The 61st Annual Carolinas’ Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition since 1947, is one of the largest get-togethers of Carolinians that takes place during the year. It boasts participation from both Carolinas and touches approximately half a million people from the 22-county metro area.

The parade is presented by the Carolinas' Carrousel, Inc., a non-profit organization that recognizes many talented young people for their achievements and talents through its scholarship programs. Parade route: Begins at Tryon at 9th, turns left onto 3rd and ends between Davidson and McDowell on 3rd.

Date: Thursday Nov 27, 2008

Time: 10:00 AM

For information, call 704-525-0250 or go online to www.carolinasthanksgivingparade.org

Be On The Lookout - BOLO

On Friday, November 21, 2008, an individual was robbed in First Ward. Please be aware of your surroundings and travel in groups after dark. Also; the police suggest that you do not resist if you become a victim as this could escalate the situation.

Just before 7 pm three black males robbed a resident who was walking at 9th and Alexander. 2 dark blue hoodies, 1 white hoodie with grey or silver fur collar and gray swirl pattern on the rest of the jacket. One stuck a pistol or bb gun up to the victim while the other 2 went through his pockets. Victim resisted and one of them hit him on the head with an unknown object. They fled south on Alexander. Person fitting the white hoodie description possibly lives in or around apt.s with pool near 8th and Davidson Sts

Don't forget First Ward community meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the Rec Center.

Ofc. K.S. Kodad
Central Division
kkodad@cmpd.org
(704)336-5729

Uptown Shootings

WCNC and other news agencies have reported on two recent Uptown shootings. A double murder in Gateway Village and a drive-by in First Ward. A shooting, or any crime for that matter, is cause for concern by both residents and uptown workers. Having said that some media outlets seem to be over playing the "fear factor" by using quotes which sell stories.

To be honest, I was a little bit nervous," said Bill Ferry, who works at the Bank of America office nearby. "I've been in the Gateway Village area for six years and nothing's ever been this close."

and

By Monday there was no sign of the shooting, but that didn’t stop pedestrians like Mo Campbell from being worried about it.

"It would make me more hesitant to come downtown for going out downtown to the clubs or anything like that -- more hesitant,” he said.

The 24-year-old victim was shot in the back and taken to the hospital. The drive-by happened around 2:20 a.m. Sunday, which is a little close for comfort for Vinnie Aragona who arrives to work before 6 a.m.

"I'm concerned about the safety of myself and other people that commute in early," said Aragona.

The police doubt these crimes were random and the reality is that Uptown Charlotte has some of the lowest crime stats in the City. This is true even though the numbers are skewed by events in the "entertainment district" and reports filed at the United Family Services Center in First Ward. Again; any crime is unacceptable and gun violence is especially abhorrent. In the Gateway incident two city buses were hit and the First Ward shooting was near residential buildings. The other reality is we were lucky no innocent by-standers were hurt.

WSOC TV seemed to get the balance right in this story.

Capt. Jeff Estes with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said because bars, condos and restaurants are popping up everywhere in uptown, more people are coming to the center city. He said the Central Division has the lowest crime rate in the entire city, and this year, it's dropped even more.

Through September of this year, violent crime in Central Division is down 11 percent. Property crime is down 8 percent.

But Estes said these recent crimes are on police’s radar.

"When something like this happens, like the incidents in the last few weeks, we do take special notice. In a way, it's a good thing, because it keeps us accountable. This is a safe place and we want to keep it that way," said Capt. Estes.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Establish a function/position within Mecklenburg County and a permanent Citizen Advisory Committee to promote collaboration and coordination across all components of the Criminal Justice system. Function/Position will be given authority to establish performance measures; will work with Citizen Advisory Committee; will recommend funding priorities related to Criminal Justice system to County Manager; will seek to increase effectiveness of the Criminal Justice system.

Encourage the immediate creation of a formal agreement to align priorities between the Police Departments in Mecklenburg County and the DA’s office with respect to defendants and cases.

Increase focus on Part One chronic offenders by a) identifying and fast tracking the arrest and prosecution of Part One chronic offenders and b) developing a system-wide, comprehensive plan that reduces the number of chronic offenders. Establish a separate division within the DA’s office that focuses on the expedited prosecution of chronic offenders.

Increase the accountability of the entire Criminal Justice System by creating a transparent, understandable, easily accessible, broadly disseminated and regular report available to the public that communicates the effectiveness and efficiency of the Criminal Justice System. The responsibility for this reporting would fall to the position referenced in recommendation #1.

Complete a comprehensive independent review of information systems used in Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice System, and produce an Information System Strategic Plan for the Criminal Justice System.

Increase collaboration and resources between criminal justice system and CMS, with a focus on prevention and offenders.

Increase, and provide greater support for, specialty courts.

Implement and expedite alternative solutions to incarceration for first-time offenders.

Adjust and maintain staffing ratios and salaries for all positions within the Criminal Justice System to industry standards. Additionally, explore alternatives for how to retain employees in all areas of the Criminal Justice System.

Target and support resources to programs for juveniles and jail inmates—such as GEDs, drug treatment, job training, counseling, etc. In order to prevent and reduce crime through youth intervention programs and through programs that provide jail inmates alternatives to criminal lifestyles and recidivism.

Fully implement and increase the efficiency of the use of monitoring devices where appropriate throughout the entire Criminal Justice System (i.e., courts, police, sheriff, probation, juveniles).

Reduce the number of days it takes to process cases through the Criminal Justice System to the ABA standards.

Support full implementation of Increased police visibility on the streets.

Encourage Police Department to investigate and follow up with those individuals who experience property crimes.

Encourage the appropriate use of citations to increase the efficiency of the system.

charmeck.org

Friends of Fourth Ward - Special Parking Meeting

Monday, November 10, 2008, at 7:00 PM at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church Multi-purpose Room, 115

Meeting Notice - Review of New On Street Parking Recommendations
Fourth Ward currently has a Residential Parking Permit Program that is administered by the Charlotte Department of Transportation. The 2008 FOFW Parking Committee met over the summer and finalized changes to the on street parking regulations. The FOFW Board has reviewed and approved the recommendations. As stated in prior email newsletters and at the Sept and Oct community meetings, we have announced a special meeting to review the new parking recommendations. In addition, CDOT has sent a mailer in U.S. mail to addresses of property owners in the Fourth Ward Parking District.

Meeting Details
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Meeting will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church Multi-purpose Room, 115 W 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, to hear public comment and answer questions on the following changes to the Fourth Ward Residential Parking Program:

Current Parking Program
Permits are required for on-street parking 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 2 hour visitor parking allowed without decal. (Although, only being enforced 8 AM to 5 PM, M-F)

Recommended Program
Permits are required for on-street parking Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday through Saturday, 8 PM to 8 AM. 2 hour visitor parking allowed without decal. Booklets of guest passes will also be available for a small fee to qualified residents.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. For further information, contact Mark Schnoor, Vice President, Friends of Fourth Ward, at m.s.schnoor@gmail.com.

Jay Biles
President
Friends of Fourth Ward

Meet Chief Rodney Monroe

Please join Police Chief Rodney Monroe for a community conversation on issues, problems and solutions.

Chief Monroe has received numerous requests to meet with community groups and neighborhood associations. In an effort to reach as many communities as possible, he has decided to hold multiple discussions throughout the city.

The Central Division will host the meeting on:

Thursday, November 13, 2008
6:00 - 7:30pm

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center
600 East 4th Street - Room 267