Youth crime has been on the rise throughout the last year within the City of Charlotte.
So far in 2024, eight juveniles have been killed in gun-related incidents in Charlotte. In 2023, there were only eight all year.
Because of the rise in those statistics, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles called for strategies to be put into place to combat such incidents earlier this year.
According to the latest data from the city, from 2021-23, juvenile auto thefts were up 192 percent, followed by property crimes at 86 percent, and gun-related incidents at 33 percent.
During Monday night’s city council meeting, members got to hear feedback from stakeholders on ways they believe the city could see a drop in youth-related crimes.
One of those recommendations included investing in more mental health support. To accomplish that, some are calling on the city to invest in a new youth behavioral health facility that would be named the Katie Blessing Center.
If the city moves forward with it, the facility would be built near the Eastland Yards project in east Charlotte.
The more than $62 million facility would have 72 inpatient beds, multiple therapy programs and more. Once it is completed, it would be the largest pediatric center of its kind in North Carolina.
