Community Rallies for Change in Hidden Valley, Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Residents of the Hidden Valley community came together at a church this past Tuesday, eager to spark positive change in their neighborhood. The gathering saw dozens of homeowners uniting to express their concerns about the rising crime rates in several areas, particularly on Tom Hunter Road and where Sugar Creek Road meets I-85.
Charlene Henderson, an active community member, helped organize the meeting and conveyed the sentiments of many residents. “They have not given up ever since we started this journey,” she shared, highlighting the community’s persistence. “This is a big journey to clean up the community of Hidden Valley.”
Seeking Police Support
Representatives from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) were present at the meeting, including a lieutenant who addressed the crowd’s concerns. The lieutenant explained that the department has been reallocating officers from other divisions to focus on patrolling the high-crime areas within Hidden Valley.
Using Crime Mapping data, CMPD reported some startling figures over the past four weeks: there were 47 reports for assault, 14 for burglary, and 11 for robbery. Additionally, the data indicated that 19 vehicles were stolen during this time frame. Residents expressed their growing anxiety and frustration over these troubling stats.
“Hidden Valley is not a bad place, but you know, we just need some support over here from the police,” remarked Sylester Goode, a long-time resident who’s called the area home since the 1970s. He mentioned the desire for increased police presence, noting, “I would like to see them ride through the street, wave, but they won’t do that.”
Building Bridges with Law Enforcement
During the meeting, a representative from the City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity, along with District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, spoke to residents about the importance of collaboration. Henderson emphasized the unity within the community, saying, “When we call they listen, because they see that we’re not playing. We mean business, and it did my heart good to see so many of them out here today.”
In response to the community’s concerns, CMPD also announced efforts to target problematic businesses in the area. This includes working to revoke the alcohol permit for at least one establishment that has been linked to loitering and other disturbances. Additionally, police have engaged with local businesses and have recommended hiring private security to further enhance safety.
Hope for a Safer Future
The sense of determination and camaraderie among residents was palpable during the meeting. Many hope that through collective action and ongoing dialogue with law enforcement, the Hidden Valley community can reclaim its safety and comfort.
As the meeting concluded, residents left with a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead may be challenging, but the commitment to creating a safer and more vibrant Hidden Valley is stronger than ever. With continued collaboration between the community, local businesses, and police, there’s hope for a brighter future in this neighborhood.
