Community to turn crime-ridden area around

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One part of Charlotte that's a magnet for crime will soon see some big improvements thanks to neighbors, police and council members.

Police said a section of Belmont, specifically where the old Farrar's Grocery Store is located, has attracted criminals for years.

But now it could be torn down and turned into a residential property and neighbors are thrilled.

Belmont Neighborhood Association President Vicki Jones is happy to finally see real change in her neighborhood.

"We feel like we're really at a turning point," Jones said.

She works to keep these streets safe.

"We've been working so closely with our community police officers," she said.

One of her main goals has been getting rid of the old Farrar's, a spot police have focused on for years.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Capt. Jim Wright has worked with neighbors to keep criminals out but said it's a constant battle.

He said the location has become an infrastructure for criminal activity.

"It attracted others from other parts of the city that bought drugs, and with those drugs, they brought guns, and with that combination violence came with it," Wright said.

He said in the past 20 months within a 1,000-foot radius of the store there have been 74 violent crimes, including 22 aggravated assaults, one homicide, two rapes and 22 robberies.

Now change is coming.

City Council approved the city's $345,000 purchase of the store.

"We couldn't allow this to continue to fester and hold this community down," said Councilman John Autry.

Once it's demolished, the idea is to put residential property there, a plan the neighborhood is ready to see happen.

"To continue on with something that hopefully fits in with the community, that brings in a lot of additional good neighbors and helps revitalize this street," Jones said.