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Charlotte picked as test market for one of Facebook’s latest tools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte is one of four U.S. cities where Facebook Inc. is testing a new tool.

The social-media giant is rolling out its Neighborhoods capability in Charlotte, San Diego, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Newark, New Jersey, after starting to test it in Canada last year. It launched here last Wednesday. The tool is a way to connect with geographic communities — users can find groups, give tips or reviews and meet neighbors. It is for adults 18 years and older.

“When we talked to people across different communities and different countries, we really heard one need loud and clear, which is people want to feel more connected to and invested in the people and the places around them,” said Reid Patton, project manager for Neighborhoods.

Patton said Facebook chose Charlotte because it is an active community where people want to come together. One example is the Charlotte Community Resources group with about 3,300 members. The page is a place to share community news, events updates, traffic information and resources for the homeless, among other uses.

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