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Property tax cut proposed in Mecklenburg Co.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Tuesday night, Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones proposed a 2.44 cent property tax decrease that would give residents the lowest tax rate in eight years.

The tax decrease is part of a budget proposal presented to county commissioners for the next fiscal year.

Jones said he was pleased to announce the tax proposal, made possible by what county leaders called conservative estimates on just how much money the county would bring in during 2012.

The property tax decrease would bring the rate down to 79.22 cents per $100 of valued property.

While many property owners will be excited about the proposal, not everyone will be happy with the overall budget.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools requested a $27 million increase from the county, which would have helped pay for a three percent raise in teachers' salaries.

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Appeal denied for man found guilty of killing two CMPD officers

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- A man who shot and killed two Charlotte police officers in northeast Charlotte in 2007 has been denied an appeal to overturn his murder conviction.

In September 2010, Demeatrius Antonio Montgomery was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the slaying of Officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton at the Timber Ridge Apartments in east Charlotte in 2007.  He is currently serving two consecutive life sentences without parole.

His new attorney filed an appeal, 217 pages long, in September 2011 in an attempt to get the conviction overturned. Several of the 16 reasons for appeal deal with Montgomery's mental competency.

The court ruled that the appeal was without merit and that the trial court did not err in procedure.

However, Montgomery's appellate defender, Andrew DiSimone said he is reviewing the possibility of filing a petition with the NC Supreme Court.

Mecklenburg makes progress in flood plains, but hundreds still at risk

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Over the past several years, Mecklenburg County has used federal dollars to buy out hundreds of flood prone properties. However, more than 1500 are still at risk of being damaged by rising waters.

One of those neighborhoods is Madison Park along Park Road, where dozens of homes along Mockingbird Lane and Wedgewood Drive sit in a flood plain. Neighbors tell WBTV when a nearby creek overflows, it can cover the roadway.

"A couple people in this neighborhood were instrumental in helping us make our new flood plan," said Dave Canaan, director for the County's Water and Land Resources.

He said even though 250 homes have been bought out, there are still many people at risk when it comes to flooding. A new plan just approved in May, will look at other cost effective options beyond buy-outs. One idea, Canaan said, is to elevate some structures. It would be a cheaper, long-term solution in some cases.

Will recent rain help get county off drought list?

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Mecklenburg county is one of 61 counties in North Carolina that is suffering from a moderate drought condition.

Experts say our river levels are low, there is low moisture, and the county is getting less than 50% of the rain the area should be getting. Those signs point to moderate drought conditions.

Neighbors are concerned by this news. They think it's a bad sign.

"That we were going to have a really dry summer," Neighbor Amy Jarrett said. "Really nervous - it's barely spring."

Jarrett claims the moderate drought has taken a toll on her friends.

"I have friends that planted early," Jarrett said. "And they said their plants are looking bad."

Some believe the recent rainfalls the area has received could help.

"This rain will definitely help ease those worries." Campbell's Nursery Expert Brad Miller said.

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Temporary closure of security checkpoint creates headache at CLT

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Passengers need to allow more time at the airport if they are traveling out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The airport says Security Checkpoint C is temporary closed for an equipment upgrade and renovation by the Transportation Security Administration.

Passengers are asked to be prepared for hour long wait times at other security checkpoints during peak departure periods.

Travelers
may use Checkpoints A, B, or D, which will all open at 4 a.m. through Thursday,
May 17, to access their gates.

TSA has reassigned staff to the open checkpoints
to assist and minimize wait times for passengers.

Checkpoint
C closed Monday, May 14 at noon for a TSA equipment upgrade and area renovation
project.  It reopens 5 a.m. Thursday, May 17.   

Viral video shows Charlotte's growth since 1986

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- If there was ever any question about how fast Charlotte has grown in the past 25 years take a look at this video of a drive through Charlotte in 1986.

You'll notice some of the Queen City's most recognizable buildings and landmarks are not there.

But others, like Carowinds and the old uptown Belk department store can be seen as the car drives around the city.

One thing you'll notice a drastic change in is the gas prices, listed at 69 cents for regular gasoline at the gas station in the video.

Independence Boulevard, Interstate 77 and the construction of Interstate 277 can also be seen in the video.

But perhaps most obvious to how much 'smaller' Charlotte was just a quarter of a century ago, the driver has no problem driving around town as the roads seem almost abandoned compared to today's rush hour gridlock.

Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.

Community Gardens - an Action Plan for Success

Community Gardens - an Action Plan for Success

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Are you an involved community leader, a neighborhood captain, an educator or someone wanting to "get back to basics" in the local food chain? If so, and you are unsure of where or how to start, join us as an experienced community gardener, teacher and writer, focusing on food gardening in the Carolinas, walks you through the steps to organize, establish and maintain a successful, sustainable community garden. Learn how a garden can foster communities by providing fresh produce, promoting physical activity, encouraging opportunities for friendships and cooperation and ultimately benefit the community at large.