Morningside Rhapsody - Charlotte's Forgotten Poor

Morningside Apartments was built in 1949 and 1950 to ease the housing shortage that followed World War II, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission report. In its early days, Morningside attracted World War II veterans, bachelors and widows. These days, it houses a mix of people -- different races, backgrounds and education levels. A notable contingent of Sudanese and Bosnian immigrants live in the complex. It's a relatively safe home at a good price: one-bedrooms rent for as little as $350.

"They're not going to be able to afford something in a decent neighborhood for that price," says Elizabeth Stafford, a frustrated former Morningside resident. "They're all going to have to go to the ghetto."

Morningside - Soon to be torn down - the people who've lived there are left with few options for affordable housing.



THE LIE: "If anyone has concerns, they're not saying anything about it."

Graham Development plans to construct a variety of housing styles, including townhomes, traditional brownstones, condominiums and single-family detached homes. Prices could range from $150,000 to more than $1 million.

The 33-acre tract is the site of the 336-unit Morningside complex and about 12 duplex homes.

There is no current Section 8 housing availability for new applicants.

An economically vibrant city like Charlotte should be ashamed.





Only those who can afford $150,000 - $1 million homes will now enjoy living adjacent to lovely Veterans' Park. As for the poor and the stray cats -
where will their heads rest while the millionaires plan their McMansions

William Perry couldn't be accused of sugarcoating his feelings about the proposed demolition of Morningside Apartments. "For me," the 75-year-old resident says slowly, "having to find another place to live would be just like a man-made Katrina."