North Charlotte Today

Charlotte City Council voted 7-3 on Monday to recriminalize six ordinances to address concerns in uptown related to public alcohol consumption, urination, standing in median strips, and other behaviors. The amendments to the ordinances will go into effect on March 1, 2024.

The decision to recriminalize these ordinances comes after a review of the Charlotte City Code and a recommendation from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). Mayor Vi Lyles issued a policy referral in August 2023, calling for a review of the city code to evaluate the restoration of criminal enforcement options for additional ordinances.

CMPD recommended eight ordinances to be recriminalized, including issues such as beer and wine consumption, unauthorized persons on parking lots, trespassing on motor vehicles, loitering for drug-related activity, masturbation in public, urination and defecation on certain property, behavior in public parks, and soliciting from street or median strips. The City Council approved amendments to recriminalize the majority of these ordinances, with the exception of unauthorized persons on parking lots and loitering for drug-related activity.

The decision to recriminalize these ordinances was made in response to concerns raised by the community and the police department. Officers had been limited to using verbal warnings and civil citations to address illicit behavior, but these tactics were not always effective in preventing reoccurrences. By restoring criminal enforcement as an option, the council aims to better address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

In addition to the amended ordinances, the city has implemented non-enforcement strategies to improve the quality of life for unhoused residents in uptown. These strategies include collaborating with Hearts for the Invisible to create a new street outreach team, establishing rental subsidies and supportive services for referred clients, and increasing public restroom access in uptown. Two portable restrooms have already been installed near North College and 11th Streets, with more planned within the month. The city is also considering the installation of semi-permanent restrooms and evaluating investments for homelessness prevention measures in the upcoming fiscal year.

The amendments to the ordinances and the implementation of non-enforcement strategies are part of the city's commitment to addressing illicit behavior and improving the overall well-being of the community. By taking these steps, Charlotte City Council aims to create a safer and more livable environment for all residents and visitors.