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Construction has begun on E N Main Street in Waxhaw.

WAXHAW, N.C. — A planned pedestrian plaza is now under construction.

On Monday, Waxhaw officials announced that construction was underway on E N Main Street. The project will make wider sidewalks to create a plaza space.

The project will turn E N Main Street into a one-way street to create an increased pedestrian area. Additional parking spots will also be added in the area.

Streetlights on the street will be replaced with new lights that will add a medallion showcasing the Waxhaw "W."

This project is part of a larger pedestrian improvement plan for the town that was set to begin earlier this year. Town officials say the contractor has six months to complete all of the projects but work is expected to be completed sooner.

For more information on the pedestrian improvement projects in Waxhaw, visit here.

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Waxhaw leaders passed the new 2040 plan, which guides growth. Changes could be made in the future as the incoming mayor questions the town's development.

WAXHAW, N.C. — Town leaders are already seeing a lot of growth in Waxhaw, North Carolina, but are at odds about how to handle it.

The current board of commissioners passed the 2040 Comprehensive Plan on Tuesday night.

It’s a policy document that will serve as a guide for decisions regarding land use, transportation, capital improvements and public programs.

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The plan’s discussion comes on the heels of the election of Waxhaw’s new mayor Robert Murray, who said new developments in town have gotten out of hand.

RELATED: Waxhaw mayor-elect unseats Ronald Pappas

"The apartment buildings and townhouses and mixed-use right by the downtown, which is an area that’s already stricken with excessive amounts of traffic," Murray said. "I think it’s that frustration that really drove our victory."

He said the town’s current leadership hasn’t been prioritizing existing residents when it comes to making plans for rapid growth.

RELATED: The town of Waxhaw is growing. How do community leaders plan to adapt to it?

"We definitely were effective in our messaging of hope and change to maybe tap the brakes on development and growth and ensure that we have a more stable plan for growth," Murray said.

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With Waxhaw’s current mayor Ron Pappas on his way out, the 2040 plan is likely to be the subject of more debate about how the town addresses the growing population.

Pappas told WCNC Charlotte the 2040 plan simply updates and amends existing documents that have been guiding Waxhaw's growth for decades. The plan's top priorities include improving traffic flow, maintaining downtown’s charm, and increasing business opportunities.

"If we have some improvements or recommendations for street improvements or infrastructure improvements, then we can apply those conditions to any new project that would come in," Pappas said.

The board also unanimously approved a new neighborhood to be built on Providence Road during the meeting.

The Adelina project will take over nearly 230 acres of land along Providence Road and build 482 houses and commercial space.

Several members of the public spoke against the project and any future development in Waxhaw, citing traffic issues.

Pappas explained rezoning petitions allow the town to set conditions on developments that benefit the community, which otherwise wouldn't have been added if the developers built by right.

"It is to our benefit to let that come in and make sure that we get control and manage growth and we get improvements we need as a town because otherwise we just get what somebody else gives us," Pappas said.

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Looking for a quick day trip from Charlotte? Put Waxhaw on your radar.

A 45-minute drive from Uptown, the town of Waxhaw is filled with charming shops and restaurants — nearly all within walking distance on the city’s main street.

Waxhaw quick facts:

Here’s a list of 17 must-do activities.

Relax in a rocking chair at Crossroads Coffee House

Crossroads Coffee House is a cool coffee shop with small-town charm. Our advice: Grab a specialty latte and sip it on the front porch in a rocking chair.

Details: Crossroads is located at 112 N Broome St. (you’ll find a few designated parking spots outside).

I tried the hazelnut crunch latte with almond milk. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

Get a NY-Style Bagel at Blue Door Deli

After your morning coffee, walk over to The Blue Door Deli for bagels, baked goods and breakfast that’s served all day in a no-frills setting.

Details: Blue Door Deli is located at 202 W North Main St.

Shop artisan goods at The Indigo Pearl

Look for the big blue door that leads into this locally owned boutique that sells everything from handmade jewelry to home furnishings and a large selection of leather goods.

Yes and: Waxhaw’s downtown is filled with locally owned stores. A few others walkable to each other include Funki Monkey and MONA’s (both sell home decor/furniture) and Welte’s Antiques (which shares the space with a vintage clothing store called 88A).

Details: The Indigo Pearl is located at 101 E North Main St.

Walk across the bridge with an ice cream cone from Waxhaw Creamery

The bridge is a huge part of the area’s historic charm, and it shows off the best view of downtown.

