The J.T. Williams neighborhood in north Charlotte already looks much different than it did a month ago.
The small brick homes have been painted white, the parking lot has been paved, and workers have spread fresh mulch and planted small shrubs.
The biggest difference, however, is the emptiness. Homes that once held families, friends and individuals who were able to afford the cheap rent now sit empty. The parking lot is quiet, with a dwindling number of cars, and the basketball hoop in the middle of Pryor Avenue, once the center of the small community, is unused.
The few remaining residents are struggling to find new homes. That’s because the community was purchased in June by investors who began telling residents to move out so they could make over the community and raise rents by as much as double.
It’s the latest Charlotte neighborhood to experience a mass displacement after getting bought up by investors.
WFAE reporter Nick de la Canal has been covering the story and joined WFAE’s Chris Jones to share more information about the new owners of the J.T. Williams neighborhood — and the money they expect to make. You can listen to their conversation at the link below.
Read more at WFAE 90.7 FM
