Local

North Tryon neighborhood crime rate drops

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Four years ago, a popular website labeled the North Tryon corridor as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States. But now, the Lockwood community said it has experienced a major turnaround.

"You don't see any crime happening on the street. You don't see any police cars," said Christopher Dennis, president of the Lockwood Homeowners Association.

Dennis said the neighborhood has come a long way in the 11 years he's live there.

"Our community is developing and we're moving in the right direction," he said.

He still bristles at a 2010 report from neighborhoodscout.com which ranked that part of Charlotte as 11th of the 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in the nation. Now, the neighborhood is nowhere on the list, and Dennis said for good reasons.

University of North Carolina-Charlotte student Emily Greczyn moved into her Lockwood home four months ago because she wanted something affordable near uptown. She said it was the right decision.

"I mostly feel safe. I don't have to worry about much," she said.

The area saw a roughly 7 percent drop in total crime in 2013 and a 28 percent drop in burglaries.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department credits bike patrols and neighborhood-assigned officers, as well as strong community support.

The Lockwood Neighborhood Association also has organized block parties to provide residents with financial education and access to support services.

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