Dec. 1 headlines: Development vs. homeless services
Common Market South End isn’t the only establishment that has been threatened by Charlotte development. According to Charlotte Observer reporter Ely Portillo, North End Partners encourages a relocation of the homeless as development along the North Tryon Corridor takes off.
The argument:
A group of North Tryon business owners maintains that moving the groups that serve the homeless into a new campus would (a) consolidate access to food, shelter and services, and (b) facilitate redevelopment.
Plus, as Mark Middlesworth, president of North End Partners points out, a homeless shelter and similar service groups could hurt businesses and deter potential residents.
The rebuttal:
Charities including the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Urban Ministry Center have zero plans to move. Advocates for the homeless pointed out that moving the groups and the people they serve away from uptown would make it more difficult for people to access services and thrive. Any move would be up against zoning and land costs, as well.
According to Dale Mullennix, executive director of the Urban Ministry Center, the route to take is making sure people get into permanent housing faster rather than relocating the places that serve them.
In other headlines:
– Stephen Curry says the Panthers can continue on to a 19-0 winning streak and win the Super Bowl on Feb. 7. Meanwhile, he and the Golden State Warriors hold an 18-0 winning streak.
– In tragic news, it was reported that some Target website users got locked out of the system on Cyber Monday and were met with the words “Please hold tight. So sorry, but high traffic’s causing delays.” All they wanted were the 15-percent off deals Target.com offered with almost everything.
– Earlier this season, some called the Panthers the worst undefeated team in the NFL. Now they’re the only undefeated team in the NFL, but that hasn’t stopped the criticism. Apparently they’re the worst team to ever start 11-0. About that …
– We’re seeing some turnover in the state Senate. Sen. Tom Apodaca, a Hendersonville Republican, announced Monday that he won’t run for an eighth term. This is after GOP Sen. Bob Rucho of Matthews also announced that he won’t be running again after serving 17 years.
– Have fears of flying? Get this: an American Airlines flight attendant faces charges after attacking her own crew members and U.S. marshals during an international flight from Charlotte Nov. 23-24. Joanne Snow was said to have slapped, kicked, shoved and punched.
– “Forget Syria. The most dangerous religious extremists are migrants from North and South Carolina,” says Slate.
Photo: Mark Hames
This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 8:00 PM with the headline "Dec. 1 headlines: Development vs. homeless services."