### April 15, 2004 ###

 

 

As the temperatures warm and the days begin to lengthen many homeowners take to their properties, hammer in hand, ready to make improvements. If you are among the home improvement enthusiasts, keep in mind that, generally, citizens are prohibited from building or installing objects on public rights-of-way (ROW). This practice, however, is allowed on a case-by-case basis, provided proper procedures are followed.

 

Approval from the Charlotte Department of Transportation (for City-maintained streets) or the NC Department of Transportation (state-maintained streets) is required to ensure that there is no adverse impact to public safety or future roadway construction needs. Additionally, all items must conform to the City's zoning, sign and other applicable ordinances.

 

If the construction or installation of items within the ROW of a City street is allowed, an Encroachment Agreement is necessary. An Encroachment Agreement is a legal document that defines the responsibilities for installation, liability and maintenance. The Encroachment Agreement is not a building permit; the holder of the Agreement is responsible for securing all necessary construction/building permits. Items that generally require an Encroachment Agreement include:

 

 

The application fee for this process is $825.

 

For additional information about building with the right-of way and obtaining Encroachment Agreement forms, contact Linda Poissant at 704-336-2562 or lpoissant@ci.charlotte.nc.us or Shane Helms at 704-336-6713 or shelms@ci.charlotte.nc.us. 

 

The Adopt a City Street program is seeking participants.  The program is aimed at keeping Charlotte's streets free of litter and debris.
 
Individuals as well as businesses and civic organizations can adopt sections of City streets. The contract lasts for one year, during which the group agrees to collect litter and remove illegally posted signs at least six times. In recognition of these efforts, signs will be posted at the beginning and end of the adopted street recognizing the street's "adopted owners."
 
The Adopt a City Street program is managed by Keep Charlotte Beautiful, one of the nation's first Keep America Beautiful affiliates.  The group's goal is to improve and maintain the cleanliness of the City and to enhance the quality of life for all of Charlotte's citizens. 

 

To find out more about Keep Charlotte Beautiful or to complete an application for the Adopt a City Street program, please call 704.336.6399 or visit kcb.charmeck.org.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment provided by Wells Fargo Band, direct from Krefeld, Germany

 

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and City Manager Willie Esser of Krefeld, Germany, will officially open the festival at 6 pm. Many raffle prizes will be awarded, including the Grand Prize: two business class tickets to Germany (courtesy of Lufthansa Airlines).

 

For more information, contact Charlotte Sister Cities at 704-333-3399 or visit www.CharlotteMaifest.org.

 

 

 

The Burnette Nobles Golf Tournament is held in honor of slain Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers John Burnette and Andy Nobles. The tournament format is captain's choice with two shotgun starts at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm. Proceeds from this tournament help provide programs and activities for disadvantaged youths and senior citizens, Christmas projects, camp scholarships, community policing projects, college scholarships for disadvantaged youths and youth sports activities.

 

There are still slots available for teams in the afternoon shotgun. The entry fee is $220 per team. Entry forms and information can be found on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department homepage at www.cmpd.org. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 30. There also will be a barbecue that is open to the public. BBQ plates are $6 and will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to come out, enjoy some BBQ and participate in a raffle and silent auction.

 

Volunteers are needed for Sun., May 2, and Mon., May 3. To volunteer, contact Capt. Michelle Hummel at MHummel@cmpd.org 

 

For sponsorship or registration questions, contact Sgt. Allan Rutledge at 704-432-1525 or ARutledge@cmpd.org

 

 

 

The High School Police Academy is a one-week, hands-on course for high school students. It is designed for young people interested in a career in law enforcement, or students who would like to find out more about the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

 

Qualifications:

 

Topics to be covered include: the history and mission of the CMPD, community oriented policing, traffic offenses, drivers license, the Fourth Amendment, curfew laws, juvenile crimes, gangs, the responsibilities and benefits of wearing a badge, computer technology, report writing, crime scene, traffic stops, problem solving, F.A.T.S. (Firearms Training Simulator) and building searches.

 

Transportation to and from the academy will be the responsibility of the student.
Students must bring lunch with them each day.

 

For further information or to request an application, contact Officer Tom Barry at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy at 704-432-1637 or by e-mail at tbarry@cmpd.org. Deadline to register is the end of May.