Local
Huntersville church asks for road barriers after repeated late-night incidents
Faith City Church leaders say repeated after-hours gatherings, property damage and weekend gunfire have left them considering a $200,000 to $400,000 fence. They are asking Huntersville to block access to a nearby dead-end road and are cooperating with law enforcement.
Faith City Church leaders in Huntersville say repeated late-night incidents on church property have damaged the grounds and raised safety concerns, prompting them to consider a fence estimated to cost between $200,000 and $400,000.
The latest incident happened around 2 a.m. on Oct. 18, when gunfire in the church parking lot sent people running for cover, church leaders said. The property had been vandalized for the second time in a week, according to the church.
Bishop Amere May said there have been three or four unauthorized after-hours events on the property. He described those involved as teenagers, though police have not released the ages of anyone involved.
May said the church wants the city to consider putting up a roadblock or other barriers on a nearby dead-end road. He said the area is often used for dumping, drug use and car stunts, and tire marks from cars doing “donuts” have extended into the church’s parking lot.
The proposed fence could cost as much as $400,000, May said. The potential expense puts the burden of preventing further damage on the church, even as its leaders seek help from local authorities.
May also called on parents to take responsibility for young people who are out late at night. Church leaders said they are cooperating with law enforcement and asked anyone with information, photographs or video to share it with authorities.
Executive Pastor Scott White said church services and ministry work would continue despite the incidents. “If we take time off, then we’re not ready,” he said.