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The Barber-Scotia Community Task Force was founded in 2017 to help restore the campus after it fell into disrepair.

CONCORD, N.C. — The community task force implemented to revitalize Barber-Scotia College has been dissolved, Concord city officials announced Thursday.

In a statement, Concord City Council said the dissolution comes after Barber-Scotia College officials "refused to work in partnership with city officials and continuously obstructed the work of the Task Force."

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Barber-Scotia College was founded in January 1867 by Rev. Luke Dorland, who was commissioned by the Presbyterian Church, to establish an institution for the training of African-American women. The college lost its accreditation in 2004.

The Barber-Scotia Community Task Force was founded in 2017 to help restore the campus after it fell into disrepair with six of the 15 buildings currently deemed uninhabitable and another three with violations.

JC McKenzie, a Concord City Council member and former task force co-chair from 2018 until August 2022, said there were several issues that plagued the working relationship.

McKenzie said the task force tried to get an assessment of the college's buildings to see how structurally sound they were.

"At the last moment, I mean, literally minutes before I was going into a council meeting, to ask for that funding from council, I got a text, you won't be allowed on campus. And no other explanation," he said. "That was the final straw."

It’s been years since anyone has graduated from Barber-Scotia College with an accredited degree.

The once vibrant college, which produced the likes of civil rights icon Mary McLeod Bethune, now sits empty with no trespassing signs all around and buildings in disrepair.

"It's gone from being the bright spot of those surrounding communities to a detriment," McKenzie said.

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McKenzie said the city could make a drastic decision on the property.

"Declare it blighted, and through eminent domain taken," he said. "That's a tough word to say, and counsel did not want to make that decision. We need the community, the surrounding community, to help us make that decision."

McKenzie said he wouldn't support this decision unless he knew the community was behind it.

"If leadership were to re-engage with us and re-engage, honestly, that we're still open to that we're not turning our back on this property in the middle, or this campus or this school," McKenzie said. "We just haven't had any cooperation of the new leadership."

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Here's Concord City Council's full statement regarding the dissolution:

"Six years ago, City Council established the Barber-Scotia Community Task Force with the genuine hope that working collaboratively with college leadership, alumni, and the community, we could identify and implement a viable revitalization plan for the college. It was our hope then, and continues to be our desire today, to see the campus restored to its former place of prominence as a premiere center of learning, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community.

Barber-Scotia College, located downtown in the heart of our city, has for generations been a vital part of our history, source of pride, and a beacon of hope. Regrettably, in the nearly 20 years since the college lost its accreditation, the campus has fallen into disrepair with six of the 15 buildings currently deemed uninhabitable and another three with violations. It has been years since students lived and studied on campus, and 18 years since the last degree was awarded by the school.

City Council created the Task Force to work in partnership with Barber-Scotia’s leadership to address these significant challenges and identify a path forward that preserves the college’s iconic buildings and honors its legacy as a historically black college. We signed a formal Statement of Collaboration with the college, and hired expert outside consultants to advise the Task Force and help guide their collaborative work. Task Force members held countless meetings and we provided substantial resources to support their work, including an extensive community survey. These efforts and more generated new ideas and possibilities to reinvigorate the campus. Unfortunately, all of them were met with resistance by college officials, and often times met with no response at all. We also offered financing for a comprehensive engineering and construction study on all of the campus buildings to understand renovation and repair costs so the college could develop a rehab plan and raise necessary funding. College officials cancelled the study at the last minute without explanation.

For any task force to be successful it takes a shared commitment and true collaboration. As Members of City Council, we have earnestly tried to engage Barber-Scotia College officials, and have been transparent and genuine in our support of the college and the work of the Task Force. Despite our efforts and financial commitment, Barber-Scotia College officials refuse to work in partnership with us, and have continuously obstructed the work of the Task Force. We no longer believe it is possible for the Task Force to work effectively in pursuit of a revitalized campus. For this reason, we have decided to formally dissolve the Barber-Scotia Community Task Force.

