Top Stories for April 9, 2025
Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board met on Tuesday, April 8. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 15 at 6 p.m.
1. Pass the Pinwheels: The Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. On April 3, the Mecklenburg County Child Abuse Prevention Team, a coalition of government, education, nonprofit, and health organizations, hosted a kickoff event attended by County and Courts leaders, local advocates, and other officials. After the kickoff, the group proceeded to the plaza of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse to “plant” pinwheels to symbolize their commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect. Recognized nationally as a symbol of child abuse prevention, the pinwheel reflects the bright, happy childhood that all children should enjoy. Watch a video of the kickoff event and view photos of the event and pinwheel planting.
2. Five-Year Plan: The Board received an update on the rolling five-year Capital Improvement Program, what it means for projects that are underway or slated to begin in the coming years, and projects requested through 2030. The presentation also included an examination of County debt and the ongoing ability to fund projects into the future. Existing projects in the Capital Improvement Program span Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Park and Recreation, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, County facilities, environmental leadership, and funding for land acquisition. View the presentation here.
3. Counties for Housing Solutions: For 12 weeks this spring, Mecklenburg County staff and Commissioner George Dunlap will take part in a program that addresses the County’s affordable housing priorities. Mecklenburg is one of seven counties nationwide chosen to participate in Counties for Housing Solutions, a program from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Smart Growth America. The teams will work through a scenario for developing affordable housing. They will walk through the process of identifying and evaluating sites, planning community engagement sessions, partnering with potential developers, and seeking financing.
4. What’s Under the Water? Mecklenburg County is scheduled to begin to dredge the pond at Park Road Park on April 16. Dredging will remove sediment, trash and debris from the pond to improve water quality and public safety. Sediment impacts a pond’s functionality and the health of the aquatic ecosystem. A 2022 study of the ponds at Park Road Park and Freedom Park indicated excessive nutrients and significant volumes of sediment. A hydraulic pump will remove and transfer the sediment from the pond to large bags in the adjacent parking lot, where it will dry before being removed from the park. The parking lot is closed to accommodate the construction of a new indoor pavilion and will reopen upon completion of both projects this summer.
5. New Flood Rating: Thanks to the dedicated work of staff in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, the community has a new flood rating that will save residents money on flood insurance. FEMA’s Community Rating System has recognized Charlotte as a Class 2 community. It went into effect April 1 and creates a discount on National Flood Insurance Program policies. Programs such as floodplain mapping, alert systems, and flood safety communications helped produce the upgraded designation. Charlotte is among the top 1% of more than 1,500 communities nationwide participating in the FEMA rating program.