses and recruiting new ones; establishing partnerships with contractual obligations to hire locally.We need to have both short term and long term plans to adequately address economic development.
To facilitate a business friendly environment in the short term, I will look for ways to streamline the various permitting processes without sacrificing public safety and concerns; fast tracking through the permitting process if the developer meets with certain criteria – to build in specific locations and to hire locally, for example.This saves the developer money while addressing our concerns.These are not just construction jobs but developing commercial areas that bring solid long term investment businesses to our area, again hiring locally.
In addition, we must work regionally and in conjunction with the State to competitively attract major businesses to our area.I will work diligently with our local, regional, and state officials to keep Wilmington at the forefront of economic development.
For the long term, we must implement the new Comprehensive Plan for the City and redesign the Land Development Code (LDC).Our LDC is woefully outdated and constrains the City’s Planning Staff, the Planning Commission and the City Council’s efforts to adequately and properly plan for future growth. This is a critical component to our City’s future success in attracting, recruiting, and retaining major businesses that will invest in our City by hiring locally and improving an existing commercial property or building a new facility.
If you were to receive a city council seat, what is your top priority for your time on the council? What is your strategy for getting results for that priority?
City Staff and Community Volunteers have spent the past two years working on a Comprehensive Plan for the City.Through tireless effort and hundreds of hours of citizen input and involvement, this plan is now in final draft form.This extensive document set would be the basis for a complete revision of our Land Development Code and a fluid roadmap for future Leaders to follow.The plan, presented to Council for review, will need to be approved and thoroughly implemented.I have served on this committee and believe that this is our plan for the future and necessary for proper growth, for addressing transportation, for bringing jobs…for Wilmington!
Paul Lawler
Former accountant, auditor and chief financial officer; active with his neighborhood association and represented them on the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
The City of Wilmington expects 60,000 additional residents over the next 25 years. How do you see the city accommodating this growth? Please be specific and include your thoughts on how the city will meet transportation needs that arise from more residents.
Growth is THE challenge facing Wilmington.Not only will Wilmington need to deal with growth in the City but it will also have to deal with the growth in the rest of the County and in neighboring counties.Those folks come to Wilmington to work, shop and be entertained.Wilmington must think carefully about its growth patterns so that the additional traffic is near the larger streets that can handle the traffic and so that people can find their destinations closer to home.We must improve Wave Transit so that it handles as much of the transit load as is possible.We must improve signalization.We must be sure that our sidewalks are suitable to serve our walking needs. And we must be clear about our needs with the NC DOT.
Do you think the city is making an effective effort to reduce crime? What is the council’s role in making sure the city is a safer place?
First we must support our law enforcement. Wilmington can do more to prevent crime including helping our troubled youth find a more positive path.Simple steps such as community policing, street lights, more neighborhood watch groups, and weekend alternatives for young people can all help.We also need to engage our churches and nonprofits to reach out where the government representatives cannot reach. Wilmington needs to help people realize that they can aim higher.
Economic development has been a hot topic as the city competes with other regions for businesses to relocate. What is the city’s role in attracting business to Wilmington and how would you go about executing this plan if elected?
Closely connected to public safety and to quality of life is economic opportunity.Too many people cannot find good paying jobs. We can do better.Wilmington has an opportunity to bring in more history tourists and others who have more money to spend during their tourist visit.More success for related businesses leads to more money for staff.Wilmington also has an opportunity in the ‘knowledge’ sector.We should encourage more businesses such as PPD, Next Glass, Live Oak Bank and other clean businesses.Those companies can locate anywhere. Places like Wilmington with a high quality of life have a natural advantage. We should take advantage of that. The Wilmington area may also have a real business opportunity meeting the needs for organic and boutique foods which have become popular as people care more about what we eat.
If you were to receive a city council seat, what is your top priority for your time on the council? What is your strategy for getting results for that priority?
Wilmington needs to aim higher.We have a great place here but we can’t afford to settle for ‘good enough.’Let’s aim for the best delivery of government services, the safest streets, the strongest economy and the best ability to handle the growth coming to SE NC.
Frank Madonna
Worked as a senior manager in both the public and private sector and 10 years in New York City government; Navy veteran who serves on CFCC Foundation and Landfall COA boards
The City of Wilmington expects 60,000 additional residents over the next 25 years. How do you see the city accommodating this growth? Please be specific and include your thoughts on how the city will meet transportation needs that arise from more residents.
