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🏙️ Boosting public safety

City hopes to boost Uptown vibrancy with public safety initiatives
A view of Uptown Charlotte's tall buildings, two apartment complexes and Bank of America Stadium from a high-rise in South End.
The Charlotte skyline looks good when the sun shines on a cloudless day. | Photo by CLTtoday
Creating a safer Uptown + elevating its public appeal — that’s the goal of the Center City Public Safety Working Group (CCPSWG).

The CCPSWG has been meeting since early 2024. City representatives met with community members to outline support and local resources. In response, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, Center City Partners, and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority each announced three upcoming initiatives.

Charlotte's police chief standing behind a podium with microphones mounted.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said Charlotte is a destination because of the efforts by the businesses and people living in the city.

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Photo by CLTtoday

CMPD
  • Operation TRIO (Targeted Response for Intervention and Outreach) will reduce violent and property crime in highly trafficked areas of Uptown — focused on Fourth Ward Park, First Ward Park, Romare Bearden Park, and Charlotte Transportation Center.
  • JADE (Juvenile Accountability and Diversion Empowerment) initiative works to prevent victimization and divert juveniles from crime.
  • Enforcement of re-criminalized city ordinances
Editor’s note: Chief Jennings referenced incidents during Fourth of July 2023 and New Year’s Eve. The JADE initiative has conducted 100 home visits in 2024 with 30+ more ahead of July 4.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office
  • Enhanced coordination with CMPD’s Central Division prioritizing accountability of repeat offenders
  • Engage with Center City merchants and security personnel to ensure up-to-date and transparent information about public safety challenges
  • Find innovative ways to address Charlotte’s housing crisis
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
  • Establish a Safety Information Coordinator to track incidents across the hospitality sector
  • Communicate Uptown safety conditions to residents and business owners
  • Collaborate and share research related to visitors’ perceptions of public safety
A person in an orange jacket helping a man with a paper map.

Center City’s ambassadors welcome workers, residents, and guests back to Center City.

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Photo via Charlotte Center City Partners

Charlotte Center City Partners
  • Realignment of the Public Safety Ambassador program
  • Convene public safety stakeholders through CCPSWG and Center City Public Safety Council
  • Programming in Uptown Charlotte that drives attendance
“We’re thrilled with who’s a part of [the work] and the commitment level everyone’s demonstrated,” said Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.
 
