Business Owners Say Not To Give Up On Epicenter As Financial Woes Continue

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Epicenter struggles continue as little progress has been made on loan payments by the property owner.  As concerns about the Epicenter’s future grow, some local businesses say not to give up just yet.

“This is something that has been of concern to me,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles during a Thursday news conference.

She says problems with the area have persisted for years.

“The way that it was constructed and designed made it difficult for our police officers and security folks to monitor it,” explained Lyles.

Crime, talks of foreclosure, and the pandemic has crippled the center city district.

According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s office,  ten businesses have been evicted since January 2020. One other business is in the process of eviction.

Despite the closures, some shop owners say business is coming back.

“We are getting some of that walk-through traffic again and it’s making a difference,” said James Mack, the owner of Epic Times Jewelry Store.

He says it’s been an up and down five years at their store in the Epicenter. He says he is trying to be optimistic and hopeful.

“The last three months have been exceptionally good. We are making our way back up from the shut down and everything,” said Mack.

The financial issues facing the property owners and the pandemic have Mack a bit on edge. Meanwhile city leaders are looking to start the process of exploring future options.

“I think open space is always a good thing. But I know that site is very very valuable,” said Lyles.

Mack says private investment could also go a long way to help.

“We need some of the Michael Jordans, some of the Teppers to step in and help small businesses like this,” said, Mack.

CIM Group, which owns the Epicenter, says they do not comment on pending litigation.