Gastonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gastonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New Single-Family Construction at 424 W. Second Ave.
Developers proposed a new house and driveway on a vacant lot in the York-Chester Historic District. Neighbors and commissioners worked out details for architectural enhancements like a faux gable window, rear windows, and exterior lighting.
Historic District Window and Fenestration Standards
The commission debated whether to allow after-the-fact window replacements featuring grilles between the glass at 615 S. Chester St. Because the home is non-contributing, commissioners used their discretion to approve the non-compliant windows.
Unified Development Ordinance Amendment for Vape and Tobacco Shops
The city is introducing new zoning rules to tightly regulate where tobacco, vape, and hemp shops can open. These shops will be banned from residential and downtown areas and forced to maintain large distance buffers from schools, parks, and homes.
Martha Rivers Park Equipment Replacement
The city is partnering with Leathers and Associates on a design-build contract to replace the aging Martha Rivers Park playground while keeping its beloved castle theme.
Long Creek Wastewater Outfall Resiliency Project
The city is moving forward with $707,000 in engineering and resilience upgrades along Long Creek to repair storm damage and prevent future sewage overflows during heavy floods.
Road Construction
Gastonia is planning a major 3.5-mile overhaul of West Sugar Creek Road starting in 2028, bringing fresh pavement, new sidewalks, and safer crosswalks to your commute. It's all about making the road smoother and safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.
City Attorney Retirement and Legal Transitions
Longtime City Attorney Charles Graham announced his upcoming retirement in November, marking a major transition in the city's legal department amidst ongoing UDO rewrites.
Commercial Maintenance Code Enforcement
The city adopted new rules to stop landlords from leaving vacant downtown buildings boarded up indefinitely. Properties will face a 90-day board-up limit and a strict 30-day notice process to fix safety and aesthetic issues.
Linwood Springs Park Property Acquisition
The city is officially taking full ownership of Linwood Springs Park by accepting a direct property donation from the state Department of Transportation, replacing a long-term lease.
Road Closures
Heads up, Gastonia commuters—President Trump is in town today, meaning major road closures and messy traffic. You'll want to check alternative routes before heading out to avoid getting stuck.
FY2028 Budget Planning Calendar
The city established its roadmap for drafting the upcoming fiscal year's budget, incorporating early public meetings to address potential tax revaluation questions.
Martha Rivers Park Parking Expansion
The city is investing nearly $1.95 million to add parking lots and new road access at Martha Rivers Park to relieve heavy congestion and safety hazards during tournaments.
Gastonia 150th Anniversary and Linwood Park Grand Opening Planning
Council approved funding for celebrations marking Gastonia's 150th anniversary and the grand opening of Linwood Park in 2027.
Union Road Multi-Family Special Use Permit
Thawait Realty sought a special use permit for a 108-unit apartment complex on Union Road. Residents and condo owners strongly opposed it, pointing to chronic speeding, frequent accidents, and severe traffic bottlenecks along the corridor.
Rezoning at 1701 N. New Hope Road for Duplex Development
A developer is looking to rezone a small vacant lot at 1701 N. New Hope Road to build four attached duplex units. The project addresses middle housing needs but requires careful management of stormwater and driveway access onto Ferris Street.
License Plate Readers and Flock Cameras Transparency
During public comment, NAACP branch president Sean Bates raised concerns about community transparency, data sharing with agencies like ICE, and privacy oversight regarding Flock license plate reader cameras.
Project Metro Economic Development Incentive
The city approved a 10-year tax incentive grant for Project Atlas, a UK-based advanced manufacturing company investing $21 million and bringing 95 high-paying jobs to the Westgate Building on Cox Road.
Project Alliance Gastonia 85 Industrial Park Incentive
Council approved a major Level Four tax incentive for Project Alliance Gastonia 85, a $61 million investment to build five speculative industrial buildings totaling 872,000 square feet off Dr. Martin Luther King Way.
Farmers Market Building Upfit Study
Council approved spending up to $32,000 in CDBG funds to hire an outside consultant for a thorough architectural, structural, and HVAC assessment of the Gastonia Farmers Market.
After-the-Fact Siding and Exterior Alterations at 308 W. Fifth Ave.
Homeowner Tammy Harvell sought approval for after-the-fact siding, door, and shutter changes on a circa 1940 Cape Cod home in the historic district. Commissioners discussed material compliance and visual consistency.
Unified Development Ordinance Major Development Rules
Gastonia updated its UDO to require residential projects of 20 or more units and commercial developments requiring a Traffic Impact Analysis to undergo conditional zoning review. This change gives the city more leverage to negotiate design standards and infrastructure improvements.
Sierra Ridge East Duplex Development
Profile Homes is adding 44 new duplex units as Phase 3 of the existing Sierra Ridge neighborhood off Mount Mitchell Avenue.
N. Boyce Street Townhome Development
Legacy Home Builders is bringing 38 new townhomes to N. Boyce Street near downtown. The project features rear-loaded garages, alley access, and public street parking.
Public Housing Communication and Community Inequities
Residents voiced concerns during public expression regarding difficulties communicating with the Gastonia Housing Authority and broader community equity issues, prompting the mayor to intervene.
Downtown USPS Employee Parking Lease
The city is leasing 28 public parking spaces near Chester Street to the U.S. Postal Service for up to 24 months to accommodate temporary workers from a renovating Charlotte facility. The city will receive $10,000 annually, which will be reinvested into downtown parking maintenance.
