Charlotte City Council approves $1M in incentives for Chiquita

The Charlotte City Council approved more than one-million dollars in incentive money for Chiquita Monday night, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in moving expenses. 

The council’s discussion was interrupted at times by the shouts of protesters in the audience.  Demonstrators and some council members say the move could set a dangerous precedent.

Protester Christian Hine said he had hoped more council members would vote against the Chiquita incentives package.  He and other protesters spoke in front of the council and held up signs.

In return for city, county and state money, Chiquita has promised to bring 417 jobs to Charlotte.  City Manager Curt Walton said Monday night that 300 Chiquita jobs will be filled locally, which is 100 more than city officials had said previously.

The council also requested that Chiquita conduct a job fair in Charlotte.