Progress underway on the problem of public pooping, Fourth Ward leader says

The city is working with residents to address public urination and defecation

The following article appeared in the December 1, 2023, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.

---

The City of Charlotte is examining re-instating criminal penalties for ‘quality of life’ offenses

Some uptown residents have expressed concerns about public drinking and public urination and defecation in places such as Fourth Ward Park.

Residents of the Fourth Ward neighborhood in uptown appealed to city council members last August to bring back criminal penalties for urinating, defecating and carrying open containers in public — problems they said have been a growing concern in their streets and parks. 

A city council public safety committee in October looked at holistic approaches and called for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police to draw up a list of ordinances that would encourage voluntary compliance if arrests were an option.

Since then, Fourth Ward residents say that communication with city officials, police and other uptown residents and businesses has been robust, and they’re hopeful that new proposed rules will be brought to city council in January.