[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6178907,"mediaKeyId","5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940","parentId",5165842,"title","Gastonia council hears plan to guide $570,000 in CDBG, $690,000 in HOME funding for 2025–26","audioSeconds",2002,"startMs",240000,"endMs",2242000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940&start=240&end=2242","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940/thumbnail_240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6178907/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Gastonia-council-hears-plan-to-guide-570000-in-CDBG-690000-in-HOME-funding-for-202526","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178907-5cdb6acf9459af1621db5c9a5025625e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194424&Signature=AFXXBJEkdFMb-KjVExtiGbtWNC6P3zW~Mf-GijOEuVCsG4d49NEbLsHcdUyejyzf2Uip0ryQvFtOffE4pHGyAKNAbpYrjXxHZa1Kd8y05kGpz1RR~qzm97MfxUvYcCaO-3QjPlmz43o6aHPbWCfw-RfaYJFzcHZqH2QOr9FLYAOnnPq9FwIytsP-8Sbjfr1nbIqO~GG99PweU~s~KlkvKQgaTFjDp5h29qrfI1q2AG2QfYd2cEIlbPk1AAyRL22Fxl0sGKv0y2Ed5j~bJ7qvl0Dt-nk~ArSj2OfpyEcq1128nXnp6ULlRXZ~F~14AFcWWorBBV5hI1kuKmEJnSiu4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Gastonia NC","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","City staff and a consultant presented Gastonia’s five‑year consolidated plan and the city’s 2025–26 annual action plan Thursday, laying out how the city would allocate federal CDBG and HOME funds if Congress makes the anticipated appropriations.

The plans, prepared by Mosaic Community Planning LLC and the city’s affordable housing coordinator, describe community engagement, estimated outcomes and program priorities and list roughly $570,000 in CDBG and $690,000 in HOME funds (plus program income) for the 2025–26 year. Over five years, the presentation projected about $2.8 million in CDBG resources and about $3.5 million in HOME resources, subject to federal appropriations.

Mosaic consultant Ms. Fish said the consolidated plan is “a strategic plan required by the United State Department of Housing and Urban Development” for entitlement communities and that the city’s draft was built from data analysis, public input and stakeholder interviews. The project website, gastoniacomplan2025.com, hosted the plan drafts, an online needs survey and public comment during the 30‑day period, the consultant said.

Council members and residents asked for specifics. Councilman Gallagher asked how many people the programs help; Ms. Fish pointed to the plan’s estimated outcomes slide and said the document breaks prospective outcomes into categories such as housing units rehabilitated and rental units constructed. Councilwoman Littlejohn and others pressed for clarity on funding for youth services and homelessness prevention. City staff said youth programming is an eligible activity under CDBG but public services are capped at 15% of the annual CDBG allocation; staff also said some homelessness services would be provided through the Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln Continuum of Care.

The council voted to accept the plan as presented. The council and staff discussed next steps for outreach and application: staff will direct residents to local nonprofit partners that apply for and deliver services, and staff offered to attend neighborhood meetings to connect residents to resources. The plan and the annual action plan will be submitted to HUD after final local approval and remain contingent on HUD’s and Congress’s funding decisions.

