CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Uptown Charlotte, once a bustling hub of activity, is now facing growing concerns about safety. On Monday during its regular meeting, Charlotte City Council heard from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings and discussed possible plans to address these issues.
Residents and business owners alike are expressing fears about the increasing crime rates and public safety issues. Some restaurants have even shortened their operating hours due to safety concerns.
"What I’m hearing about Uptown Charlotte is that people don’t feel safe,” Councilmember Ed Driggs said. “They don’t see a police presence and are exposed to behaviors or attacks, verbal or otherwise. If you can’t feel safe Uptown in the evening, it’s a bad situation."
While crime statistics may not always reflect the public's perception, the council recognized the feeling of safety is crucial for a thriving city.
Councilmember Malcolm Graham spoke about the problems of just hearing about statistics while residents don’t agree with those numbers.
"If you don’t feel safe, you’re not safe," Graham said. "And there are too many people throughout this community who do not feel safe."
In response to these concerns, City Council has outlined several action items:
- Increased police presence: A stronger police presence, particularly during peak hours, is being implemented to deter crime and improve public confidence.
- Crime data transparency: The city will work to improve the communication of crime statistics and address the gap between perception and reality.
- Improved response times: By deploying civilian crash investigators, CMPD can allocate more resources to addressing pressing safety concerns.
Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.