Charlotte spent millions planning for communications center that's now in question

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A long planned $86 million project’s future is in question despite millions of tax dollars already spent.

The city’s Joint Communications Center in north Charlotte was envisioned as a catalyst for economic development on the city’s northside.

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The JCC as originally planned in 2011 would house police and fire 911, 311, the emergency operations center, MEDIC 911, Sheriff, a data center and the real-time crime center. As planned now, the facility would only house police and fire 911 and potentially 311.

Through the years the city has spent $13.7 million of the project’s $86 million, roughly 16 percent of the budget.

High construction costs and unforeseen necessary site improvements have plagued the project. Under direction from Charlotte City Council, City Manager Marcus Jones is reviewing its future.

“The question has to be asked, is this the best use of money today,” Councilman Tariq Bokhari said.

Councilman Bokhari says about half of the $13.7 million went to preparing the land and demolition, the other half went toward planning and design.

Despite the project’s scaling back, security expert Walter Kimble says there is still value in it

“It is worth the investment now and as technology moves forward it costs less to upgrade one facility than it will multiple facilities,” Kimble said.

But with most of the people behind the project’s original thinking gone and a new crop of councilmembers like Bokhari in office, city leaders are wondering if it makes sense to invest those dollars in other priorities like affordable housing

“There are big things we need to do and i am focused on finding things that do not make sense anymore,” Bokhari said.

In February, city staffers projected if the project includes 311 and the emergency operations center it could cost an additional $20 million.

City Manager Marcus Jones will likely present his recommendation in the coming weeks.

Cox Media Group