Build a higher rise downtown to concentrate tax value there. Comprehensively zone underdeveloped areas of the City while protecting neighborhoods.
Transportation needs will be accommodated by an upgrade in roads, a stronger bus service and, perhaps, at a later date, light rail.
Planning is the key. Understanding neighborhood needs and wants is essential. Governing by district model is one way to preserve neighborhoods and their character.
Planning the growth of each district with local input also provides balance. Are we creating green space around our development projects? Are we designing housing for the elderly?
We need to build “up” with a concern for retirees who want too stay here and downsize to condos.
Do you think the city is making an effective effort to reduce crime? What is the council’s role in making sure the city is a safer place?
The Council should take a KEY role in preventing crime. Here’s my suggestions.
Install the best technology available for the police to stay safe and deter crime. Increase the staffing at the expense of other programs to make sure there’s enough feet on the street
Develop after school programs to get our younger children off the streets and away from bad influences and establish community watch groups and a communication system to alert and support the prevention of crime.
Economic development has been a hot topic as the city competes with other regions for businesses to relocate. What is the city’s role in attracting business to Wilmington and how would you go about executing this plan if elected?
The City should join with the counties on this initiative. It doesn’t do anyone any good to go at this alone. You all wind up competing for the same companies.
I think a great deal more can be done in this area. I suggest developing a small professional group of talented people experienced in this line of work. Pay them a competitive wage for a specific amount of time. Perhaps a one year contract. Evaluate and monitor performance on a weekly basis to determine progress. If progress is being made, continue the contract.
This subject really needs a business like approach to be successful.
If you were to receive a city council seat, what is your top priority for your time on the council? What is your strategy for getting results for that priority?
This is a very interesting question. I believe new voices and fresh ideas are now needed on the council. Several of the Council members have been in office a long time.
There is a tendency to get stale and stuck in your ways. It’s human nature and with this election there’s an obvious play by the incumbents to “circle the wagons”.
The Mayor’s comments about new voices is worrisome. He thinks one person can change the dynamic and points to Brian Berger ( a controversial person with obvious personal problems) as an example of that change.
The obvious implication is that a new voice might cause the same problems. This is exactly the reason we need new voices. Change is not necessarily disruptive.
My strategy would be to get the Council out of the herd mentality on real estate development projects and pay more attention to ALL the people in ALL parts of the City.
My attention would be on crime, economic development, transportation and neighborhood preservation.
Building strip malls, grocery stores, fast food outlets, and box like rentals is not on my agenda. This does not represent progress it represents a limited view of what we can accomplish.
John Presswood
Realtor; currently serves on the City of Wilmington’s Board of Adjustment
The City of Wilmington expects 60,000 additional residents over the next 25 years. How do you see the city accommodating this growth? Please be specific and include your thoughts on how the city will meet transportation needs that arise from more residents.
The City of Wilmington should push for the completion of the Wilmington Bypass and Independence Boulevard Extension to add another North-South roadway, revise the zoning code to allow for higher density land use with row houses and mixed use development to reduce urban sprawl and revitalize the downtown area. This would keep more commuters off the roadways. I would work with the Pender, Brunswick, and Onslow County leaders to reconnect the rail lines between Wilmington and Raleigh so we can reconnect passenger and freight rail transportation to the state capitol. This would also allow tourists from the entire east coast to reach Wilmington and enhance our tourist industry. Passenger rail service could be provided by Amtrak that leases CSX and Norfolk Southern rail lines across the country. Wilmington City Council needs to put more focus on the 1-25 year time frame by utilizing our existing rail line as an alternative method of transportation. This could be done by recruiting a historic/antique style commuter rail provider that leases the existing CSX rail lines. This system could be really helpful when we have large events such as the Azalea Festival and Riverfest downtown. The idea of moving the rail lines out of Wilmington and a second rail bridge and direct rail line to the Port of Wilmington is a possible long term goal that may happen 30-50 years from now. Then a trolley system could possibly be added. However, city council needs to put more focus on the next 1-25 years. The plan of recruiting passenger and commuter rail providers to Wilmington, would be a more cost effective use of local tax payer money. There is existing rail line infrastructure in place that is being underutilized. We also need to repair all our rail road crossings with crossing gates and signals. If this were done on all the railroad crossings within the city limits then trains could go at a higher speed. This would also reduce the amount of time that sleeping residents hear the train whistle warnings as trains pass through each crossing.
