Barry Canter has seen a lot of change from his front yard.
When he moved to east Charlotte in the mid-1980s, Eastland Mall was still a relatively new beacon attracting young homeowners to the area. The neighbors were friendly. The streets were calm. He felt safe sending his kids to the mall under their older sister’s supervision.
Then the signs of struggle started creeping in. Big-name retailers pulled out, and crime picked up. Canter kept a closer watch on his kids…