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Essay: A local novelist says Charlotte has been good to him, but after 68 years, it’s time to move on
EC Griffith Field on Randolph Road, where Wade played and coached Little League baseball. (Photo courtesy of Landis Wade)
by Landis Wade
Dear Charlotte:
We’ve had a good run for 68 years, but I am moving to a new city.
Who needs majestic trees and lovely neighborhoods anyway? Or a can-do spirit? Or sports teams that excite and frustrate? Or a favorite bookstore? Or lifelong friends?
Look at it this way. You, more than any city, should understand my decision. You’ve never seen a building you didn’t want to demolish or a challenge you didn’t want to tackle. You raised me, and in many ways, I am you — moving past the past to make room for the future.
I see that questioning look in your ever-broadening skyline. You’re the Queen. You are the New South city. You have everything, even a short ride to the mountains and beach.
OK, here’s the deal, Charlotte. You’re missing one important thing, and frankly, it’s become a deal-breaker. I have a grandchild who does not live where you live.
I see that smirk. You don’t get it. You’re Charlotte, after all, and I understand your mindset. People want to move to you, not away from you. To be a part of you, to grow with you, and to fix you, to make you even better. It’s who you are. I’d be offended if you thought otherwise.
He calls me Grandis, by the way. He giggles when we play. He brings me joy. I don’t mind when he says, “You are old, Grandis.” I just tickle him, he laughs, and we thumb wrestle.
Don’t misunderstand, Charlotte. I am grateful for your kindness. You nurtured me through childhood, marriage, fatherhood and a career. As a child, you let me play outside after dark and made it easy to ride my bike from one side of you to the other without getting hit by a car. You taught me how to swim and play sports. You educated me in your public schools. After college and law school, you lured me back during your 1980s growth spurt to start a career. And in my 60s, you taught me how to write novels set in your backyard that explore your history.
But this is home, you argue — too much to walk away from.
It is true, Charlotte. You are comfortable, like a favorite hat. Around your every corner is a fond memory.
I will miss driving your streets that can change names four times without changing lanes. To your sporting venues where I cheered and had fun even when you lost. Past your trim Little League fields where I played and coached. Past your green parks, your yummy restaurants, and your sporting and electronics stores.
I will miss your lofty tree canopies and your blankets of shade. I will miss your bike trails my rescue dogs loved. I will miss the neighbors.
Thomas Wolfe said you can’t go home again, but I have friends with extra bedrooms, I can keep tabs on you through The Charlotte Ledger and I have the ability to time travel in my head.
I can remember when I walked to elementary school through a forest long-since cleared in the name of progress. I can recall the modest apartment I could barely afford as a young newlywed. I can see my life in the houses where my children were raised. And I can feel the butterflies on the first day of my first real job headquartered in your downtown, long before you were uptown.
The truth is, even if I stayed, I can never return to the way you were. I can never again sit in the stands to watch my children play ball on your quiet summer evenings. I can’t reverse the clock, nor make time stand still, nor live in two places at once.
Even so, when I turn in the keys and hit the road this month, I will shed a tear for you, Charlotte. You hugged me tight through life’s changes, and in your broad-shouldered way, you gave me the courage to lean into what’s next.
It’s time to fly the nest, dear Queen.
Time to spend time where time matters most.
Time to practice my thumb wrestling.
Sincerely, your devoted son.
Wade and his grandson walking across the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain. (Photo courtesy of Landis Wade)
Landis Wade is a recovering Charlotte trial lawyer and award-winning mystery and thriller novelist. You can learn more about Landis and his novels at www.landiswade.com.
Today’s Charlotte Ledger is sponsored by Atrium Health Levine Children’s. Since 2007, Atrium Health Levine Children’s has led the Carolinas in children’s care – helping reimagine the future of pediatrics nationwide.
This week in Charlotte: Data center moratorium extension possible; Blumenthal CEO retires; Big office tower for SouthPark; Library names new leader; Freedom Park pond dredging complete
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Education
Federal suit over shared restrooms: (Press Release) Three female students at Cox Mill High School in Concord have filed a federal lawsuit against Cabarrus County Schools, alleging that the district allowed “biological males to access and use female restrooms, locker rooms, and changing room facilities.”
