Windy Ridge- Neighborhood Partner Profile

The Windy Ridge neighborhood is located in the northwest portion of Charlotte, North Carolina and can be reached via Interstate 85, Brookshire Blvd./ Exit 36. The neighborhood was developed in two stages, in 2003 and 2004.

The recent recession has had an adverse effect on Windy Ridge, as many owners vanished and foreclosures increased. Houses that sold for more than $120,000 are now listed at $35-$40,000. As a result, many homes are now vacant. The UNC Charlotte research team’s last survey of homes in Windy Ridge (July 2010) indicated that, of the 133 homes in the neighborhood, only 102 were occupied. Of those 102, only eight were occupied by the homeowners themselves. Current issues facing the neighborhood are property crimes, speeding, a lack of adequate street lighting, and erosion.

Other projects that UNC Charlotte students and faculty have partnered with Windy Ridge on include:

  • Neighborhood Entrance Sign Beautification, Fall 2009
  • Youth Gang Prevention Initiative, Spring 2010
  • Founding of Neighborhood Association, Fall 2009– was awarded “Most Engaged” award by the City of Charlotte in Spring 2010
  • Neighborhood Cleanup and Green Initiative, Spring 2011
  • Installation of holly bushes and fencing in partnership with Windy Ridge, funded by City of Charlotte’s Neighborhood Matching Grant program, Spring 2011
  • Installation of neighborhood watch signs, Fall 2012
  • Food Security Forum, Spring 2011