Mayors Discuss pressing issues at chamber event

Photo by Stacie Bright

Community and business leaders met last week at the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce to listen to the mayors of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville discuss public safety, town business, development updates, and community initiatives.

Cornelius Mayor Denis Bilodeau highlighted federal grants supporting parks, police and infrastructure projects, noting improvements in roads, sidewalks and pedestrian safety.

Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox provided insight on downtown Davidson projects, the Kincaid Greenway, a restored historic gymnasium, a new fire station and affordable housing partnerships, including plans with Davidson College.

Huntersville Mayor Melinda Bales Clark shared updates on development, affordable housing and regional partnerships, as well as teen safety, addressing concerns about unsupervised congregations such as the recent teen gathering at Birkdale Village.

Clark said the town is working with schools, police and property owners to offer alternative activities to teens, improve supervision and enforce ordinances when possible. She noted, however, that the new Birkdale curfew in response to the teen incident is the responsibility of the property manager’s security team to enforce.

“That is a policy from Birkdale and not a town ordinance,” said Clark, adding that the town would respond to any calls on legal issues such as trespassing.

“Our police cannot enforce their private policy,” she said.

The mayors also emphasized strong regional collaboration, sharing best practices, aligning resources and jointly addressing challenges to enhance public safety, infrastructure and quality of life across North Mecklenburg.