Details: You’ll find the bridge mere steps from The Creamery, which is located at 109 E North Main St.

Connect with your retro side at The Waxhaw Antique Mart

Get ready to experience a maze of rooms filled floor to ceiling with trendy and retro items.

Details: It’s located on the other side of the bridge at 101 W South Main St.

Shop and eat local at Provisions

After working up an appetite from your antique hunting, stop by Provisions Waxhaw for a lunch made from local ingredients. There’s a community room to enjoy your meal and no shortage of products from local vendors to shop from.

Details: Find Provisions at 107 W South Main St (steps away from the Antique Mart).

Take a candle-making class at Waxhaw Candle Company

It’s an instructor-led class that makes for a super fun group (or solo) activity! You’ll get to choose your own vessel and scents — and you can sip wine along the way.

Details: Waxhaw Candle Company is located at 113 W South Main St.

Load up on pastries at Virtuoso Breadworks

Don’t leave downtown without getting your sweet tooth fix at Virtuoso. The artisan bakery is known for its breads, including a signature sourdough, plus its pastries and baked goods like croissants, cinnamon rolls and cookies.

Pro tip: Pair your treat with coffee. Virtuoso serves Enderly.

Details: Virtuoso is located at 205 Salem St. (close to Emmet’s).

Delight your inner history nerd at the Museum of the Waxhaws

For $5 per adult and $2 per child, you can learn more about Waxhaw’s history, dating back to the 1600s, tour a historic home, and check out the grounds.

Details: The museum is located at 8215 Waxhaw Hwy., about a mile from downtown.

Watch a game at Maxwell’s Tavern

This local watering hole is exactly where you want to be when your team is playing. Expect a menu of American bar food, like fried pickles, nachos, burgers, chicken tenders and other handhelds.

Details: Find Maxwell’s at 112 E South Main St.

Hang out on the Cross-State Suspension Bridge

It’s part of the Carolina Thread Trail and a must-do outdoorsy activity if you don’t mind feeling a little wobbly! The suspension bridge joins the North and South Carolina portions of the Thread Trail.

Details: The trailhead to the bridge is located at the back of Harvey Clay Nesbit Park. To get there, follow these steps:

Visit the Waxhaw Farmers’ Market

The Waxhaw Farmers Market is packed with local vendors selling everything from produce to artisan breads. It’s open on Saturdays from 9am-noon April through the end of December. Check the website for exact dates.

Details: It’s located at 27283 Waxhaw Pkwy.

Yes, and: If you can’t make it out for the farmers’ market, you can still buy fresh produce at the Rolling Hill Farms Fresh Market. It’s right next to Virtuoso at 120 Somer Street. It’s open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 9am-5pm.

Swim and play at Cane Creek Park

Home to a 350-acre lake and over 1,000 acres of land, Cane Creek Park is where you’ll want to bring your family on a hot summer afternoon. But many outdoor activities are available year-round, including hiking trails, fishing areas, picnic spots, boat rentals and several playgrounds.

Details: Located at 5213 Harkey Road. It’s a little bit of a drive from downtown Waxhaw (about 15 minutes), but it’s worth it.

Have happy hour at Cork & Ale

With a covered side patio and a large wine selection, Cork & Ale is where you catch up with an old friend over a glass (or two). There’s also a food menu of light bites, like tacos and flatbreads. On Wednesdays, there’s a wine tasting from 5-8pm with live music starting at 7pm.

Details: Cork & Ale is located at 113 E North Main St.

Play music bingo (or just drink) at Dream Chaser’s Brewery

In the mood for beer over wine? Check out Dream Chaser’s right beside Cork & Ale. Recurring events include music bingo on Tuesdays 7-9pm, trivia on Wednesdays 7-9pm and an open mic night every other Thursday.

Details: Dream Chaser’s is located at 115 E North Main St.

Eat at American tapas-style restaurant Emmet’s

Formerly a cotton mill in the 19th century, the space has been turned into a trendy social spot with a tapas-style menu.

Details: Find Emmet’s at 401 E South Main St.

Grab night cap at Mary O’ Neill’s Irish Pub

If you’re looking for a late night spot, Mary O Neill’s is the obvious choice because it’s open until 2am every night. The lively Irish pub is located on the main strip, so if you go to dinner downtown, it’s a walkable option for drinks afterward.

Details: Find Mary O’ Neill’s at 116 W North Main St.

Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. is opening a new location in downtown Waxhaw, adding to the company’s flagship location in NoDa and bar in Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

“We’re excited to be part of the Waxhaw community,” owner Ollie Mulligan told CharlotteFive. “We’ve created an industrial, yet cozy feel — it’s going to be a great cocktail experience.”

The new 3,000 square foot location on Waxhaw’s North Main Street is expected to open the second week of September. The distillery takes the place of the former Bike Depot — which was owned by a friend of Mulligan’s.

“When I moved here in ‘94, he was one of the Irish guys I hung out with — and now I’ve bought this building from him,” Mulligan said, laughing about the full circle moment.

For the Great Wagon Road Distilling team, it’s been a family affair putting personal touches on the space. For instance, Great Wagon Road distiller Michelle Piechowicz made all of the light fixtures. “They’re chandeliers made out of whiskey barrels that look like they’re exploding,” Mulligan said. “You’ll never have seen them anywhere else.”

Other touches include a dropped tin ceiling and extensive soundproofing to create a relaxed ambiance. Plans call for a 60-foot long bar — where you can get, as Mulligan says — “the best old fashioned you’ll ever have.”

Perhaps the most special feature of this new location is an Irish snug, or private room. “The snug is a nice intimate addition to the space,” Mulligan said. “In Ireland, a snug is where marriages are arranged, cattle are sold, and quiet deals are done.”

READ NEXT: If you’re looking for a great meal in Charlotte, head to … the suburbs?

The Waxhaw location — branded as GWR WXW — will have similarities and differences compared to the NoDa location. Like NoDa customers, GWR WXW guests can also enjoy whiskey pulled straight from the barrel, yet there will not be a kitchen. There is, however, a heavy duty electric hookup outside of the building so that food trucks can plug in without noisy generators.

GWR WXW will produce some spirits that will only be available in Waxhaw. “We’re getting honey from a local beekeeper, and are working to make more local partnerships,” Mulligan said.

Also expect Great Wagon Road Distilling staples like Rúa American single malt whiskey, Quinn’s barrel aged whiskey, 704 gin and Salamander vodka. The distillery also has a tequila in the works now that they’ve secured a partner in Mexico.

GWR WXW will sell bottles to go, however the bar experience is the big draw. “We’ll make everything right in front of you from scratch,” Mulligan said in his relaxed, Irish accent. “And we have the best gin and tonic you’ve ever had.”

Location: 610 Anderson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 122 W North Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173

Instagram: @gwrnoda

WAXHAW, N.C. — Waxhaw is a bustling community, sitting right on the border between North and South Carolina, and in just the last decade, it has had a population explosion, doubling in size.

What You Need To Know

Mayor Ron Pappas says growth is in inevitable in his community, but managing that growth is key. The town is in the middle of major renovations to roads and sidewalks.

“So I'm a developer and planner as well,” Pappas said. “So, I have to look 50 years out. I have to envision what might be in 50 years and do the best job that I can."

He says this growth can be daunting, though.

“After being incorporated in 1889, I've got some pipes in the ground that I don't even know that are there,” Pappas said. “It may be a 2-inch pipe that needs to be a 10-foot pipe. There's a lot of that here, and we know when we open this up we're gonna find things.”

Now, Waxhaw is also part of a rail improvement project that will actually travel all the way to the N.C. coast. It will mean better access and safety in this community, but state leaders say its also a piece of the state economy.

“It's critical,” Jason Orthner, NCDOT rail director, said. “Intermodal rail allows us those moves to be moved, you know on a train and not in the highway, which reduces congestion in the Wilmington area, as well as all of them down our freeways, freeing up that capacity for additional goods and people.”

For North Carolina Secretary of Transportation Eric Boyette, he says with the number of infrastructure needs, rail is just one part of what keeps him up at night.

“You know, for me, it's the fact that we have so many communities with great needs,” Boyette said. “And you know, we travel across this great state, and we'll talk to our officials, our citizens about those needs, and there's that one project in every community they want.”

Right now, there is a major influx of federal dollars coming into the state to help with infrastructure needs, but from airports to deficient bridges, Boyette says he worries about funding down the road, particularly since right now the state relies heavily on gas tax dollars.

There is a major influx of federal dollars coming to help improve the state's 1,400 brides in disrepair, airports, and a long list of infrastructure needs.

“We all know at some point in time, it's not going to be as reliable for us,” Boyette said. “We've already seen it today with more hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles. You know, we're trying to plan that and look at what is you know, and there's no silver bullet.”