City of Charlotte to focus on Sugar Creek neighborhood improvements

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Council wants to dramatically revamp the area near Sugar Creek Road at the Interstate 85 intersection.

In January, the city designated that part of town as a crime hotspot. The city now refers to it as a corridor of opportunity.

“This is a partnership with the community,” Councilmember Renee Johnson said. “We want to develop that area based on the needs of the area.”

The city is embarking on a large-scale project aimed at Sugar Creek and the immediate surrounding area. Short-term goals include stabilizing crime and delinquent properties, making public space improvements and getting the community grants. Long-term, the city wants to reduce the number of motels in this stretch. There are currently 13.

Before any hotel reduction can happen, leaders need to know that nobody will be displaced.

“For I-85 and Sugar Creek, my priority is making sure we take care of the individuals that are in the hotels,” Johnson said.

Already there are signs of progress on Sugar Creek. A new affordable housing complex sits off the street. But it will take more than just those units.

“This is an all-hands-on-deck process,” Johnson said. “The city council, we have to start making sure the tools are available so the occupants of those hotels are able to move into permanent housing.”

Charlotte leaders are working with local business owners, including the 7-Eleven and Baymont Inn. Community organizations involved with the city’s efforts include Heal Charlotte, Men of Destiny and Harvesting Humanity.

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Cox Media Group