Do you think the city is making an effective effort to reduce crime? What is the council’s role in making sure the city is a safer place?
The key to reducing the crime rate is to give people opportunities to improve themselves by having access to good paying jobs. The citizens of Wilmington need good paying jobs to provide their own housing, food and financial security. The city could do a better job to reduce crime in Wilmington. The council needs to put more effort into recruiting light (clean) manufacturing employers so that young men and women have a place to find a job that will sustain them. The Wilmington City Council needs to work with the New Hanover County government to implement vocational training for technology, manufacturing, automotive, and construction work skills to be taught in the school system. This needs to happen before young people turn 18 so that they graduate high school with work skills. The council also needs to promote more police bike/walk patrols, better city street lighting, and improve code enforcement for abandoned houses.
Economic development has been a hot topic as the city competes with other regions for businesses to relocate. What is the city’s role in attracting business to Wilmington and how would you go about executing this plan if elected?
Wilmington needs an innovation “hub” building in the downtown area in order to recruit high tech and research-development jobs. This could lead to other high tech branch-off businesses locating around the central building. These would be clean industry and higher paying jobs that would serve to support surrounding businesses in the Wilmington area. Council would need to find a corporate partner to deliver gigabyte internet speed in the innovation building and the surrounding downtown area. This would serve to facilitate an economic catalyst for bringing new higher paying jobs to Wilmington. The focus of a council member should be to leverage state and federal money for projects the revitalize our economy. This is a big project and would require a public and private partnership in order to accomplish it. This same project has been accomplished in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which served to create a big increase in high tech and other corporations relocating to their city.
If you were to receive a city council seat, what is your top priority for your time on the council? What is your strategy for getting results for that priority?
The top priority I would have once elected to Wilmington City Council would be to bring better paying jobs to Wilmington. Financial security is key to resolving the crime, adequate housing and prosperous future for city residents. This is beautiful place to live and work. This area has so many things to offer with our parks, beaches, waterways and ocean areas that needs to be preserved. Corporations will see this when deciding whether to relocate here. However, the transportation network is designed for a smaller town rather than the growing city Wilmington has become. This will make this city a less appealing location choice. The best strategy to correct this infrastructure problem is to complete the Independence Boulevard and provide a second North-South road artery. The next 1-25 years should be the focus of a city council member. The existing rail network needs to be utilized as an alternative mode of transportation. A commuter rail provider that leases the existing CSX rail bridge and line across the Cape Fear River should be recruited to provide a park and ride system. This would alleviate the frequent traffic jams that occur on a Leland-Wilmington commute. The rail line between Wilmington and Raleigh needs to be reconnected. I would work with surrounding county leaders to lobby for state and federal funding for this project. We also need to have passenger rail service from Wilmington to Raleigh and Charlotte. It is time to spark our local economy in Wilmington. I am the youngest candidate at 44 years old and it is time for us to have new and younger members on Wilmington City Council. If you want Wilmington to have better jobs, traffic and crime solutions then please vote and bring a friend to vote. Local government directly impacts your life. Vote Presswood to “Move Wilmington Forward”. Please visit John Presswood For Wilmington City Council on Facebook.
Alvin Rogers
Local small business owner; lifelong Wilmington resident
The City of Wilmington expects 60,000 additional residents over the next 25 years. How do you see the city accommodating this growth? Please be specific and include your thoughts on how the city will meet transportation needs that arise from more residents.
I became acquainted with city politics over 30 years ago, while fighting to keep commercial encroachment out of my neighborhood. Seeing that other residents were having similar concerns in their neighborhoods led me to seek a seat on the city’s planning commission and subdivision review board. I believe many homeowners buy in their particular neighborhoods with certain expectations. For most people, their home is their greatest investment. I have concerns about changing the densities in neighborhoods. That being said, there are people that are not interested in maintaining yards or homes. I believe if we expand on “Mayfaire Main Street” type concepts throughout existing commercial areas in the city this would absorb a great number of people. Imagine Independence Mall and other businesses all over the city having apartments above stores. This is a more efficient use of existing land and in some areas it will not generate as much extra traffic.
