Some neighbors concerned for safety ahead of Rick Ross concert

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Last week we learned that the Rick Ross concert had found a new home in Leland. That’s also apparently the first time some people who live near the Town Creek Vision Park say they learned about the venue change as well, leaving them concerned about their safety.

“We’re really afraid that if something does happen, we’re in harm’s way.” John Brown said.

Reverend John Brown lives on Sunnybrook Way, the street where the Rick Ross concert is scheduled to happen this week. He says he was surprised to learn the show was going on right across the street from his home.

“We were totally surprised because no one consulted us from Town Creek Vision,” Brown said. “Where we live and where the ball park is situated, it’s one way in and one way out. We’re thinking that’s a recipe for disaster.”

Brown is concerned with the traffic that a concert projected to host four to five thousand people would bring and that there may not be adequate enough security.

“If you’re having an outdoor event, how much security really can you provide?” Brown asked.

The promoter, Alonza Mitchell, says they will be prepared for the crowds in a statement.

“We’ve hired two separate security agencies to help maintain the safety of everyone who will be attending,” Mitchell said. “The owner of one of the agencies is from that community, so he has a very special interest in protecting the well-being of the attendees, as well as the community. We will also be going around door to door Tuesday addressing the concerns the community may have.”

Reverend Brown says that if the event isn’t cancelled, he doesn’t plan to stick around Friday night.

“We’re going to move and stay in a hotel Friday night,” Brown said. “We’re not going to stay home because we just don’t feel safe in our own home. I think that it’s a tragedy that it gets to the point in your own neighborhood and the area that you live that you can’t even feel safe inside your own home.”

Last week the President of the Town Creek Vision Board Willie Sloan told us everything had been approved to host the concert. We were not able to get a hold of him today.