Gastonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gastonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Towing Company Regulation
Even after the state shut down a local towing company, cars kept mysteriously disappearing from Gastonia city lots, exposing major gaps in local oversight and lot security.
Towing Company Lawsuit
Gastonia is cracking down on a local towing company with a lawsuit following a wave of complaints about outrageous fees. If you've ever had to pay an arm and a leg just to get your towed car back, this city action is finally pushing back against predatory practices.
Governance Rules
Gastonia's city council is debating rule changes that would strip the mayor of some voting power. This political shake-up could completely change how local decisions get made in your backyard.
Surveillance Cameras
Gastonia is rolling out a brand new batch of street surveillance cameras to boost local security. City leaders are currently debating where these devices should go and how they might affect your personal privacy.
Surveillance Expansion
Gastonia is installing a bunch of new security cameras to give police a better view of public streets. It’s a big deal if you're trying to weigh the perks of public safety against your personal right to privacy.
Personnel Change
Gastonia's longtime City Attorney, Ash Smith, is stepping down, leaving the city in search of a new top legal advisor. City leaders are now faced with the important task of finding a replacement for this critical leadership role.
Legal Dispute
The owners of the Gastonia Honey Hunters are firing back at the city with a countersuit, keeping the drama alive over our taxpayer-funded ballpark. This messy legal battle means more delays, legal fees, and headaches for everyone living in the area.
Service Alerts
Gastonia just launched a handy texting service called TRU+E Alerts so you can get instant updates on power and water outages straight to your phone. No more guessing when your lights will come back on—just fast, direct info right in your pocket.
Administrative Appointment
Belmont's city manager is moving to Gastonia for a top administrative job. This leadership change could bring fresh ideas and new management styles to city hall.
City Manager Appointment
Gastonia has a brand new city manager! Michael Peoples just took over the top administrative job to run the city's day-to-day operations.