Arts Committee FY 2026-27 Funding Allocations
Council approved $50,000 in arts grants, public art projects, and community festival funding to support local cultural events like the Fall Festival and Christmas in the City.
Historic Chimney Demolition Review at 535 W. Harvie Ave.
Property owner Wesley Forbus requested permission to remove a failing, original brick chimney from a circa 1919 historic home. Commissioners are weighing safety and structural concerns against guidelines that protect historic architectural features.
Traffic Calming and Parking Restrictions Around Hunter Huss High
Traffic and parking restrictions were updated around Hunter Huss High School to improve student safety and traffic flow.
Civil Solicitation Ordinance
The council enacted an ordinance creating civil fines for solicitors who ignore posted 'no soliciting' signs. Canvassing and criminal penalties were removed from the final version.
Downtown Revitalization Plan Adoption
Patrick Mumford presented the 'Gastonia Reimagined' plan, a strategic framework for downtown growth, green spaces, and housing. The council formally adopted the plan to guide future development decisions.
Police Accountability and Transparency Demands
Community members and relatives of the late Derrick Manigault spoke during public expression to demand accountability and transparency regarding plainclothes police officers involved in his January death, expressing outrage over officers returning to active duty.
Planning Commission Training on Quasi-Judicial Hearings
City staff provided training to help planning commissioners understand their legal roles and evidentiary requirements when handling upcoming quasi-judicial special use permits.
Purchasing Policy and Bidding Threshold Updates
The city raised its informal competitive bidding threshold from $3,000 to $10,000 to streamline procurement and prepare for new financial software. It also added a provision allowing the City Manager to waive bid bonds for certain formal goods purchases.
Franklin Yards Redevelopment Agreement Amendment
The city approved a major amendment for the Franklin Yards project at the old YMCA site, increasing the investment to $60 million and 280 housing units. The agreement gives the developer until 2028 to start construction and 2030 to finish, while requiring demolition to start within 60 days. The site will be cleared, filled, and seeded with grass so it doesn't stay an eyesore.
Solid Waste Equipment and Fleet Upgrades
A city solid waste employee urged council to prioritize upgrading garbage trucks, noting that heavy wear and tear from community growth makes reliable equipment essential.
FY 2027 City Budget and Fee Schedule Adoption
Gastonia approved a $378 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, holding property taxes steady at 47 cents while raising water and sewer rates by 7.5% to fund major infrastructure needs. The package also includes modest fee increases for solid waste and transit.
Fraudulent Invoicing Targeting Permit Applicants
City officials issued a warning about scammers sending fake invoices and wire transfer demands to people applying for historic district permits.
Subdivision and Variance Request at 1818 Winget St.
An applicant is seeking a variance to subdivide an existing parcel containing six rental homes into individual lots, addressing a long-standing nonconforming property layout. While four lots meet standard size requirements, two require lot size variances.
Opposition to State Property Tax Legislation
Gastonia joined over 30 North Carolina counties and numerous municipalities in passing a resolution opposing proposed state legislation that would limit local property tax growth and threaten essential public services.
Safe Streets and Vision Zero Adoption
The city adopted the Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan and committed to Vision Zero goals, aiming to cut serious injury and fatal crash rates by 50% by 2038 and reach zero by 2050. The council also backed a $14.5 million grant application for west-side corridor safety upgrades.
Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation
Mandatory Stage 2 water conservation restrictions are in effect across the Catawba Wateree Basin due to severe drought conditions, imposing rules and potential fines for non-compliance.
Arlington School Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Developers are planning to transform the vacant 1922 Arlington Elementary School building and surrounding property into 116 apartments and ground-floor retail space, breathing new life into a historic blighted site.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget
The City Council reviewed a $378 million proposed budget that holds property taxes flat at 47 cents but includes proposed increases in water, sewer, and solid waste fees. Residents face cumulative cost pressures, though officials emphasized targeted investments in employee salaries and infrastructure.
GoGastonia Microtransit Fare and Surcharge Discussion
The Transportation Department proposed raising microtransit fares from $2.50 to $3.00 and adding a distance-based surcharge for trips over five miles. Public survey feedback showed strong opposition to the surcharge due to affordability concerns.
Project Explore Economic Development Grant
The city approved a Level 1 incentive grant to support a $16.8 million expansion in machinery and equipment by an existing local industry.
Right-of-Way Closures for Townhome Development
The council approved closing unopened streets and an alleyway to facilitate the construction of a 109-townhome residential project.
Piedmont Delicatessen Facade and Architecture Grant
The council approved $21,500 in facade and architecture grants to help restore a historic downtown building at 125 East Main Avenue.
2025-2026 Winter Warming Center Operations and Homeless Services
A local pastor highlighted the ongoing need for city-provided transportation from warming centers and requested centralized shower and laundry facilities.
Mandatory Energy Emergency Alert Program Policy
To comply with federal grid reliability standards and avoid million-dollar fines, the city adopted a policy that establishes procedures for rolling blackouts and load management during power emergencies.
Apartment Complex Trash and Maintenance Issues
Council members addressed persistent excessive trash and code enforcement problems at Mountain View Apartments and Weldon Heights, pushing management companies for permanent solutions.