With regard to extra traffic, Glenn Harbeck’s proposal to move CSX rail traffic across the river and then access directly to the state ports is an excellent idea. This would free up the railroad tracks to be used for a light rail trolley system circling the city. A bridge from I-140 to Independence Blvd. would give us easier access to Brunswick County and could redirect truck traffic from the state ports directly out of town.
Do you think the city is making an effective effort to reduce crime? What is the council’s role in making sure the city is a safer place?
If there was an easy solution to crime someone would have eradicated it before now. I believe staff should look at specific types of crime i.e. drugs, break-ins, assaults, etc. and see if any other areas, anywhere, have lower crime rates, how they control it, and how it would best work for us here in Wilmington.
I also believe the police chief and the sheriff working together is having a positive effect on crime in some areas. Their cooperative efforts along with more community policing should be expanded.
Economic development has been a hot topic as the city competes with other regions for businesses to relocate. What is the city’s role in attracting business to Wilmington and how would you go about executing this plan if elected?
Tourism is a “clean” industry and should be encouraged. I believe a city trolley system would encourage this. I feel the city should do more to encourage small businesses.
If you were to receive a city council seat, what is your top priority for your time on the council? What is your strategy for getting results for that priority?
Road and traffic improvements are the main reason I’m running for city council. For over 20 years the DOT has “tinkered” with what to do with the Oleander and South College Rd. intersection. They appear to be focused on having an overpass down South College Rd. that would cross over Wrightsville Ave. and Oleander Dr. This would ruin all the businesses along South College Rd. in the Winter Park area and would do nothing to address Kerr Avenue’s impact as well. The DOT wants to widen Kerr Ave. to at least 5 lanes all the way down to Oleander Dr. with a right turn in and right turn out. This would only add to the congestion in this area.
My proposal for a less that 10 block area along South College Rd. and Kerr Ave. is to make them a one way pair from Lake Ave. up to the Wilshire /Fountain Dr. area. This would solve both roads problems with one money, be cheaper than an overpass, and would allow the remaining businesses to thrive. With fewer directions at signalized intersections the time allowed per direction would be lengthened and the entire one way lanes will move more traffic more efficiently. I have drawings of this plan at my business for anyone to review at Rogers Appliance which is located at 4715 Oleander Dr.
Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, right, raises his arms as Kent Bazemore (24) guards Charlotte Hornets’ Nicolas Batum (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)The Associated Press
Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, right, raises his arms as Kent Bazemore (24) guards Charlotte Hornets’ Nicolas Batum (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Charlotte Hornets’ Kemba Walker, right, reacts after being hit by Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)The Associated Press
Charlotte Hornets’ Kemba Walker, right, reacts after being hit by Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Charlotte Hornets’ Jeremy Lamb, back, drives against Atlanta Hawks’ Tiago Splitter, front, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)The Associated Press
Charlotte Hornets’ Jeremy Lamb, back, drives against Atlanta Hawks’ Tiago Splitter, front, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Atlanta Hawks’ Dennis Schroder (17) drives past Charlotte Hornets’ Spencer Hawes (00) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)The Associated Press
Atlanta Hawks’ Dennis Schroder (17) drives past Charlotte Hornets’ Spencer Hawes (00) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Atlanta Hawks’ Jeff Teague (0) drives past Charlotte Hornets’ Al Jefferson (25) and Marvin Williams (2) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)The Associated Press
Atlanta Hawks’ Jeff Teague (0) drives past Charlotte Hornets’ Al Jefferson (25) and Marvin Williams (2) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer wasn’t pleased his team allowed 37 points to the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter and surrendered the lead.
He let his players know about it and the veteran team responded appropriately.
The Hawks tightened up their defense, held the Hornets to 4 of 24 shooting in the fourth quarter and escaped with a 94-92 victory Sunday in Charlotte’s home opener. It was the Hawks’ second closely contested win in three days over their Interstate-85 division foes.
“They all know the third wasn’t our best, but they found a way,” Budenholzer said.
Kent Bazemore scored 20 points, Al Horford added 16 points and 12 rebounds and the Hawks improved to 3-1.
Jeff Teague had 18 points and Paul Millsap added 16, including a key 3-pointer to give Atlanta the lead for good with less than a minute to play.
“I think we picked up the intensity in the fourth,” Horford said.
