Charlotte City Council Business Meeting - December 9, 2024

The Charlotte City Council held its regular business meeting on December 9, 2024, at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. The meeting began at 5:00 PM with a consent agenda review and continued at 6:30 PM with public forum, public hearings, and business items. Key decisions included approval of the Providence Square infrastructure reimbursement agreement, submission of the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study to the FAA, and adoption of the 2025 Federal and State Legislative Agendas. The council also heard extensive public testimony on housing code enforcement, displacement, and airport noise.

Consent Calendar

• Items 30 through 54 were approved as a block (motion carried with six votes in favor, one opposed by Council Member Mayfield who cited insufficient review time). Items 31 (Parkside Crossing Townhomes), 41 (CATS Enterprise Asset Management Software), 44 (Airport Concourse D Renovations), 45 (Airport EMAS Maintenance), 46 (Airport Fourth Parallel Runway), and 47 (Airport Ramp Snow Removal) were pulled for separate discussion and votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amanda O'Hara criticized the Keep Charlotte Beautiful program, alleging a volunteer trespassed and removed signs honoring a deceased neighbor without proper authorization. She urged policy review.
• April Lewis advocated for stronger housing protections, citing the Lamplighter Inn and Tanglewood apartments as examples of systemic displacement. She called for a 90-day rehabilitation opportunity at 1700 Montana Drive.
• Jessica Moreno and Andrea Ferris spoke on housing code enforcement failures, requesting use of injunctive relief and in-rem repairs to hold landlords accountable.
• Carolyn Tony and Shadavious Billings shared personal experiences of poor living conditions at Tanglewood, calling for immediate action including liens on negligent landlords.
• Archie Hoskins described unsafe conditions at the Lamplighter Motel (no hot water, sewage issues) and asked for help.
• Will Russell urged council to act with humility and bravery.
• Michael Sullivan (OneMec) reported that 916 housing code violation reports remain open in Charlotte, with 12 multifamily complexes having 11 or more reports. He recommended stronger enforcement.
• Ted Fallett explained the existing legal tools (in-rem repair and judicial injunction) that the city can use but has not employed.
• Reverend Potts (Park Church) called on council to use their power to stop code violations.
• Kathy Linder spoke about stress and anxiety among first responders and offered a training program.
• Reverend Jennifer Helms Gerald and Reverend Greg Jarrell urged use of in-rem repair powers, stating 360 violations remain unresolved for over six months.
• Marlena Willeford (Little Angels Preschool) requested 90 days from the current date to complete fire code changes, after a change-of-use determination was made on November 6, 2024.
• Part 150 Study Speakers: Multiple speakers expressed support (Domingo Alfaro for American Airlines, Chris Riddle for NATCA, Lauren Harley for Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Mohammed Janatian for Hospitality and Tourism Alliance, Jeff Robbins for Clean Air NC, Rob Nanfeld) citing economic benefits, safety, and noise dispersion. Opponents (Diana Janes, Stephanie Lash, Doran Pentez, Philip Gussman from Airport Community Roundtable) criticized lack of transparency, insufficient community engagement, and urged a delay.

Discussion Items

• Providence Square Update (Items 14): Staff presented a proposed public-private partnership for the redevelopment of approximately 105 acres near Providence Road. The agreement includes up to $19 million in tax-increment grant reimbursement for public infrastructure, 108 affordable housing units (100 at 80% AMI, 8 at 60% AMI), a $500,000 developer contribution to affordable housing, and an option for the city to acquire a 1.2-acre parcel for a public safety facility at 80% of appraised value within five years. The Jobs and Economic Development Committee had unanimously recommended approval.
• Public Safety Quality of Life Update (Item 9): City Manager Marcus Jones introduced the second chapter of a multi-part public safety review. Deputy Chief Briley reported on Uptown initiatives (Operation Trio, holiday heartbeat, juvenile accountability program) and noted 41 street racing/takeover events year-to-date, a decrease from the prior year. Loud muffler complaints were down to 16 calls in 2024. Council members discussed the need for increased police presence, camera networks, and multi-pronged strategies. The second part of the presentation was deferred to January 2025.
• Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study (Item 17): The council heard over an hour of public testimony. Staff and airport representatives emphasized the study's role in modernizing noise mitigation, reducing carbon emissions, and improving safety. Opponents argued for more community engagement and transparency. Council debated the importance of the airport as an economic engine versus impacts on neighborhoods. The study was approved 8-2.
• 2025 Federal and State Legislative Agendas (Item 10): Approved without opposition after committee review.
• Various Business Items (Items 11-13, 15-16, 18-19): Approved as noted below.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved with Council Member Mayfield opposed. Pulled items voted individually:
  • Item 31 (Parkside Crossing Townhomes Reimbursement): Motion to approve passed 6-5 after Mayor Lyles broke a tie (5-5). Council Member Watlington declined to vote initially, then voted no. The mayor voted yes. Some council members expressed concerns about CBI goal negotiation.
  • Item 41 (CATS Enterprise Asset Management Software): Approved 7-2.
  • Items 44-47 (Airport Contracts): Item 44 (Concourse D Renovations) approved with one opposed; Item 45 (EMAS) approved with one opposed; Item 46 (Fourth Parallel Runway) approved unanimously; Item 47 (Ramp Snow Removal) approved unanimously.
• Providence Square Infrastructure Reimbursement Agreement (Item 14 A&B): Approved. Council Member Mayfield asked for clarification on the land option terms; staff confirmed the city would have a purchase option at a discounted price, not a lease.
• Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) Grant (Item 15): Adopted budget ordinance appropriating $1,000,000 from HUD in response to Hurricane Helene.
• Housing Trust Fund Allocation for Woodlands North Senior Apartments (Item 16): Approved $2,250,000 allocation to replace HOME funds due to flood fringe restrictions.
• Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study (Item 17): Approved for submission to FAA, 8-2. Council Members Johnson and Mayfield voted no.
• Brush Truck Donation to Broad River VFD (Item 11): Approved.
• Urban Area Security Initiative Grant (Item 12): Approved $2,728,582 grant acceptance.
• Matheson Avenue Restrictive Covenant Amendment (Item 13): Approved extension to June 30, 2025.
• 2025 Council Meeting Schedule (Item 18): Approved.
• Special Bond Referendum Certification (Item 19): Unanimously approved, certifying results for $238.3 million transportation bonds, $100 million housing bonds, and $61.7 million neighborhood improvement bonds, all passed by voters on November 5, 2024.
• Nominations (Items 20-29): Approved as presented, including reappointments to various boards and committees.
• Closed Session: The council entered closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-316.11(a)(6) to discuss qualifications of a public officer or employee.