Today’s headlines: The parklet competition has commenced

Observer writer Clayton Hanson pointed out what you may have noticed uptown on a coffee break: Two parking spaces on South Church Street by Romare Bearden Park were turned into a small park in July. That parklet, as it is known, features a table with benches surrounded by a little fence.

Charlotte has been experimenting with the concept since 2013. Today, for the third consecutive year, local design firms will partake in International Park(ing) Day. They plan to install six temporary parklets on Tryon Street between Seventh Street and the Levine Avenue of the Arts. Go have a seat.

The Park(ing) Day competition (the prize is a restaurant gift certificate) begins at 7 a.m. and the parklets will be closed by 7 p.m. Participating teams include Gensler, ColeJenest & Stone, Perkins + Will, U.S. Green Building Council Charlotte Chapter, LandDesign and Stantec.

CUTTING COSTS: Bank of America is cutting back on spending for information technology contractors, Observer reporters Katie Peralta and Deon Roberts announced. Multiple workers anonymously shared that they found out last week about their pay rate — and that it would be cut by 10 percent. They also have to take a two-week, unpaid furlough.

“We made business adjustments with some of our strategic partners,” Bank of America spokesman Mark Pipitone said. “This ties directly to our ongoing focus on simplifying the company and delivering for our customers and shareholders.”

At this time, it’s unclear how many workers are affected and by how much the bank is reducing its contracting spending to meet year-end goals.

SHADY BUSINESS: Red Roof Inn pulled its brand from the chain’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport location, reported the Observer’s Joe Marusak, in light of the FBI’s investigation into sex trafficking of teenagers and the sale of crack cocaine in rooms.

In an affidavit filed recently in federal court, an FBI agent cited instances of prostitution and drug trafficking at the hotel since 2012.

STATE OF JOY: North Carolina was ranked the 30th happiest state in America, according to WBTV. This mid-level finish was based on WalletHub.com’s research on the 50 states and D.C., with 25 points of comparison including emotional health, income and sports participation.

Photos by Mark Hames/Charlotte Observer, Davie Hinshaw/Charlotte Observer, John D. Simmons/Charlotte Observer, Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer.

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 9:21 PM with the headline "Today’s headlines: The parklet competition has commenced."