CMS board receives update on superintendent probe: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education met in a mostly closed session on Thursday evening and received an update on the independent review involving Superintendent Crystal Hill, but the board did not take any action, and the review remains ongoing, according to a statement by board chair Stephanie Sneed. A special board retreat meeting is scheduled for today, followed by its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Politics
Council holds firm against I-77 toll lanes: (WFAE) Charlotte City Council members showed little interest in reversing their opposition despite a state mandate that could cost the city roughly $60M if it rejects the project. Several members instead called for legal action, untolled alternatives and more evidence that the $4.3B plan would ease congestion.
Edwards exits congressional race: (NC Local) U.S. Rep Chuck Edwards will not seek reelection following a House Ethics Committee recommendation that he be censured over inappropriate conduct toward staffers. Republican Party officials in the 11th District will choose a replacement nominee, who could also receive funds remaining in Edwards’ campaign account.
Stein vows veto of election bill: (WUNC) Gov. Josh Stein says he will veto legislation that would shorten early voting in North Carolina primaries from 17 days to 10 and expand post-election audits.
Local news
Sidewalk assault in Dilworth: (Observer) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested a 32-year-old man after he allegedly recorded himself randomly punching a woman unconscious on a Dilworth sidewalk near Paper Skyscraper. Authorities say videos posted to what appears to be the suspect's social media account documented the assault and other alleged incidents in which he appeared to harass or attack strangers.
Data center moratorium extension possible: (Ledger) Charlotte officials say a 150-day moratorium on new data centers remains on track through Nov. 5, though an extension is still possible as the city studies limited regulatory options and gathers community input on future policies.
Blumenthal Arts leader plans retirement: (Press Release) President and CEO Tom Gabbard will retire by the end of 2027 after more than two decades leading the organization’s expansion.
Library appoints new CEO: (Press Release) Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has named Angie Myers its new CEO after she served in the role on an interim basis since May 2025.
Freedom Park pond work wraps up: (Park and Rec) Dredging is complete, but fencing will remain for several weeks while new sod takes root. The pond island also remains closed, with repairs to its damaged stone wall expected to begin in mid-August.
Business
Big office tower for SouthPark: (Ledger Breaking News) Hines is proposing a mixed-use development on the current Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen site, featuring a 19-story office tower, 302 apartments and about 50,000 sq. ft. of retail. Construction timing remains uncertain, with the office portion dependent on securing enough tenants before work begins.
New CEO for Canopy MLS: (Ledger on LinkedIn) Charlotte-based Canopy MLS, the nation's 17th-largest multiple listing service, has named longtime executive and Chief Technology Officer Steve Byrd as CEO effective Aug. 1, succeeding AnneMarie DeCatsye, who will retire at the end of 2026.
Sports
Event organizers trim city request: (Charlotte Business Journal, subscriber-only) Organizers of the 2027 Military World Games are seeking a combined $16.5M from Charlotte, including up to $12M in services such as event planning and traffic management.
ASÉ Wrestling spotlights Black performers: (Queen City Metro) Charlotte native Darius Lockhart founded the all-Black promotion to give wrestlers room to develop authentic characters beyond industry stereotypes.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
Play ball — but where? Plus: Charlotte breweries fight potential ban on THC seltzers; Homes are sitting on the market longer; 3 Ledger writers win awards; 'Fight is only beginning' to stop Morrison Y sale; New Canopy MLS CEO
Wednesday (🔒)
How hot dogs took over Charlotte. Plus: E-bikes vex Charlotteans; Toppman reviews 'Brick Masters Studio'; Data center moratorium extension possible; Podcast with local legal leader; Bojangles biscuit bakeoff; SouthPark office tower; CEO moves at Library, Blumenthal
Friday (🔒)
Senior centers build community amid funding pressures. Plus: Ledger reader survey; Medic response times; Where big office blocks are left; Skate park boom; School board gets update on superintendent; New Brooklyn Village plans; Alt newspaper cedes print publication; Pond dredging done
A Brick Master class: The LEGO exhibition runs through Sept. 7 at Discovery Place, 220 W. Sixth St.
Analyzing Charlotte’s biggest office vacancies. Plus: The Pearl residential tower; City weighs AC requirement for housing units; Hines’ big plans for SouthPark; Dilworth apartments sell; Belk Market to Northlake Mall