A new program designed to reduce crime is coming to Charlotte, NC. The program is called Weed and Seed. Weed & Seed is a a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The first spot in East Charlotte to see the program will be Central Avenue and West Boulevard. (Area is shown in green on map) The city of Charlotte will make an announcement next Tuesday about bringing the program to the area. (Local Demographics)Weed and Seed is a program that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in designated high-crime neighborhoods across the country. There are more than 300 Weed and Seed sites in the US. The Weed and Seed strategy is a multilevel strategic plan that includes four basic components: law enforcement; community policing; prevention, intervention, and treatment; and neighborhood restoration.
According to this article by WBTV, police typically respond to more than a hundred calls a week in this area- which is located between Plaza-Midwood and Eastland Mall. Between March and April of 2006, police answered more than 400 calls for service along West Boulevard. The Weed and Seed program in these neighborhoods is part of a five-year crime reduction program.