CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
At first glance it looks like when the Democratic National Convention comes to Charlotte, that's the time for local residents to get away. Not so says the city. Officials say people should come.
The U-S Secret Service and Charlotte Police yesterday released a transportation and security plan that detailed the number of streets that will have limited access to drivers and pedestrians. There are also several no parking zones and security checkpoints.
So what should local residents do?
Charlotte Center City Partners says "we're telling people to come Uptown - be a part of history. This is an incredible time for Charlotte."
Thousands of delegates, visitors, and protestors are expected the first week of September when the DNC starts. Police say the checkpoints will be there to keep the area safe. Captain Brian Cunningham of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department says "the main thing for the checkpoints is security. It's not to keep people out. We want everybody to enjoy Uptown and the event and the checkpoint is just one part of that."
Michael Smith, President of Center City Partners, says despite the limited access Charlotte's museums and attractions like the Mint Museum and the Gantt Center for African American Art and Culture will be open... in addition to all of the DNC events and celebrity watching. Smith says, "it's an exciting time but you can't come here the way you normally do. Come Uptown unconventionally."
City officials are advising people to take the transit and walk a couple of blocks or ride a bicycle. They say the key to coming to Uptown during the DNC is thinking outside the box.
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