Charlotte, NC

Back-in-the-day, when I was just a kid hangin’ out at McCoy’s Gulf Station in Pineville, I heard out-of-towners call it Mayberry South, the Sleepiest Town In North Carolina — why, they even relocated us; due to our proximity to the state line, they’d even refer to us as Pineville, S. C. (hmph … they should be so blessed!)
Recently, though, there’s been a lot of talk about what to do with the historic downtown district of Pineville. Some, it seems, want the old buildings razed, while others want major renovations. But most (God love ‘em!) want to keep the stretch, from Polk St. to the railroad tracks, as it is — and with the same quaintness and ambience it’s had for over eighty years.
Now, I just heard from Mayor George Fowler, who’s not only a good friend of the Relic’s but also one of the best town fathers to come down the pike in years. Though the vote (according to Councilman Ken Mills) was re-slated for review in November, the Mayor says (and I quote from his email) “The action on the historic designation on the Yandell property downtown was delayed pending further plans to be presented by the Yandell group.”
My own opinion?? Well, it’s hard not to be biased when you’re brought up in the warm, small-town, easy-living atmosphere that these buildings convey. But, upon closer observation, you’ll find that Pineville’s downtown area has actually attracted more business by virtue of that atmosphere. Also, you’ve gotta realize that tearing down these landmarks to build the “modern” stuff can only mean blocking Main Street indefinitely — which will cause the town’s revenue to take a nose-dive (not to mention that of existing businesses!).
The introduction of cold “concrete and steel” structures will signal the end of personalization — a standard that Pineville’s carried for well over a century! In short, we become “just another place”. Besides, the cost of renovating existing structures will be less than razing, clearing, licensing, new construction, publicizing, etc.
Of course, the people who’ve loved Pineville’s present layout … the taxpayers who’ve supported the town for years … will be tremendously disappointed.
One more thing (and, remember: The Relic’s been all over this country and Canada since my first appearance in town 57 years ago!): If they let new suits have their way, “buy it out” and rebuild to their specs, it won’t be long before they try to oust hometowners from boards, councils, or mayorships. Trust me (I’ve seen it more times than I care to mention!) Power over one situation leads to a thirst for MORE power!
And we can’t let that happen …