It is our sincere hope that one day we may still see a vibrant, restored campus buzzing with activity and thriving with renewed energy and purpose. Our city is growing and it is our deep desire for the college to grow with us. Even as we close this chapter and disband the Task Force, we hold onto hope that Barber-Scotia College’s legacy will not whither and the college will continue to inspire generations to come."

WCNC Charlotte has reached out to Barber-Scotia College for comment regarding the dissolution.

Two popular, low-priced retailers are expanding in the U.S., including with stores in the Charlotte area.

European retailer Primark will make its North Carolina debut opening at entrance 2 at Concord Mills, according to the mall’s website. The store sells women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, as well as lingerie, beauty and homeware at low prices.

And Australian retailers Cotton:On also is expanding with plans to open at entrance 6 at the mall. The store sells affordably-priced men’s and women’s apparel and accessories.

Both retailers’ prices compete with other budget-friendly retailers like H&M, Walmart, Target and Old Navy.

Concord Mills website lists both as “coming soon.”

Officials with Primark, Cotton: On and mall property owner Simon did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.

The Dublin-based retailer opened its first U.S. store in 2015 in Boston with expansion plans. That store is 77,000-square-foot store and four floors with 84 fittings rooms and a phone charging station with free WiFi, Fashion Network reported.

Primark has 16 stores in the U.S. and will reach 60 stores by the end of 2026, according to the company’s website. The Concord Mills store will be its first in the Carolinas.

Women’s jeans are priced $16 to $22 and dresses $11 to 25, while men’s jeans are $18 to $28 and men’s shirts are $14 to $28, according to Primark’s website.

Primark, with stores mostly in the Northeast U.S., plans a Southern expansion in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina and Texas, according to the Wall Street Journal. Primark also relies only on physical stores, mostly in malls, because it does not have online sales. However, customers can view items online and check whether they’re available at local stores.

Founded in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark has over 400 stores and 72,000 employees in 15 countries with plans to make it 16 this year opening in Slovakia.

The Concord store is hiring for full-time positions including human resources and department manager.

There are 500 Cotton: On stores with over 5,500 employees, according to Concord Mill’s website. Cotton: On opened its first store in 1991 in Geelong, Australia.

Cotton On Group has eight brands with 1,500 stores in 22 countries and employees over 20,000 people, according to the company. Among it’s other brands are Cotton On Body, underwear; Typo, stationery; and Rubi, women’s footwear.

There are 194 stores in the U.S., including Cotton: On Kids which opened in July at Carolina Place mall in Pineville. It’s the first store in the Carolinas for the company.

Cotton: On has been rapidly expanding across the U.S. since opening its U.S. headquarters in Glendale, California, in 2017.

The stores sell trendy clothes to women, men, and children for low prices. Two-thirds of the merchandise at Cotton: On is priced under $25, the Los Angeles Times noted.

The company plans to open thousands of stores over the next five years, according to the mall’s website. Cotton: On’s popularity has been growing across the U.S., BuzzFeed reported last summer.

Other new stores and venues that have opened this year or plan to open at Concord Mills include:

▪ Gilly Hicks, part of Hollister Co., will open at entrance 2, and is listed as “coming soon” on the mall’s website. The store carries undergarments, swimwear, loungewear and sleepwear. The store is hiring for full-time cashiers and assistant managers.

▪ The Escape Game, now open at entrance 1, featuring five themed escape rooms.

▪ Alex Baby & Toy, now open at entrance 5, with brands including G.I. Joe, Masters of the Universe, Lego, Marvel and Star Wars.

▪ Splash, at entrance 6 between Old Navy and Burlington, sells plant-based, homemade cosmetics, including bath soaps, body butters, scrubs, candles and hair products.

Concord Mills at 8111 Concord Mills Blvd. has 184 stores, according to the mall’s website.

Concord, North Carolina offers visitors a variety of options when it comes to eating, drinking, and shopping. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a full meal, a refreshing drink or a night out, or some retail therapy, you'll find plenty of options in this bustling city.