The presentation includes a range of proposed projects for 2025 (housing rehabilitation, cold‑weather shelter support, acquisition for affordable housing, tenant‑based rental assistance and HOME program set‑asides for community housing development organizations). Staff emphasized the projections depend on future appropriations and that year‑to‑year funding can change.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting | June 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff and a consultant presented Gastonia’s five‑year consolidated plan and the city’s 2025–26 annual action plan Thursday, laying out how the city would allocate federal CDBG and HOME funds if Congress makes the anticipated appropriations.","taxTitle","Gastonia, Gaston County, North Carolina","taxId",4854,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178899,"Council updates post‑development stormwater rules, raises detention standard and sets 180‑day compliance window",2732,4480000,7212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940&start=4480&end=7212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940/thumbnail_4480000.jpg","/articles/6178899/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Council-updates-postdevelopment-stormwater-rules-raises-detention-standard-and-sets-180day-compliance-window","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178899-312f76f517f7be99e3aeb0ca1bb84e38/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194424&Signature=Q4Rjn7IJObaaj-RwjHsiHDqArbIet6~n7VLj8BPn5dPoCWQpuyO-2-npJyoduvFD~jJAlDzX0~gvjBVOKNkZpSwrbBrlHKMzXJq3fMSJwLJ-PWgb8~r~BBc57dcyo1lGHpc5KrTazLxLxatoebHu7s~3Ulnk-7pNE4rtMOReNJd8UNKi7M1loYoOqj4OGyBCYFfSYuIlCuOwUCUR~n9m6-70II20RxFjiOIqVNzp-uY-n3oppoCEOS52STEQjwRh7Yyn4wk0nJroCHxzmAdTIttKdiUSBNaFxcxU4pRhNn13-wYWsJH7f~ynm5pP5GktKR8OaGEef5bx0tvDvx4e5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council adopted updates to the city’s post‑development stormwater ordinance Thursday, changing technical standards and adding operation and maintenance requirements for stormwater control measures (SCMs).

Stormwater utility administrator Dannon Lawson said the changes clarify the definition of redevelopment (establishing 2008 as the cutoff year for certain redevelopment credits), refine low‑ and high‑density definitions, and raise detention design from the current 2‑in/10‑yr model to a 2‑in/25‑yr model. Lawson said the change increases the design rainfall retained on an acre of impervious surface by about one inch, roughly 27,000 gallons per acre, and will reduce uncontrolled runoff from new development.

The ordinance revisions also allow SCMs in floodplains under four conditions: approval by the stormwater administrator and floodplain manager; no adverse impact to floodplain function; meeting 2‑in/100‑yr detention requirements where applicable; and review of seasonal high water tables by a licensed soil scientist. Lawson said the city will require qualified maintenance providers, accessible sites for maintenance, invasive species control, and escrow or funding guarantees for long‑term maintenance when appropriate.

Lawson told council the city will give property owners and operators a compliance period of 180 days to work with watershed managers to bring existing SCMs into compliance. He said staff will provide guidance, lists of qualified contractors and a finding/fine schedule consistent with NCDEQ authority for persistent noncompliance. Council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance update.

Councilmembers asked about enforcement and routine inspection of detention basins; staff said watershed managers trained in state minimum design criteria will inspect and help owners return sites to service. The changes take effect on adoption; staff will publish the enforcement schedule and implement outreach to owners of existing SCMs.","City Council adopted updates to the post‑development stormwater ordinance Thursday, raising detention design to a 2‑in/25‑yr standard, clarifying redevelopment credits and adding operation and maintenance rules for stormwater devices.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178904,"Council makes Juneteenth a city‑sponsored festival for 2025, agrees to cover two days of in‑kind services and fireworks up to $5,500",2702,3009000,5711000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940&start=3009&end=5711","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940/thumbnail_3009000.jpg","/articles/6178904/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Council-makes-Juneteenth-a-citysponsored-festival-for-2025-agrees-to-cover-two-days-of-inkind-services-and-fireworks-up-to-5500","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178904-676f52851516c3d56e527a64b91b1885/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194424&Signature=oPit-3Zie52WIa5BrWCig1kyjQlEwRx2T4q95zgmw2I~VGAA7fYhgbIKK8RW8kyPiSQDPB6002w1PoFaWKwfFnBbX9ty40SOTmf29xfOn~~3yzz4mVQW-0pyfU50pAaYNrCfKi4YJNvhE9ucy2o0wDGkn~BHye4-mg7rJnLxPPJCfZTl8HDeZHXvHDx2zrhplquoXKJ0~qk9vYgZlJeBj34atxjXF8AZzSfvMfhPSAdfRUisHD7s8ggpNHiMvwvabfYQgjBhLVCLbc-TOuxPHu4v1XTrVzj2h51cM1cMe0fKgXkiptxZQbbq8M7gqj3IFLHEBR3hpdoI-e8DB9b5AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gastonia’s City Council voted unanimously Thursday to designate the Juneteenth celebration presented by Health Carolina as a city festival for 2025 and to provide city support this year for both days of the event, including in‑kind services and fireworks reimbursement up to $5,500.

