The Charlotte City Council on Monday approved money for improved security at Charlotte-Mecklenburg police stations, including police headquarters. And the council agreed to fund a study of a proposed rail trail along the planned Silver Line.
The council gave its OK to two measures related to security at police facilities. The first was a $950,000 contract with Catalyst Construction to expand and renovate the lobby at CMPD headquarters. Improvements to be finished by the end of the year include bulletproof doors and windows and a new customer service counter and waiting area.
In January 2018, police killed a man when he ambushed them outside headquarters on East Trade Street. One officer was shot in the leg in the attack. Twenty-three-year-old Jonathan Bennett died. He was a suspect in a homicide earlier the same day.
Meanwhile, the council also approved a $500,000-a-year contract with ADM for electronic security systems at CMPD stations and other facilities.
Another Rail Trail?
City Council also approved spending $25,000 to study building a pedestrian and biking trail alongside the proposed Silver Line light rail. The rail line would connect Matthews to the airport and then go to Belmont in Gaston County. The trail alongside it would be similar to one next to the Blue Line now.
The town of Matthews also plans to spend $25,000 to study adding the trail. And the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization plans to contribute $150,000 to the study.
Planning for the Silver Line is still in the early stages. It's part of CATS' 2030 system plan.
