Good morning! Today is Friday, June 19, 2026. You’re reading The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
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Residents brace for big loss, while Y leaders say it’s an unexpected opportunity; Church must still raise money for the purchase, pastor says
The Morrison YMCA in Ballantyne would close and be sold to Memories of Hope Church, which some Ballantyne residents say removes a fixture in their community. (Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Charlotte)
by Tony Mecia
When A.J. Spring heard the surprising news Wednesday that the Morrison YMCA in Ballantyne would close and be sold to a church, he had a lot of thoughts:
Would it mean that Sara’s YMCA, where he lifts weights and does cardio, will become more crowded?
What about the families who depend on the Morrison Y for summer camps? Or the moms who use the childcare to be able to work out?
And what does it mean for Ballantyne, which has no libraries and few parks, to lose such a major community gathering space?
“I think it’s going to have an interesting ripple effect on a lot of different things,” said Spring, a 39-year-old south Charlotte accountant with three young kids.
Throughout south Charlotte, many residents were left grappling with similar questions that went beyond where they will work out when the Morrison YMCA closes in the summer of 2027.
Many mourned the loss of the spot where their children attended camps and birthday parties or frolicked in the shallow outdoor pool with small waterslides. Others wondered why the YMCA of Greater Charlotte opted to close the branch in such a family-friendly part of town.
Some noted the irony that the Morrison Y is being bought by a church, Moments of Hope, that was started by well-known Charlotte pastor David Chadwick in 2019 after he was forced out of Forest Hill Church. Forest Hill has a satellite Sunday worship location at the Morrison Y, so Chadwick’s new church will likely kick out his old one.
An online petition to “Save the Morrison Family YMCA and Protect Ballantyne’s Community Legacy” had more than 2,800 signatures as of Friday morning.
More than 4,000 families use the Morrison YMCA, and many thousands more have spent time there over the years.
“It’s hard to picture Ballantyne without the Morrison Y,” said Ballantyne lawyer Allen Starrett. “It has been the family-oriented cornerstone of our community for years.”
An unanticipated offer
In an interview with The Ledger, leaders of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte emphasized that the sale of the Morrison YMCA is part of a greater modernization strategy and that they will continue offering programs at other YMCAs – including Sara’s YMCA in Ballantyne, where it anticipates enhancing programs. Compared with the Morrison Y, Sara’s Y is less-used, has no pool and seems to cater to workers in the Ballantyne Corporate Park.
REAL ESTATE WHISPERS
Real Estate Whispers is our weekly look at commercial real estate development, debates and debacles — with plenty of scoops and information you won’t find anywhere else.
In this week’s edition:
🛒 Nearly 500 homes planned down the street from Wegmans.
🏠 Homebuilders say they’re taking note of “incredible” apartment amenities.
👬 A revision is incoming on the “157-people-moving-here-a-day” figure.
🥅 Matthews is likely to change its development ordinance to be more pickleball-friendly.
🏢 The 40-year-old old PTL tower appears headed toward demolition
Will Charlotte’s city manager be the next to go? Council member asks mayor candidate how he would handle replacing Marcus Jones
It seems as though there have been a lot of shake-ups in local government leadership lately.
Dena Diorio stepped down as county manager last year. Vi Lyles is resigning as Charlotte’s mayor at the end of the month. Crystal Hill could be on her way out as school superintendent.
Could City Manager Marcus Jones be next?
🎭 TOPPMAN ON THE ARTS
Local arts criticism — from touring Broadway shows to community theater and museum exhibits — from longtime critic Lawrence Toppman.
Melissa Lozada as Eva Perón addresses the masses from the balcony of the Casa Rosada. (Photo by Sydney Schertz Photography)
Davidson Community Players’ production of “Evita” proves the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic still has plenty to say about power, populism and political celebrity.
In his review, longtime arts critic Lawrence Toppman praises the production’s Latino-led cast, inventive staging and a star-making performance from Melissa Lozada as Eva Perón.
The Tony-winning musical runs through June 28 in Duke Family Performance Hall on the Davidson College campus.
You might be interested in these Charlotte events
Events submitted by readers to The Ledger’s events board:
SUNDAY: “Party in the Park: Father’s Day,” 1-5 p.m., at Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd. Enjoy an afternoon of live music with the Mike Strauss Band, food trucks, a cash bar and free museum admission. Create a custom recycled bow tie with artist and jewelry maker Kimberly Turner and enjoy exploring all the museum galleries. Free.
JUNE 23: “Coffee with the Chamber,” 8:30-9:30 a.m., at Coast Personnel Services, 9813 South Blvd. #103. Join the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce for an invigorating morning event that brings together coffee lovers and business professionals from across the Charlotte area. Whether you're a startup founder, a seasoned executive or just a morning person, this event is the perfect opportunity to brew new connections and spark innovative conversations. Registration required. Free for members. $5 for non-members.
JUNE 27: “‘The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka and the Art of Survival,’” 4:25-6:10 p.m., at Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St. A visually stunning documentary tracing the life and survival of renowned painter Tamara de Lempicka through her art—from international stardom in 1920s Paris, to fleeing fascism for the United States in 1940, to her revival in today’s art market. Known for glamorous Art Deco portraits and nudes, she was far more than her scandalous reputation. $10.50/ticket.
In brief
No new details from CMS on superintendent: In an interview with WCNC, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board chair Stephanie Sneed declined to elaborate on why the board placed Superintendent Crystal Hill on paid leave this week, saying only: “We were made aware of some concerns regarding operational oversight that we needed to make sure we look into.” She said the board has made no “predeterminations” about what happens next. Hill said in a statement she was “saddened” by the board’s action and remains committed to the district.
City Council interviews mayoral candidates: The Charlotte City Council interviewed the five finalists for mayor Thursday — Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell, former council member Harold Cogdell, community advocate Carrie Cook, lawyer Robert Harrington and state Sen. Caleb Theodros. The council is expected to select a replacement for outgoing Mayor Vi Lyles at its Monday meeting, where six votes will be needed to secure the appointment. (WBTV)
Juneteenth celebrations: Happy Juneteenth! Queen City Nerve put together a list of 15 celebrations happening across the Charlotte area this weekend. Juneteenth is a federal holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865.
CRTPO declines to revisit I-77 vote: The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization declined to revisit its vote withdrawing support for the I-77 South toll lane project Wednesday, despite pressure from state leaders and proposed legislation from state Sen. Vickie Sawyer that could require local governments to repay project costs. (Observer)
CMPD places summer curfew on teens: As summer begins, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says it will step up enforcement of Charlotte’s youth curfew ordinance in response to large teen gatherings. Police warned that parents could face misdemeanor charges if their children repeatedly violate curfew, following recent incidents that included a shooting near Romare Bearden Park that injured two people. (WBTV)
Governor honors Lyles, Tepper, Steve Smith: Gov. Josh Stein inducted 12 North Carolinians into the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the state's highest civilian service honor, including outgoing Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, whom he praised for helping shape Charlotte’s growth and economic development over decades of public service. He also honored Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and former Panthers player Steve Smith Sr. (WFAE)