Eating in Concord

Concord offers a wide range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining. For a quick and affordable meal, you might try a local favorite like Cook Out, which serves up burgers, hot dogs, and shakes in a retro-style setting. If you're looking for a more upscale experience, check out Gianni's Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that specializes in homemade pasta and fresh seafood.

Other notable restaurants in Concord include The Smoke Pit, a barbecue joint with a cult following, and Cabo's Mexican Restaurant, which serves up classic Mexican dishes like fajitas and enchiladas. For something a little different, head to the Union Street Bistro, a cozy restaurant with an eclectic menu that features dishes like duck confit, lobster ravioli, and crispy Brussels sprouts.

Drinking in Concord

Concord's craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with several local breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. One of the most popular breweries in town is Cabarrus Brewing Company, which serves up a variety of beers in a family-friendly atmosphere. Other breweries worth checking out include Red Hill Brewing Company, High Branch Brewing Co., and Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company.

If beer isn't your thing, don't worry - Concord has plenty of other options for a night out. The Wine Room at Afton Village offers a wide selection of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as small plates to share. For a classic cocktail, head to 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap, which offers a variety of craft cocktails and a menu of Southern-inspired dishes.

Shopping in Concord

Concord offers a variety of shopping destinations, from big-box retailers to local boutiques. One of the most popular shopping destinations in town is the Concord Mills Mall, which features over 200 stores and restaurants. You'll find everything from department stores like Macy's and JCPenney to specialty shops like Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Disney Store.

If you're looking for something a little more unique, head to Historic Downtown Concord. This charming district features a variety of local boutiques, gift shops, and art galleries, as well as restaurants and cafes. You might also check out the Concord Farmers Market, which offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors.

Conclusion

Whether you're a foodie, a beer lover, a shopaholic, or just looking for a fun night out, Concord has something for everyone. With a variety of dining options, craft breweries, and shopping destinations, this city is sure to please visitors of all ages and interests. So next time you're in the area, be sure to check out all that Concord has to offer!

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CONCORD, N.C. — A Facebook post is getting attention after a woman claims she took her grandmother to breakfast at K&W Cafeteria in Concord and saw cockroaches inside the buffet window.

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Shawntae Maxwell took her 91-year-old grandmother to K&W Cafeteria to celebrate Mother’s Day.

“Before I knew it, there were multiple live cockroaches moving around,” Maxwell said.

She said cockroaches were inside the service line window.

“I saw roaches and my first instinct is, ‘We have to get my 91-year-old grandmother out of there because her health and safety comes first,’” Maxwell said.

Channel 9 sent the post to the Cabarrus Health Alliance. Officials there said they were aware of it, and environmental health staff members are following up.

The agency inspected the restaurant Tuesday.

A report from that inspection notes: “Dead cockroaches were FOUND next to clean dishes, underneath equipment on the service line, next to the service trays and behind picture frames AND Live cockroaches were FOUND underneath equipment on the cook line and the prep kitchen AS WELL AS crawling into ceilings and coming out of power outlet holes AND equipment openings, gaskets and on the clean dish shelves.”

The cafeteria will be bug-bombed Wednesday night, according to the inspection report.

The inspection score was 87, the lowest out of the last three visits. Those inspections also pointed out there were cockroaches.

Channel 9 asked the Cabarrus Health Alliance what it takes to shut a restaurant down.

“An imminent hazard (something that would cause death or serious physical harm), such as an unsafe water source, or a lack of adequate refrigeration, a violation of conditions of the permit, or a score below a 70,” officials said.

Despite the cockroaches, the restaurant’s scores were well over 70 in the last three inspections.

However, the presence of insects isn’t that serious of a violation.

Cabarrus Health Alliance said, “If pest presence is found, it is a violation, and one or two points will be deducted depending on the severity of the problem and if it is a repeat violation.”

Maxwell said she was shocked.

“It is very eye-opening for sure,” she said. “I thought that pests and rodents would be something that would cause a restaurant to, at least, close temporarily until they get the situation under control.”

The Cabarrus Health Alliance said that in general, they are seeing lower scores and environmental health staff are spending more time during inspections. They are also seeing a staffing shortage and a lot of turnovers in kitchen staff.

