Ministry holds service for CATS bus driver recovering from shooting
December 31, 2023 | By Myles Harris – WCNC Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While a CATS bus driver is still recovering after being shot by a stray bullet, his congregation is recognizing the bus operator and calling his survival a miracle.
The Throne Of Grace Ministries in East Charlotte held a special service for Zavier Austin who was shot while driving a CATS bus earlier this month.
Several community supporters were in attendance, including Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden who also spoke at the service. Sheriff McFadden said that spirits were high during service. His concern focuses on how to better protect and manage public transportation buses during emergencies.
“We just come to celebrate it and support him. And let him know he has support throughout the year, and the coming months of his recovery,” McFadden said.
LaWana Mayfield, a Charlotte city council member, echoed the call for more action in keeping those behind the wheel safe from violence.
Continue reading the full story here.
City leaders, CATS drivers discuss safety changes after driver hit by stray bullet
December 31, 2023 | By News Staff – WSOC-TV
CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) driver who was hit by a stray bullet on his route more than a week ago is back home and expected to be okay.
On Sunday, CATS operators and members gathered to give thanks and pray for his speedy recovery.
Channel 9 brought you the story on Friday, December 22, when the driver was hit in the neck by a stray bullet in a northwest Charlotte neighborhood.
In response to that shooting, both CATS drivers and city officials met to discuss possible safety improvements at a prayer meeting at the Throne of Grace Church off Albemarle Road.
Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield shared her ideas for more streamlined communication between drivers and management when any situation happens.
Continue reading the full story here.
Local leaders to hold meeting in hopes of bringing changes to CATS safety
December 30, 2023 | By Glenn Counts – Yahoo!news
With the new year just around the corner, employees at the Charlotte Area Transit System are hoping for better safety measures.
Throughout this year, there have been several incidents involving CATS; most recently, a driver was hit by a stray bullet last week. Fortunately, he is back home from the hospital and recovering.
Both drivers and employees are grateful for their colleague’s recovery, and they will be holding a prayer service on Sunday at 10 a.m. at Throne of Grace Church on Albemarle Road.
Sheriff McFadden, Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield, and Union members are some of the speakers at the event. They are expected to call for improved safety measures for drivers.
Continue reading the full story here.
Council Quickies: Eastland Proposal Approved, Social District on the Way
October 9, 2023 | By Ryan Pitkin – Queen City Nerve
Charlotte City Council met on Monday for an action review and business meeting that included an update and vote on Eastland redevelopment, an update from staff on social districts in Charlotte, and a public comment on the proposed Plaza Midwood Social District.
On the Agenda:
- Eastland Yards Complex
- Social Districts
Continue reading the full story here.
City Council approves $30M for new Eastland plan without amphitheater
October 9, 2023 | By Steve Harrison – WFAE 90.7
The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve a new development proposal for nearly 30 acres at the old Eastland Mall site.
The vote marks a milestone for Eastland, which the city bought more than a decade ago, after it slid into financial distress and anchor stores closed, and then demolished in 2013.
Continue reading the full story here.
Charlotte City Council at-large candidates are all Democrats. Will that ever change?
August 24, 2023 | By Emma Withrow – NewsBreak
CHARLOTTE, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — There’s less than three weeks until the Charlotte City Council primary election, and candidates are gearing up for their final sprint.
But this year’s lineup looks a bit different than the last few election cycles. Out of the seven candidates running for at-large positions, not a single one is a Republican.
Continue reading the full story here.
8-18: Friday Football Nights; CLT Pride; Panthers Friday
Charlotte Pride: Charlotte LGBTQ+ History Timeline
August 16, 2023 | By Kayla Chadwick-Schultz – City of Charlotte
In honor of Charlotte Pride returning to Uptown this August for its annual festival and parade, the City of Charlotte is reflecting on 60+ years of recorded LGBTQ+ history with a condensed timeline. We do not intend for this timeline to represent a complete history of the LGBTQ+ experience in Charlotte; it is merely a highlight reel of significant moments, people, and places over time. To learn more, please visit the links provided below.
Continue reading the full story here.
Charlotte City Council kicks Eastland Yards decision back to committee for more analysis
Two proposals will go back to economic development committee after council members balk at staff recommendation.
Continue reading the full story here.
Charlotte City Council unanimously approves Brookhill Village funding
Last night, Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a request for $3.5 million to renovate Brookhill Village, one of Charlotte’s last naturally-occurring affordable housing communities.
“I want to acknowledge the fantastic work of Antoine Dennard and Griffin Brothers, obviously the wonderful Mr. Sean Keith, the Housing and Neighborhood Services Group, The Harvest Center, and council members, past and present,” District 3 council member Victoria Watlington said, mentioning the parties involved in preserving the community.
“And I know you didn’t happen to be sitting in this seat when it happened, but you’ve been here the whole time, along the way. I’m so happy that we’re able to sit here together and celebrate this,” she finished, motioning to at-large council member LaWana Mayfield.
Continue reading the full story here.