MONROE, N.C. — The City of Monroe is holding a safety meeting on Tuesday to address quality-of-life concerns near the Community Shelter of Union County. Council said it wants to hear from residents and businesses about ongoing issues affecting the neighborhood near Miller Street and Meadow areas.
It follows a discussion from Aug. 11. A resident told council that he’s concerned with unhoused individuals who aren’t seeking services to help their situation, including those who utilize drugs.
“My buddy found three people overdosed on those trails, not too long ago. Something has to be done. It’s really affecting the quality of life,” the resident said. “My friend, Andrew, who is here presented you with a document, 40 to 50, signatures of the people who live in the Piedmont Lofts that really can’t experience any quality of life because of the activity that goes on. It’s not to say we aren’t compassionate for the people that are in really need of services. That want the services as a transition period, but there’s a certain element that want to use that area as just drug dealing.”
Another resident had asked the city to create a plan. Mayor Robert Burns called the situation “incredibly dangerous.” Chief Rhett Bolen said police have been called to the area hundreds of times so far this year. Last year, police responded to the area between 500 and 600 times.
Community Shelter of Union County executive director Melissa McKowen also addressed council, saying that she wasn’t aware of the complaints and is open to finding solutions that support the entire community.
Community Shelter of Union County sent Channel 9 a statement regarding Tuesday’s meeting:
“Community Shelter was not invited to participate in or consulted about today’s meeting. The meeting was scheduled for a time organizers had already confirmed I would not be available, and I will not be attending. Meaningful collaboration requires direct communication and consultation with the people and organizations whose work is being discussed. Community Shelter remains focused on serving our neighbors and working constructively with community partners. I will not be offering additional public comment at this time.”
The Community Shelter said it plans to meet with leaders from Daymark Recovery Services, McLeod Centers for Wellbeing, Ground 40, Monroe Police and Monroe Fire. They are scheduled to meet on Sept. 14. They said that conversation will focus on practical, coordinated services and solutions that directly support our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
The meeting is being held at 6 p.m. at Union County Farmers Market, 805 Skyway Drive, in Monroe.