Events
Tuesday, July 2
  • LKN HealthCare Forum Breakfast/Networking Event | Tuesday, July 2 | 8:45-10:00 a.m. | Levine Dickson Hospice House 11900 Vanstory Dr., Huntersville | Free | Enjoy breakfast while networking with the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Loomis Bros. Circus | Tuesday, July 2-Thursday, July 4 | Times vary | The Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 Highway 49 N., Concord | $30 | Watch motorcycle daredevils and acrobats perform amazing stunts.
  • Cook Out Summer Shootout Fireworks Shows | Tuesday, July 2 | 5-10 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S., Concord | $15 | Rev up to see grassroots racing, games, giveaways, + a night of fireworks.
Wednesday, July 3
  • CLT Re-Cyclery Bike Drop-In | Wednesday, July 3 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hygge Coworking, 330 Camp Rd., Ste. B-45, Charlotte | Free | Bring your bicycle for a free adjustment before hitting the road.
  • 2024 Field of Flags Summer Celebration | Wednesday, July 3 | 6 p.m. | Lowe’s YMCA, 170 Joe V. Knox Ave., Mooreville | Free | Celebrate Fourth of July with live music, food trucks, fireworks, and 800+ American flags on display.
  • Fourth of July Celebration | Wednesday, July 3 | US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte | $12 | Jam to live music before taking a thrilling nighttime pass at whitewater rafting and ziplining.
Thursday, July 4
  • Firing of the Cannons | Thursday, July 4 | 10-11 a.m. | Downtown Fort Mill, 214 Main St., Fort Mill | Free | Cannons will ring in this 52nd annual patriotic display.
  • Independence Day at the Museum | Thursday, July 4 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte | Free | Join new US citizens as they complete the Oath and Naturalization Ceremony + music, a keynote address, and more.
  • Charlotte Knights vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp | Thursday, July 4 | Truist Field, 345 S. Mint St., Charlotte | $22+ | Root for the home team and stay for the largest fireworks show in the Southeast after the game.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Weather
  • Temperatures are expected to climb to the mid/upper 90s through the week and continue into the holiday weekend. The heat index will range between 101 to 107 degrees Thursday-Sunday. (WCNC)
Real Estate
  • A lakefront home in Cornelius is on the market for nearly $6 million. The 5,600-sqft home on Bluff Point Road boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a pier and boat dock, private beach, heated saltwater infinity pool, and a fireplace. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Opening
  • King of Fire Pizza will open two brick-and-mortar locations in the coming months. The dining spot at The Green in Uptown (435 S. Tryon St., Ste. 140) will be focused on providing fast-casual lunch. The location in Clover (117 N. Main St. Clover, SC) will be more fine-dining. (The Charlotte Observer)
Closed
  • Belmont Brewhouse shut off its taps after three years in business. The owners gave no reason for the abrupt closure. Alternative Beverage will be making beers available for sampling until supplies run out. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Edu
  • A 13-member committee has formed to search for the next chancellor of Appalachian State University. The group includes representatives of trustees, faculty staff, students, and alumni. Public input sessions are TBA.
Trending
  • The stingray that was “mysteriously pregnant” at a Hendersonville aquarium has died. News of Charlotte’s pregnancy took the internet and Team ECCO by surprise earlier this year. The aquarium is currently closed. (WCNC)
Sports
  • Gastonia Baseball Club clinched a spot in the 2024 Athletic League Pro Baseball (ALBP) Playoffs. The team will host playoff games in September. Exact dates are TBA.
Try This
  • Tickets are on sale now for the Water Lantern Festival at Symphony Park. On Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14, watch floating lanterns light up the water in this unique festival.
Listen
  • Will the Hornets make Miles Bridges a priority this season? Go beyond the clipboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Health
     
    Plan Ahead

    🌌 Glowing gardens

    Botanical garden will glow during evening exhibit
    A fountain in the evening sky surrounded by lights and flowers.
    The fountain at Daniel Stowe is expected to be illuminated and surrounded by lit paths through the garden. | Photo via Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
    Belmont, you are glowing. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is launching its summer exhibit, “Nature’s Nightlights,” on Friday, July 5. The gardens will be illuminated to highlight the garden’s beauty.

    “We’re lighting up the night with artistically displayed lighting through inspiration of fireflies or shooting stars,” said Steph Newman, Creative Director at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

    Pro tip: Check out the firefly-like lighting in the Lost Hollow Children’s Garden.

    “Nature’s Nightlights” will be more than a light display — guests can expect live music and movies under the stars during the exhibit’s run.

    Saturday Concert Series, 6-10 p.m.
    • July 20
    • July 27
    • Aug. 10
    “Movie Under the Stars” nights
    • “FernGully” on Thursday, July 11
    • “A Bug’s Life” on Friday, Aug. 16
    “It’ll be fun for parents and kids to watch those movies together while out in nature,” said Newman.

    Plan to visit? The exhibit will run on select Wednesdays through Fridays, through Aug. 16. Tickets are $11.95-$19.95.
    The Buy

    The Buy 7.02.24 (Affiliate)
    A Blink security camera two-pack that’s on sale early for Prime Day. Prime members can get the normally $139.98 cameras for $49.99.
    Answered

    We wanted to know your memories from the dead malls around Charlotte.
    A dark mall hallway that frames a tree in the center of a more well-lit indoor plaza up ahead. In the lefthand corner, a palm branch is seen with a piece of caution tape tied around it.

    Signal Mill Mall officially closed in early 2024.

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    Photo by Fluddulation via Wikimedia Commons

    John H. said he enjoyed Charlotte Town Mall — Charlotte’s first mall. His mother would take him to the upstairs buffet after appointments.

    Buffet? Sign us up. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
    6AM City In-house
     
    The Wrap
     
    Headshot of CLTtoday author Maria Delgado

    Today’s edition by:
    Maria
    From the editor
    Over the weekend, my family and I spent some time at River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend enjoying the live music and vibes. It’s probably one of my favorite summer activities.
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