Park at Oak Lawn residents demand action on crime and housing mismanagement

In the heart of Charlotte's city hall, community members gathered to voice their concerns during the council meeting on February 24, 2025. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as residents shared stories that highlighted pressing issues affecting their neighborhoods.

One poignant moment came from a resident who presented photographs documenting recurring accidents in their area. They urged the city to find a sustainable solution to these incidents, emphasizing the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses. “It would be helpful if they didn’t have to respond to a recurring problem that happens about once a month,” they stated, reflecting a broader frustration with ongoing safety concerns.

Monica Williams, another passionate speaker, addressed the council on behalf of the Park at Oak Lawn, formerly known as Fairview Homes. She painted a vivid picture of her community's struggles with gentrification and the misalignment of housing programs with the needs of residents. Using the beloved character Shrek as an analogy, she implored the council to consider the impact of greed on their neighborhood, likening it to the plight of fairy tale characters displaced from their homes. “Stop giving away the fish,” she urged, advocating for sustainable solutions that empower residents rather than temporary fixes.

Sean Williams, president of the homeowners association for the Park at Oak Lawn, echoed these sentiments, highlighting a troubling rise in violent crime linked to the mismanagement of local apartment complexes. He recounted the tragic loss of a young resident, Carlos Levia, as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures. “The conditions of the apartments not only create an unsafe environment for residents but also invite illicit behavior,” he explained, calling for immediate action to address the deteriorating infrastructure that threatens both safety and property values in the community.

As the meeting progressed, the council members listened attentively, with some promising to meet with residents to discuss their concerns further. The discussions underscored a critical moment for Charlotte, as community members rallied for change and accountability from their local government. The meeting concluded with a sense of determination, leaving residents hopeful that their voices would lead to meaningful action in the face of ongoing challenges.