My take: $2.5 billion is a lot of money but it appears resources will be spread across the district which is a good thing. Full disclosure: I am a parent whose daughter is embarking on her educational journey tomorrow at a CMS school. It’s her first day of kindergarten so I’m very invested in this working out. I’d also like to see our new Superintendent, Crystal Hill, succeed where many of her predecessors have failed. Education is the great equalizer and most of us probably want CMS to be successful in turning out graduates who are ready for the workforce and will ultimately be contributors to our society.
2. Our Latest Member Spotlight – Peter A. Pappas
You’ve probably noticed we just updated our Member Spotlight feature. And we’re proud to introduce you to Peter A. Pappas. Peter founded Pappas Properties in 1999, a firm noted for its distinctive mixed-use and master-planned communities such as Berewick Residential, Berewick Towner, Birkdale, Birkdale Village, Charlotte Cotton Mills, LandDesign Headquarters, Metropolitan, Phillips Place, and Sharon Square.
In 2013, Peter joined industry icon Ron Terwilliger in forming Terwilliger Pappas, a regional apartment development firm with over thirty-five communities in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. As CEO, Peter has overseen the expansion of the company’s development activities and built Terwilliger Pappas and its Solis communities into one of the most recognized multifamily brands in the Southeast.
A Charlotte native, Peter started his career with the Bissell Companies as Vice President of Marketing. During that time, Peter was involved in several high-profile projects, including relocating Michelins’ North American Headquarters to Greenville, South Carolina. He also served as President of Bissell’s land development subsidiary investment mortgage company, responsible for lot development in the prestigious Quail Hollow neighborhood. To read his entire BIO, click here: Peter A. Pappas Bio
Bonus: Eastland Has a New Direction, Sort Of
My Take: Due in large part to the leadership efforts of District 5 Council Member Marjorie Molina, and input from others, the Charlotte City Council last night voted unanimously to direct staff and developer representatives to move away from competing options and work together on a plan to merge all Eastland projects into one. The goal is to achieve greater economic viability while addressing the wants and needs of the community. We’ll see where this ends up in 45 days. Stay tuned.
Rob Nanfelt
Executive Director, REBIC