Tasha White, founder of Health Carolina and the organizer of EbonyFest Juneteenth, told the council that the celebration had been organized as a two‑day event this year because of logistics: county parking lots that support the Rotary Pavilion were not available for use on the holiday date, requiring a Saturday setup to accommodate vendors and a parade. White asked the council to recognize the two‑day plan for 2025 and said that going forward she intends the event to be a single‑day Juneteenth observance when parking access constraints are resolved.

Council members debated three questions: whether the city should adopt Juneteenth as an official city festival, whether to cover one or two days in 2025, and whether the city should assume expenses beyond in‑kind staffing (for example, fireworks). Councilwoman Littlejohn moved to cover both days and all expenses for 2025; the motion was amended and clarified during discussion to cover in‑kind services for both days and reimburse fireworks up to $5,500. Councilwoman Stepp seconded the clarified motion.

City attorney Eric Edgerton said the city would require an indemnification clause in the contract so the organizer would hold the city harmless for liabilities associated with pyrotechnics and other activities; he also noted insurance certificates were already on file for the planned fireworks vendor. Ms. White told the council that the pyrotechnics contractor had already provided required insurance and that the city was listed on the certificate of insurance.

The vote to approve the contract and associated support was unanimous. Council members and staff said the 2025 arrangement was meant to address the immediate logistical needs; several council members said future years should be treated like the city’s other single‑day, city‑sponsored events (for example, Fourth of July). Staff will include an indemnification clause in the contract and confirm insurance documentation with the vendor prior to the event.","Gastonia’s City Council voted unanimously Thursday to designate the Juneteenth celebration as a city festival for 2025 and to provide city support for both days this year, including in‑kind services and fireworks reimbursement up to $5,500.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178889,"Council authorizes condemnation proceedings to acquire property for Hudson Point turn lane",175,7733000,7908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940&start=7733&end=7908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940/thumbnail_7733000.jpg","/articles/6178889/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Council-authorizes-condemnation-proceedings-to-acquire-property-for-Hudson-Point-turn-lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178889-2945fb5813722618822cc9bc2f3bbb4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194425&Signature=M4K~-Z3hZgC9zpqFLYfoBkLJzAooimH9reZ6WivvGpRgfI8Qhv-XEcT9dOth8Delx6MeZ8yiQXFCkVOl1ptJWqbbuM3oH0EEGxxqS738BwYFw0r5f0F17zS8vpnmZXmxj5KldP1uQs16~6qvNrNUpf0qAnZhZI7pm0XzJBeMEYxywiyBNT~PYFkF5et4hEULJvmpvNQzPCqlPW7bS-baxKBm1UEHPofcPYhksvZJ-FvL4tLJUgheS9Mf08NDFipGc3G7UyoH3naQmpv~TRDjQ3VWLNNdS4cl9sryG0RPp1BzCJOtOcOsGYODa4qigmFqjJoF0Na7Glky15iEMh2M4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council authorized staff to commence condemnation proceedings to acquire a strip of property at 2465 South New Hope Road needed for a turn lane required by a traffic impact analysis for the Hudson Point development.

City Attorney Eric Edgerton told council the developer had attempted private negotiations to acquire the needed right‑of‑way interest but had not reached an agreement with the property owner. The developer will reimburse the city for all costs the city incurs in the condemnation process, Edgerton said. The parcel’s PIN is 148677 and associated deed and plat references were placed in the record.

