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31 Jan Neil Berg?s 100 Years of Broadway Neil Berg?s 100 Years of Broadway features songs from over 20 different Broadway shows from yesterday and today. The show wil…

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Morven Area News

New ordinance could see Occupy Charlotte evictions

Occupy Charlotte protestors are preparing for what will likely be their last night sleeping on the lawn of the old City Hall building.

Monday at midnight a new ordinance will kick in that prohibits camping on city property.

"Any temporary shelter located on city property is deemed to be a public nuisance," said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Captain, Jeff Estes.

Sunday, CMPD addressed a group of about 30 protestor’s hours before the ordinance went into effect.

While police do not expect any major issues or confrontations with protestors, Occupy Charlotte expressed some frustration at not being told whether all tents would be banned, or only certain kinds of tents which are being used for shelter. 

Protestor, Scottie Wingfield, told us that attorneys, along with city officials, have relayed to Occupy Charlotte that tents not equipped with "living accommodations" would not be considered camping tents.

"So, if no one is sleeping or storing personal belongings in the tents, they should still be allowed," said Wingfield.

Wingfield told Eyewitness News Occupy Charlotte's goal, at this point, is to "just keep (the tents) here as a symbol, as they have been all across the country of the Occupy movement."

CMPD would not specify how it would be enforcing the ordinance, in terms of which tents would be allowed.

"When it comes to actually enforcing the ordinance itself, determinations will have to be made at that time," Estes said. "We anticipate full voluntary compliance."

Occupy Charlotte members told us their compliance all depends on how police interpret the ordinance and whether they'll be allowed to keep tents not being used for shelter.

Although police and the protestors both reiterated that they were hopeful there would not be any clashes, Wingfield warned that if need be, "there are people who have decided they are willing to risk arrest and perform non-violent disobedience."

_{Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:00:21 -0500}

Five fires intentionally set in Southwest Charlotte; fire officials investigate

The Charlotte Fire department is investigating five early morning fires in Southwest Charlotte.

Fire officials said the fires started at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday along the Nations Ford Road corridor and spanned across four hours. Investigators said all of the fires were intentionally set.

Firefighters told Eyewitness News that the worst of the damage was at Ford’s Used Tires. Investigators estimated the fire caused $30,000 worth of damage and said it’s unlikely the owner won’t be able to reopen.

“Here you have a company not open Monday, people out of work because of this senseless activity,” said Captain Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire department.

Officials said they responded to that fire at about 6 a.m.

Authorities said if it hadn’t been for quick 911 calls, the fires could have spread at other locations.

“We’re grateful for the quick calls into 911,” Brisley said.

Fires were started in dumpster at both Nations Ford Road Elementary and Waddell High School.

Investigators are looking at surveillance video from Waddell High and nearby business that may have captured the fires being started.

The Charlotte Fire department is asking anyone with information to call them or police.

_{Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:16:46 -0500}

Gov. Perdue explains decision not to run again

For the first time since her stunning announcement that she would not seek re-election, Gov. Bev Perdue explained her decision to the media Saturday night.

Gov. Perdue spoke to reporters before addressing a Democratic Party-sponsored dinner in Greensboro.

After nearly three days of silence, Perdue spoke for only about 10 minutes and answered only a handful of questions. But she told Eyewitness News she believes it's in the best interest of her party not to run for re-election because it puts her in a better position to work with Republicans and generate more funding for education.

Perdue said she wants to keep fighting for a three-quarter-cent sales tax increase in next year's budget.

"The sales tax issue is not a political issue. We need revenue; the state needs revenue. The cuts have been Draconian," Perdue said.

There are just 15 weeks to go until the May primary. Some Democrats already have announced their intentions to take Perdue's place, while several more political leaders said they're still thinking it over.

Eyewitness News asked Perdue about the questionable timing of her decision.

"You waited until just about three months before the primary before making this decision. Doesn't this put your party now at a disadvantage?" asked Eyewitness News reporter, Jeff Smith.

"I don't think that it puts anyone at a disadvantage. In fact, it might be an advantage because it allows people to get really excited and enthused quickly rather than dragging it out," responded Perdue.

Perdue added she couldn't help when she made her decision.

She also said that even though she cleared her schedule and cancelled public appearances, she hasn't been avoiding the public or the media since her announcement.

"Thursday afternoon after I made my announcement, I actually just wanted to go home and regroup. I was in New Bern. I was surprised none of you came to see me or call me there. I answered my phone," Perdue said.

The Governor said she will travel the state and push for the sales tax increase.

Eyewitness News also asked if Perdue plans to retire from politics after she leaves the governor's mansion.

"I don't know what I’m going to do after this year," Perdue said.

The race to replace Perdue is growing.

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts told Eyewitness News she's giving thoughtful consideration to a gubernatorial run.

Charlotte Mayor Antony Foxx also is considering a run for the Democratic nomination.

Earlier Saturday in Greensboro, NC Rep. Bill Faison formally announces his candidacy. The Orange County Democrat said when it comes to fixing problems with education and job creation, he's the man for the job.

Faison joins Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton in the race, meaning there will definitely be a Democratic primary in May.

Dalton joined the race within hours of Perdue's announcement.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory who plans to announce his candidacy Tuesday.

_{Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:09:26 -0500}

News Source: MedleyStory More Local News Stories