Front Porch

yes, it is hot and dry.

The Charlotte Observer is reporting that the fall leaves will be shortlived this year without rain.

It is amazing, grass turns brown, and noxious weeds turn green. Several yards in Belmont have beautiful “lawns” (re:weeds have taken over).

This morning (8/15, at 8:15 AM), the weather is much cooler than the past few mornings (67 compared to high 70’s), but mother nature is not foolin’ us ! It is still forecasted to be up to 101 (record high temps) by this afternoon. The weekend is expected to be very hot as well. Every day in the low 100’s.

Tropical Storm Erin (TD-5, right now) is brewing in the Gulf and should probably bring rain to the Carolinas sometime late in the weekend or the beginning of next week.

We do need the water.

(Gazette Photo, Benjamin Patton)

Regardless of the Fire Marshall’s comments about the nature of the Mayworth School fire on Sunday, it still is a fire that neighbors feel was deliberately set. “I wouldn’t say suspicious,” Hendrix said. “It’s just under investigation.” Good, we hope that it is thoroughly investigated.

We are not saying as much, but there have been incidents where a tight housing construction market and downturns in buying lead to “ways out” of project commitments or ways to get returns on investment.

This is an example of one of the “good projects” that we were discussing last week in an article about growth on the east side of the county. The proposed housing for seniors, is a good step. Of course, if you could afford it.

We believe that anytime an empty “big box” is going to be reused for housing or other economic development activity, that would be a good thing. In this case, Cramerton has a stated goal of becoming a bedroom community to Charlotte. In many ways it already has become just that with the growth and build out on top of Cramer Mountain. 

This fire, while a set back in Cramerton’s plans, could earn the developer a few brownie points in this struggling community, if they come back with a solid commitment to proceed with the project.

The cynics herebouts just fold their arms and hrumpppf.  

If you are looking for money for your community project, there is a program called, My Hometown Helper sponsored by General Mills Corporation.

Currently, no projects have been submitted from either Belmont or Mt. Holly community groups.

With all the groups selling wrapping paper and candy bars, it seems that some would be interested in applying for funding. The grant requests can be up to $15,000.

Of course, the Gastonia Police Department submitted a request for fitness equipment. Go figure, they get free food at most restaurants and convenient stores, reduced rates at the area fitness clubs, and are allowed to drive with cell phones attached to their ears — and now they NEED fitness equipment.