City reverses decision, provides permit for west Charlotte neighborhood block party

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A northwest Charlotte neighborhood block party to celebrate dads this Father's Day weekend almost did happen. The organizer said the city initially denied a permit for the party because the neighborhood wasn't safe.

Then, Channel 9 looked into it last month, it was reconsidered and several community organizations came together to make it happen.

"By the coming together of all the communities and some of the community leaders and speaking to CMPD and going back over the area again, we were able to get that reversed," Founder of Brighter Day Ministries Minister Beverly Davis said.

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Davis said she originally organized the block party because the area was special to her -- she grew up there.

She said despite some crime in the area, she believes events like block parties help families work to keep crime out.

"I understand that times have changed and a lot of bad, negative things have taken place, but it's because we lost sight of a foundation. So, it's now time to reaffirm what that foundation is," Davis said. "It takes strong families, strong communities."

At first, Davis planned a block party in Charlotte's Beechwood community, but told Channel 9 police denied her permit because they believe the neighborhood is too dangerous.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it recommended the permit be denied for several reasons, including that the party would be right near a main road, the neighborhood’s entrance would be blocked for hours and there was no security plan in place.

CMPD also said similar parties have drawn about 1,800 people, and there was no RSVP requirement to help anticipate how many people would attend this event.

Police said they recommended the party’s location be moved to the nearby Eva B. Barber Neighborhood Park.

Cox Media Group