CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Three weeks after NBC Charlotte identified an ongoing security threat under some of uptown's most visited buildings, Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt said she's open to hearing suggestions of how to better secure the city's underground stormwater network.
Eiselt said she talked with city staff this week about the vulnerability, and while she can't reveal the full details of Charlotte's security plan, she thinks the city is doing what it can to protect the access points.
"Is there a possibility something could happen? There's always a possibility," she said. "I don't know that there's something that we should be doing that we're not. We always want to do more if we can identify what works."
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker shared his concern last month, several years after NBC Charlotte first uncovered the easily accessible tunnel network.
"It is surprising that the city hasn't closed down that vulnerability," Swecker said. "There may be some engineering reasons why it may not be secured now."
Eiselt said the city can't block the access points due to the flooding risk if litter backs up the system. However, she said if Swecker has suggestions, she wants to know.
"I think if Chris Swecker has ideas, he should put them forward," she said. "If he sees an opportunity that we haven't taken, I'd be happy to talk to him about."
Councilmember Tariq Bokhari said he's still asking questions since he's not fully reassured of the city's efforts.
"I got a thumbs up from the city manager that he has it handled, but don't have any deeper details at this point than that," he said.
The City of Charlotte wouldn't reveal if it uses cameras or sensors, but last told us it will work with its partners to keep the city safe at all times. All we could find that could stop someone from entering the tunnels were "No Trespassing" signs. One of them was so faded it was barely noticeable.