Council voted to approve initiation of condemnation proceedings unanimously. Edgerton said authorization will allow the city to secure the right‑of‑way necessary for the developer to meet traffic engineering conditions attached to their project approvals. Staff will work with the developer and legal counsel to proceed with the condemnation process in accordance with state law.","Council authorized the city attorney to begin condemnation proceedings to acquire a property interest on South New Hope Road needed to build a turn lane required by the developer’s traffic impact analysis for the Hudson Point project; the developer will reimburse the city for condemnation costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178894,"Gastonia council delays FY2026 budget vote, asks staff for additional detail and reopens public hearing process",3266,7894000,11160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940&start=7894&end=11160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5165842-b063e66756a41d364a92253cec6a6940/thumbnail_7894000.jpg","/articles/6178894/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Gastonia-council-delays-FY2026-budget-vote-asks-staff-for-additional-detail-and-reopens-public-hearing-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178894-12d1da0d654da5229be956c43af4e095/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194425&Signature=PMrSRzaGo7vxoL9hAELwcHCSZ0RwomyHa68kVl2VWfefSOdGLEwJ9xi8BZ9UCq4e7Avx~G21ZJGsDu7u~t~kAXFb7xG068L71vbW1jAww~cvWd0LKAwEkcylT9iISAx7eOtJWGpbZxgln27UT8FOV9cfXTxQnFgbNOAT1XJTg4Jdfoj0tDYXRkuDJOP22PrbUY3Vhkd3aLc346yVMtsp0AQP9Vsp6l5KmWwlxPHBJEMq5EppML~FCiYofJTrBfaPQUFiHNcLdQNEK9qREdqzERW1Cn4yK1pfWhf0cCgXlPftX0rOD6hWZz60oAoovBbs6~CcMCCkKTfnQ79HQPKLBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Michael Peoples presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and an amended ordinance reflecting council direction to reduce the property tax rate by one cent and to suspend a planned 5% water and sewer rate increase. After extended discussion and public comment, the council voted 5–2 to table final approval and requested additional information before the next meeting.

Peoples told council the manager’s original proposal included a placeholder for a 4% compensation increase; under the amended package staff reduced that placeholder to 3% plus a 1% career development increase effective Jan. 1, 2026. He said a one‑cent tax cut (from 47¢ to 46¢) would reduce ad valorem revenue by about $1,050,000; an associated estimated sales‑tax reduction tied to levy would be roughly $80,000, for a combined impact of about $1,130,000 on the general fund. Suspending the 5% utility rate increase would reduce water and sewer revenues by about $2,543,000, he said.

Council members and multiple public commenters questioned program details and asked for line‑item backup to assess proposed cuts and assignments. Public speakers urged delaying the vote, citing concerns about priorities (administrative costs, event spending, and previous unbudgeted expenditures); one speaker recommended reopening the public hearing. Several council members said they wanted more time to review the compensation study results and to identify specific line items to trim rather than accept summary changes without backup.

Councilwoman Stepp moved to table the budget until the council’s June 17 meeting and to request that council members submit reasonable information requests to the budget officer by 5 p.m. on June 4; the motion passed 5–2. City staff said they would provide targeted department information where practicable and that full line‑by‑line printouts would be voluminous; staff asked council to specify which departmental or program details they most wanted. The city clerk will confirm advertising requirements before reopening any public hearing to meet state notice rules.

Council members noted capital needs (streets resurfacing, bond issuance debt service, and the cost of replacing fire apparatus in recent years) and said delaying a decision would allow more data to be gathered without immediately triggering an interim budget. The city will publish the materials requested and accept specific questions from council by the deadline set in the motion; staff will return with the requested details at the June 17 meeting or call a special meeting if statutory notice and advertising timelines require it.","City Manager Michael Peoples presented the proposed FY2026 budget and alternatives reflecting council direction to lower the tax rate by 1¢ and to suspend a 5% water/sewer rate increase. After public comment and council questions about line‑item detail, council voted 5–2 to table the budget and request additional information to be provided to c","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Gastonia council hears plan to guide $570,000 in CDBG, $690,000 in HOME funding for 2025–26

Council updates post‑development stormwater rules, raises detention standard and sets 180‑day compliance window

Council makes Juneteenth a city‑sponsored festival for 2025, agrees to cover two days of in‑kind services and fireworks up to $5,500

Council authorizes condemnation proceedings to acquire property for Hudson Point turn lane

Gastonia council delays FY2026 budget vote, asks staff for additional detail and reopens public hearing process