Resident urges Huntersville leaders to delay sales-tax referendum for Red Line extension and study safety after fatal South End attack

During the Sept. 16 public-comment period, resident Patrick Jaquay urged Huntersville elected officials to delay a county sales-tax referendum that would fund a proposed Red Line light-rail extension to Huntersville and to convene a committee to study safety measures after a recent fatal stabbing on Charlotte's Blue Line.

Jaquay said the Aug. 22 stabbing of a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman riding the Blue Line demonstrated to him the rail system is unsafe and that policies regarding policing and criminal prosecution contributed to the incident. He asked the town board to pass a resolution delaying the referendum and to convene a study committee to recommend measures to prevent similar attacks should the Red Line be extended near Huntersville.

The remarks were submitted as public comment; the board did not take action during the meeting on the request to delay the county referendum. The speaker warned he would return to hold officials accountable if similar incidents occur on transit corridors affecting Huntersville residents.

ACTIONS, DISCUSSION AND NEXT STEPS: This item was public comment only; no board motion or directive was recorded. The comment was entered into the public record for board consideration.

ENDING: The board did not act on the request during the meeting; any formal action on a referendum delay or local resolution would require a future agenda item and board vote.