Cornelius officials say the N.C. 115/Catawba Avenue intersection in downtown Cornelius will remain closed through Saturday as utility work continues. The intersection was supposed to reopen Thursday. The closing means detours will remain in place through Saturday.

By ALEX GREGOR
DavidsonNews.net

CORNELIUS - A citizen task force formed to investigate claims of high water bills and poor service from Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities (CMU) says the utility needs to change its tiered billing structure and improve customer service to rebuild “public trust.” The task force presented findings of a two-month study about the utility at a public meeting Monday night at Cornelius Town Hall.

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Updated Monday, March 15, 2010, 8:04 a.m.
A task force looking into complaints of high water bills in north Mecklenburg will discuss a wide-ranging final report Monday that is critical of water provider Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities. The task force says CMU failed to comprehensively address problems with water meter radio transmitters, has long operated on a “questionable” business model, and is contemplating future capital projects that could mean more rate hikes for existing customers.

The Water Solution Task Force will present its findings to citizens at a meeting Monday, March 15, at 5 p.m. in the community hall at Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave. Read the full story

View from atop Cornelius Town Hall shows the intersection of N.C. 115 and Catawba Avenue (foreground). That's the Antiquity development at upper left. (Doug Barrick photo)

Map shows detours for N.C. 115 and Catawba Avenue. Click to enlarge. Download a PDF below.

The new entrance to the Antiquity Cornelius development in downtown Cornelius is expected to open in late April, but utility work beginning next week means the existing intersection will have to close before it can open fully. N.C. 115 will be closed at Catawba Avenue Tuesday, March 16, through Thursday, March 25.

RELATED STORY: “NCDOT to repave Concord and East Rocky River roads.”

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The state Department of Transportation plans to resurface two of the town’s main east-west roads this spring. New pavement is planned for Concord Road from Main Street to the new roundabout at East Rocky River Road, and East Rocky River Road from the roundabout east to the Cabarrus County line. Read the full story

Davidson will hire a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., again this year to push for federal funding for the North Commuter Rail Line and town needs, including a parking deck downtown.
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Davidson’s Public Works Department has begun its annual tree pruning program, this year targeting neighborhoods west of Main Street. The program targets street-facing trees. In announcement Monday, the town said the goal is to “correct structural defects, ensure the long term health of the tree, and clear growth to permit the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles.” Read the full story