The Hornets had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but Kemba Walker’s 17-footer from the left wing hit the back rim and bounced out. Walker also missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds of Charlotte’s 97-94 loss to Atlanta on Friday night.
Walker finished with 17 points and Nicolas Batum added 16 and eight assists for Charlotte (0-3). Al Jefferson contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets.
The Hornets led 76-70 entering the fourth, but missed 17 of their first 18 shots. Walker helped the Hornets break out of the funk with a long 3-pointer from the wing and four free throws to tie the game.
But with the score knotted at 89, Millsap shot an uncontested 3-pointer from the top of the key with 52.4 seconds that hit the rim a few times and rattled in.
Batum missed a floater in the lane and Marvin Williams couldn’t get the rebound to go on Charlotte’s next possession. Bazemore was fouled on the rebound and made both shots to push the Hawks’ lead to five with 14.8 seconds remaining.
But it wasn’t over.
Williams would answer with a 3-pointer off the side inbounds play at midcourt to cut the lead to two with 12.3 seconds left.
The Hawks had trouble with their inbounds pass and it wound up with a scrum on the floor resulting in a jump ball. Batum corralled the loose ball off the jump, pushed the ball up the floor to Walker, who got an open look from the left wing but missed the jumper.
“We have a young new team and we missed some execution at the end,” Batum said. “We have to learn from those games. It’s still early in the season, but we’re right there — we’re going to be OK.”
TIP-INS
Hawks: Dennis Schroder surpassed 1,000 points for his career. … The Hawks outscored Charlotte 44-30 in the paint.
Hornets: The Hornets are 13-13 all-time in home openers. … Batum had a season-high four 3-pointers.
JORDAN GETS A LOOK: Hornets owner Michael Jordan got a close-up look at the game, watching from the end of the team bench.
FACES SEEN: Ron Rivera, head coach of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, and linebacker Thomas Davis attended the Hornets season opener. The Panthers host the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. … North Carolina men’s basketball coach Roy Williams was also at the game.
WHERE’S THE LINE? The Hawks did not attempt a free throw until the third quarter, something Budenholzer was well aware of after the game.
He called it an anomaly. “It’s just one of those strange games where we didn’t have a free throw.”
Usually when we write an editorial, we write it with a broad audience in mind.
Today, though, there’s really just one reader we have in mind. We’re not even sure he’s a reader, though we trust that through the magic of the Internet that these words will find their way to him.
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A huge trade show opening in Havana on Monday will mark the Cuban debut of a small tractor that two former IBMers from the Triangle hope to assemble in the country and sell to Cuban farmers.
If Saul Berenthal and Horace Clemmons are successful, their company, Cleber LLC, would be the first American manufacturer to set up shop in Cuba since the revolution and the subsequent U.S. trade embargo more than 50 years ago.
There are a number of hurdles, the most immediate being a license to do business in Cuba from the U.S. government. But Berenthal of Raleigh and Clemmons, who lives in Alabama, are confident Cuba’s small farmers want and need the small tractors they plan to make.
“Big tractors could do an equivalent job on a small farm, but they’re overkill and they cost a lot of money,” said Berenthal, who fled Cuba as a teenager after the revolution and has lived in Raleigh since the 1970s. “We believe that this one is a good fit for their needs as well as for their ability to own it.”
President Obama’s steps last fall to bridge the cold war chasm between Cuba and the United States have improved the prospects for commerce between the two countries. He eased restrictions on travel and the flow of money and created exemptions to the trade embargo that allow American companies to sell products to private entities in Cuba in limited economic sectors, including agriculture.
But Congress has not moved to lift the trade embargo, with its myriad restrictions that include bans on extending credit to Cubans and doing business with the Cuban government, which owns many businesses in the country. Even without the embargo’s rules, there would be other cultural and economic challenges to manufacturing and selling a product in an impoverished nation that has been estranged from the U.S. for half a century.
Berenthal and Clemmons are basing their hopes on an updated version of the Allis-Chalmers Model G tractor that was introduced in the U.S. in 1948 and discontinued seven years later. The small, rear-engine tractor is simple to make (all the original patents have expired) and relatively inexpensive, retailing for the equivalent of about $8,000, Berenthal said.
They call it Oggun, after the spirit of metal work in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. They expect it will be coveted by the country’s 70,000 non-government farming coops and small independent farmers, who now rely on animals and aging Soviet tractors to plow their fields.
