Gastonia Council considers annexation and rezoning for 222-unit development near Penny Park

In a bustling Gastonia City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, critical discussions unfolded regarding local infrastructure and community development, reflecting the city's growth and the challenges that accompany it. The evening began with a public hearing on the proposed closure of a cul-de-sac at the end of Reverse Curve, a move aimed at facilitating the development of a new public safety campus by Gaston County. City Attorney Eric Edgerton assured council members that the closure was largely uncontroversial, as it would not affect connectivity in the area.

Rebecca Edison from the Gaston County Office of Capital Improvements emphasized the importance of this closure for future development, stating that it would enhance the county's flexibility in planning. The council unanimously supported the resolution, marking a step forward in the county's development plans.

The meeting then shifted focus to a more contentious topic: the proposed annexation and rezoning of approximately 83.37 acres located between Briar Oak Drive and Penny Park Drive. This area is currently zoned for single-family residential use but is being considered for a higher density development of 222 single-family homes. Senior Planner Maddie Gates presented the proposal, highlighting the need for increased housing density in line with the city’s 2025 land use plan.

However, the proposal sparked significant debate among council members and residents alike. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of local roads to handle the increased traffic from the new development. Mayor Pro Tem and other council members voiced apprehensions about the existing conditions of Penny Park Drive, which they felt could not accommodate the additional vehicles without significant upgrades. The need for a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) was a focal point of discussion, with some council members advocating for a delay in the vote until the TIA could be completed.

Residents expressed their worries about the potential impact on their neighborhoods, particularly regarding traffic congestion and stormwater management. One resident presented a petition from 80% of households on Skyland Drive opposing the current plan, arguing that the proposed lot sizes were incompatible with the surrounding areas.

In response, the developer, Kyle DeBritoro, acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the project was designed to meet city standards and would include necessary road improvements as dictated by the TIA. He also addressed the quality of construction materials, noting a shift from vinyl to fiber cement siding to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the homes.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that while there was a consensus on the need for development, the council was divided on how to balance growth with the existing community's needs. The discussions highlighted the complexities of urban planning, where the push for increased housing density must be weighed against infrastructure capabilities and community sentiment.

Ultimately, the council decided to table the vote on the annexation and rezoning until the TIA could be reviewed, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that development aligns with the community's best interests. As the meeting adjourned, the future of Gastonia's growth remained a topic of passionate debate, underscoring the delicate balance between progress and preservation in a rapidly changing urban landscape.