Latest news with #EdDriggs
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte City Council considering $25 million for NASCAR Hall of Fame improvements
Charlotte City Council is considering spending $25 million to upgrade the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is the first major renovation project for the city-owned facility since its opening in 2010. 'We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,' Executive Director Winston Kelley said. 'But nothing on this level of magnitude.' A significant portion of the Hall of Fame would see changes under the proposal. A new education space would go where the current gift shop is located. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has served more than 21,000 students since its opening. It welcomes many field trips each year. An event space would take the space currently occupied by the café. The café would relocate to the Legends Room. A new gear shop will replace the former studio space. ASLO READ: Rockingham Speedway up for sale after NASCAR return The city of Charlotte has a dedicated fund for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The fund can only be used on projects for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Crown Ballroom and the Hall of Fame and Convention Center's parking deck. The fund is paid for by a 2% tax added on to hotel bills. Last year, more than 201,000 people visited the Hall of Fame. That's the second-highest attendance since opening in 2010. Charlotte City Councilmember Ed Driggs asked for more information about the Hall's finances but generally leaders are in favor of the improvements. Like the Spectrum Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a city asset that they are required to maintain. RELATED: Prime Video's first NASCAR race averages 2.72 million viewers, younger audience The Hall of Fame was projected to bring in 800,000 visitors for its first year. It has never hit that figure. Despite the attendance, Councilman James Mitchell says the Hall of Fame has been a success. He was a city leader as Charlotte recruited the facility. 'This has been good for tourism,' he said. 'This has been good for our brand.' The CRVA says the NASCAR Hall of Fame has an annual economic impact of $74 million. Charlotte City Council will consider the project again in the late summer. (WATCH BELOW: NASCAR drivers to honor fallen heroes in yearly Memorial Day tradition)
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Charlotte City Council starts search for vacant District 6 seat
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously Monday to start the search and selection process for the vacant District 6 seat, which encompasses several neighborhoods in southeast Charlotte. The council wants to have a new member sworn in by June 2. In March, Tariq Bokhari announced he'd be leaving the seat to accept a role in the Federal Transit Administration. Because of that move, the council of 12 is down to 11 members. Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari resigning for federal transit position Ed Driggs, the only remaining Republican, stressed the importance of filling the seat quickly during Monday's meeting, 'The sooner we get a D6 rep on board to participate in the remainder of the budget process, the better that would be for the people of that district.' Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari holds final town hall before resigning for position with Trump administration Applicants will be asked about why they want to serve on the council and what they hope to accomplish for their constituents. They must be a resident of the sixth district, be 21 years or older, be registered to vote, and be registered as a Republican – the same party as Bokhari. The application will open Wednesday, April 30, and it will stay open for two weeks. Qualified candidates will go before a public forum, and the appointment is expected to be announced on May 19. The new member's first meeting would be on June 2. The appointment will only be temporary, as residents in District 6 will have their chance to choose their representative during municipal elections set for this coming November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