Initially, the Oggun’s parts would be made by a contractor in Mobile, Ala., and shipped to Cuba, where they’d be assembled. Cleber can’t buy steel parts in Cuba now because the government owns the steel industry, but Berenthal said they hope the U.S. will eventually drop that restriction.
You have to realize that if we want to sell them something, we better also give them the opportunity to make money so they can pay for what we’re trying to sell them. Now what we’re doing is to invest and help them make money. I believe that with the technology we’re providing them they’re going to be able to be more efficient and more productive on growing things.
Saul Berenthal
The Cuban government has signed off on the enterprise. It has agreed to let Cleber build a manufacturing plant in the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone, an industrial area for foreign companies adjacent to a massive new port west of Havana. Cleber applied for a license from the U.S. Treasury Department, which enforces the trade embargo, in late June, but is still awaiting a decision.
“They say they’re working on it,” Berenthal said. “Hopefully, ‘working on it’ means they’re looking for reasons to say yes, because if they wanted to say no they could have done that a long time ago.”
Cash on delivery
There are other challenges. Peter Daniel of the N.C. Farm Bureau says the ban on selling on credit will hurt any American enterprise hoping to do business in Cuba.
“Until Congress authorizes credit, we can’t run a credit card down there. So it’s cash on delivery,” Daniel said. “It’s got to be a really special item for them to buy from the United States when other countries are extending credit.”
Daniel was part of a group of about 28 state and private agricultural officials from North Carolina who visited Cuba in September. Their aim was to learn about Cuba and build relationships, so that North Carolina will be ready to do business when the embargo restrictions ease or disappear.
Daniel was part of another North Carolina delegation that visited Cuba in 2000. He says this time there was a greater sense of openness and freedom and more entrepreneurship, albeit with outward devotion to Fidel Castro, whose picture hangs on the walls of all the new private restaurants. On the waterfront of Havana, he says, still hangs a large, weathered banner with Castro’s picture and the Spanish words “Socialism or death.”
Daniel is confident businesses in the U.S., particularly in the Southeast, will one day engage in a healthy trade with Cuba when the embargo is lifted. For now, though, he says he’s not sure there’s a large market for an American tractor.
“I’m not sure if there’s a lot of extra cash in the system to be investing in equipment,” he said.
Berenthal is more optimistic. For starters, though Cuba’s small farmers must set aside a portion of their products for the government at set prices, they’re able to sell the rest to the growing number of high-end restaurants and resorts, making them a key supplier to the country’s important tourism industry. That makes them a good risk that should be able to get cash or credit through relatives or nonprofit organizations in the United States or loans from Cuban or European banks.
A long partnership
This is not the first joint venture for Berenthal, 71, and Clemmons, 72, who met at IBM about 45 years ago. Berenthal was visiting the Triangle from New York, working on a project at the company, when he needed to summon the weekend on-call tech support person. He wasn’t sure the company had sent the right person when in walked Clemmons wearing the overalls he put on to work in his yard.
From that inauspicious beginning began a friendship that eventually led to a business partnership. They left IBM in 1983 and established, built and sold three companies in succession that made software for the retail industry.
This is their first tractor. But Berenthal and Clemmons say they’ve got the background to make their venture work, Berenthal in Cuban language and culture and Clemmons in agriculture. He remembers plowing with mules on his grandfather’s farm in Alabama and now owns 2,800 acres in northern Alabama.
But more importantly, Clemmons says, is having a product that will help Cuba’s small farmers.
“We’ve built successful businesses by doing one thing: Listening to somebody’s problem and solving it,” he said. “We made money with the software, but we made sure that we were listening to our customers and doing what benefited them.”
Cleber hopes to sell 150 Ogguns the first year, building up to about 500 a year within five years, Berenthal said. Long-term goals include an electric model and exporting tractors from Cuba to other Latin American countries with similar small-farm economies.
Berenthal and Clemmons are very aware that they’re doing something no American company has done before. They hope others will follow.
“One of the most important things we believe about what we are doing is that we are setting a precedent,” Berenthal said. “If we can establish the framework under which the U.S., under the embargo, can give us a license to do what we want to do in Mariel, we have now created means for other companies in the U.S. to use that as a model to make other investments in Cuba.”