Resident Wrenn Green, who was at the shopping plaza Tuesday, said she would be very upset if that happened to her.

She said she has seen the posts and won’t return to the restaurant.

“And then the pictures, it’s just like roaches everywhere in the food. On the plates. On the floor, alive. Not dead. Alive,” she said.

Bill Marler, who is a food safety lawyer and advocate, said bugs, mice, and rats carry pathogens, which can make humans sick or kill them.

Pests can find their way into some of the nicest restaurants but they must be taken care of immediately, he said.

“That’s not only on the responsibility of the restaurant, but frankly, it’s the responsibility of the health department to do something about it,” Marler said. “And that may wind up being shutting the facility down until they, you know, get their act together.”

Q&A with Cabarrus Health Alliance:

Is the health department seeing any trends in inspections? In general, we are seeing lower scores and, environmental health staff are spending more time during inspections because of the education we provide about these violations and so that we can obtain corrective action of priority and priority foundation violations during the visit.

What would it take to shut down a restaurant? What happens if roaches are founded? An imminent hazard (something that would cause death or serious physical harm) such as an unsafe water source, or a lack of adequate refrigeration, a violation of conditions of the permit or a score below a 70.

If pest presence is found, it is a violation and 1 or 2 points will be deducted depending on the severity of the problem and if it is a repeat violation. If food or equipment is being contaminated, then those violations will be documented and points will be deducted as appropriate. Any contaminated food will be discarded.

Are you seeing a shortage of workers? Does that contribute to poor sanitization? In general, we are seeing a staffing shortage and a lot of turnover in kitchen staff.

It is possible that a shortage of staff can lead to gaps in sanitation; however, our staff work diligently to educate the person in charge the importance of being in compliance with rules.

Live roach found in vanilla crepe filling at Denny’s in north Charlotte, inspection report says

Live roach found in vanilla crepe filling at Denny’s in north Charlotte, inspection report says

CONCORD, N.C. — Concord city leaders were scheduled to discuss a proposed ordinance that would allow tiny homes in city limits to address the growing need for affordable housing.

The discussion was tabled for now, but city officials said they have received an increasing number of inquiries from developers about smaller homes on smaller lots in areas that currently have single-family homes.

The current proposal includes two levels of smaller homes — tiny homes and larger "cottage homes" — that are still smaller than conventional single-family houses. Concord City Council said the ordinance has been reviewed by an architect who has experience building tiny homes.

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In addition to allowing tiny homes, the proposed ordinance would include a slight tweak to multifamily design standards to ensure that spacing between buildings is consistent across all building types, such as townhomes and apartments.

This comes as Concord continues to grow and become an attraction for quality of life.

“There’s a lot of demand here, but there’s low stock in housing, so affordability is definitely an issue," WeBuild Concord CEO Patrick Graham said.

Affordability is an issue WeBuild Concord is trying to help fix. For example, the company recently bought a historic church on Kerr Street. It will become 15 affordable housing units and a workplace for entrepreneurs and artists.

It's part of their mission to connect people to upward mobility.

“When we talk about affordability it's not just about the price of a home, it’s about your access to economic development, your jobs and your proximity to it," Graham said.

Concord wouldn't be the first Charlotte-area city to allow tiny homes. Gaston County officials made a zoning change in February 2022 that created an opportunity for tiny home communities.

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"We wanted to be proactive instead of reactive," Brian Sciba, the director of planning and development services for Gaston County, said.

Sciba said the county hoped tiny homes would create more affordable housing and create new opportunities for homeless veterans and children aging out of foster care who have nowhere to go. Purple Heart Homes, a North Carolina nonprofit that helps veterans with housing and employment, built two tiny homes for veterans in Statesville last February.

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Meanwhile, Graham says there is a downside to tiny homes, he sees them more as transitional housing, instead of a permanent home.

“Those in need of affordable housing, very greatly, most of them actually work, and most of them are about a size of three family members, so when you talk about tiny homes you have to consider some of those factors," Graham said.

Council did not say when they might bring up the tiny home discussion again.

Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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