Charlotte Activists Battle to Preserve Abandoned Chimney for Migrating Birds Amid Safety Concerns
In south Charlotte, an abandoned Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools building has become the focal point of a dispute between nature conservationists, local parents, and city officials. Avian activists are advocating for the preservation of a specific chimney on the property, which serves as a crucial roosting site for migrating chimney swifts. Conservationist Alden Picard described the nightly roosting as a "swiftnado," a swirling cloud of birds. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Mecklenburg Audubon, and Charlotte Wildlife Stewards have gathered to observe this phenomenon. However, local parents have voiced concerns about the abandoned building and the presence of squatters, citing safety risks to the nearby Collinswood Language Academy. The county's office of asset and facility management has stated they are working to save the chimney, but without guarantees, as the rest of the building is slated for demolition.
