Historic neighborhood celebrates 100 years since WWI soldiers set up camp

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Residents in Charlotte's Camp Greene neighborhood celebrated 100 years since World War I soldiers set up camp there.

It has been a century since a World War I camp set up in the neighborhood, but parts of the neighborhood is being revitalized.

Some residents worry it will hurt the area's rich history and force out long-time residents.

The historic Charlotte neighborhood, just a mile from uptown, put on a special celebration on Saturday.

Residents celebrated with food, games and re-enactors to look back on the area's history.

During the festival, historians gave tours of the Old Dowd House, which is one of the only remaining structures from the original soldiers camp.

"Some of these neighborhoods are here because they undergird us to be where we are now,” said Ella Scarborough of the Mecklenburg County Commission. “So we must make sure they continue and they get a piece of the pie as well."

The neighborhood is gaining interest from developers, and newer, more expensive homes are being built.

That worries some residents, including Kristen Locke, who was born and raised in the neighborhood.

"The question is will the same people who have been here for the last 20 years be here in the next 10 years?” Locke said. “And that's something that I think is an issue."

Channel 9 reported about ongoing efforts to keep long-time residents in their home.

In April, volunteers made critical home repairs that older homeowners couldn't afford.

The group Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte is calling for volunteers to help continue critical home repairs in the Camp Greene neighborhood in the fall.

"It helps them to stay in their home and keep that equity in their family so they're passing that home on to future generations,” said Bethany Morrison, or Rebuilding Together in Greater Charlotte. “It just really helps to stabilize communities."

Cox Media Group