For a long time, residents have been asking for the same things: real planning, transparency, and results—not just talk.
At the March 24th meeting, it was clear that Waxhaw is turning the corner. This Board is listening more closely, asking tougher questions, and focusing on delivering the kind of progress our town has been waiting for.
Annual Retreat Review
The meeting opened with a review of the Board’s annual retreat, where priorities were set for the year ahead. These weren’t disconnected ideas—they were directly aligned with what residents have been saying for years: growth needs to be managed, infrastructure needs to catch up, and the Town must remain financially responsible. Just as important, there is now clear alignment between the Board and staff.
Financial Update
That same mindset showed up in the financial update presented by Town Manager Scott Dadson, whose expertise we can all be grateful for. The Town is in a stable position, with revenues tracking close to expectations and spending remaining disciplined across departments. At the same time, the Board is not ignoring warning signs. A slight drop in sales tax revenue and delays in state payments are being watched closely.
Transportation
Regarding transportation, people have long heard about road projects that always seemed to be “coming soon.” This time, we reviewed a detailed Gantt chart that shows exactly where each project stands and when it is expected to be completed. Kudos to our staff for this excellent work.
This chart tells the story clearly: projects are funded, scheduled, and moving into construction. Over the next few months, many of these projects will break ground. That means some short-term inconvenience, but it also means Waxhaw will get some desperately needed traffic improvements.
Downtown
Downtown Waxhaw was another major focus, and here again, the tone has changed. When discussing the sale of town-owned property, the Board made it clear that this isn’t just about getting the highest price—it’s about getting the right outcome. By using a Request for Proposals process, the Town can shape what gets built and ensure it fits the character and long-term vision of our community.
That same practical approach showed up in the Howie Mine parking discussion. Instead of overcomplicating the project, staff presented a straightforward plan to increase parking while saving money by using in-house resources. It’s a simple idea, but it reflects a broader shift toward efficiency and common-sense decision-making.
Christmas Event Returns to Downtown
One of the clearest examples of the Board listening to residents came with the Christmas Event. The message from the community and local businesses was consistent: bring it back downtown. And that’s exactly what the Board agreed to do. This isn’t just about moving an event—it’s about supporting small businesses, creating energy in our downtown, and restoring something that people felt had been lost.
Skate Park
We also took a hard look at the skate park, which serves families from across the region. Rather than continuing to patch the problem year after year, the Board leaned toward a more durable, long-term fix. At the same time, we discussed the idea of adding a mini ramp near the downtown park, which could help separate younger and older users and improve safety overall. It’s a practical concept that could make the space more usable for everyone while complementing the existing facility.
Water Safety
Finally, the Board addressed the issue of water fluoridation. After reviewing the information and discussing the broader implications, the Board agreed to take action by sending resolutions to both North Carolina and South Carolina officials. Importantly, this includes the Governor of South Carolina, who directly appoints the members of the Lancaster Water Board that controls Waxhaw’s water source. If decisions are being made that affect Waxhaw residents, then Waxhaw’s voice needs to be heard by the people making those decisions.
So what does all of this mean?
- The Board is listening—and responding—to resident concerns
- Transportation projects are moving forward
- Financial decisions are being handled with discipline and foresight
- Downtown is being treated as a long-term asset, not a short-term transaction
- Community traditions and local businesses are being prioritized
This wasn’t just another meeting. It was a sign of momentum—and a reminder that when leadership is aligned and focused, progress follows.
Waxhaw still has work to do. But for the first time in a while, it’s clear that we are not just talking about the future—we’re building it.
We hope to see you at the next regular Board meeting on April 14th at 6:30 PM.