Gastonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gastonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Church Security and Neighborhood Safety Concerns
Residents voiced concerns at the meeting regarding recent gun violence in their neighborhoods and asked for increased police presence and accountability.
Proposed Charter Amendment on Mayor's Voting Authority
The city council voted to strip the mayor's regular voting power, limiting votes to tie-breaks only, sparking heated debate over democracy and mid-term rule changes.