Crime continues on North Tryon Street despite revitalization

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The recent spate of violent crimes does little to help the city’s efforts to revitalize the North Tryon corridor.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they’re investigating a homicide on North Tryon Street, which is the fourth homicide in the area in the last two months.

DaWayne Odom died after being stabbed during a fight early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of a convenience store at the corner of North Tryon and Dalton Avenue, investigators said.

Across the street, business owner Mark Middlesworth offered a caustic commentary.

“It’s just another sunny day on North Tryon,” he said.

Lately those punches have come in a flurry.

Early Sunday morning, a man was shot and killed at an adult club near the intersection of North Tryon and Atando Avenue.

Two other homicides took place in October in the 900 block of North Tryon, which is an area where homeless men and women frequently congregate, which Middlesworth has been complaining about for years.

“Unfortunately, crime follows the homeless population and drugs follow the homeless population,” he said.

City leaders said these issues are a priority.

“It makes it tougher,” City Councilman James Mitchell said.

The city is pouring more police officers into the area and working to bring new business investment by spending $28 million in taxpayer money on improvements to streetscape and road design.

“In spite of the things that have occurred this past week, I want the citizens to know that this is a priority area for us,” Mitchell said.

The city’s optimism is offset by what Middlesworth calls the reality of life and death on North Tryon Street.

“Until the city wakes up and realizes what causes crime in the area, we’re going to just be the red-headed stepchild of Charlotte,” he said.

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