Some benches removed outside Discovery Place amid concerns about homeless population

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — How to deal with the homeless populations continues to be a sensitive topic around uptown Charlotte.

Channel 9 spoke to Anthony Chambers, a homeless man who was quietly holding up a sign outside Discovery Place.

“Have you ever been asked by Discovery Place to leave this area?” Eyewitness News reporter Gina Esposito asked.

“No ma’am” Chambers responded.

Sources say uptown businesses continue to complain about people who are homeless loitering in uptown.

Channel 9 obtained emails that show the city, CATS, Charlotte Center City Partners and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have been discussing removing benches off North Tryon Street for over a year.

A few benches have already been removed from the CATS bus shelters.

CATS told Channel 9 the bus stops in uptown with shelters or benches are there for the comfort of passengers.

“Anyone using the benches for activities other than catching the bus speaks to a larger community issue—one that is not easily solved. The City of Charlotte recognizes the issues surrounding its homeless citizens and is working to find lasting solutions,” a CATS spokesperson said.

In November 2017, a city employee emailed pictures that showed people sleeping against Discovery Place.

The employee wrote, "Building Services has implemented numerous measures, including additional security lighting, no trespassing signage, gate locks, and removed exterior electrical outlets. We have requested via CATS and Center City Partners to consider removal of benches directly in front of Discovery. As well, the bus stop shelter/benches at the corner of 6th & Tryon. These items are under committee review.  Additionally, we have encouraged Discovery Place consider onsite security staff."

The benches across the street from Discovery Place have been removed.

"We have a homeless problem," Kiara Munir, who works in uptown, said. "What can be done about it? Removing the benches isn't going to remove the homeless problem,” she said.

An email from a CMPD officer in December 2017 said police arrested eight people at the corner bus stop for drug possession and cocaine over a three-week period. Camping citations were also issued at the same location.

Channel 9 has reported on solutions to help the homeless. Police recently launched "Real Change Charlotte” to help people who are homeless. Charlotte City Partners also received money to put Charlotte Ambassadors on the streets.

A spokesperson with Discovery Place sent Channel 9 the statement below:

“The safety of our Museum guests is a top priority at all of our Discovery Place locations. At Discovery Place Science, we work in partnership with the City of Charlotte to ensure the safety of our visitors and employees. We requested the removal of the benches in front of the Museum, as well as additional lighting in that area, after we witnessed significant safety concerns and suspicious activities taking place outside of the Museum.” 

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