[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6683748,"mediaKeyId","5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e","parentId",5399371,"title","Resident asks Gastonia council for transparency after she says micro‑transit drivers were charged weekly vehicle fees","audioSeconds",172,"startMs",1276000,"endMs",1448000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e&start=1276&end=1448","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e/thumbnail_1276000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6683748/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Resident-asks-Gastonia-council-for-transparency-after-she-says-microtransit-drivers-were-charged-weekly-vehicle-fees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6683748-9f67466bc385f98de7cf8a22251aad5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448483&Signature=b223b1NmfoYpqhcQlQWPmuI4ZHVkBr6zKc~WnmNcodPt6Bbo4FAEU8dAPDyxmFIZlkBmPTm2srjJ4VLEyie273QULC~hRoJZtAIc1tUEZxVdClZ0zvHyrYj~qaxHolIlt1QTIeL30B5M2038ze9UmRypmGZOdJAaebwiok5TlI43x9dyHg9xgCJmf3Kig3svNJbDyH9eOjHXCxnjwolcdnJpTJSOZh7dvfBW93CUnBfJftTyLSgp84mmStQdQPDtGBoS4is3h1V375Armk6c29oBA7tPDxTqgQOv7su2Fi1EblIIctz-OUAjCfndAzCY2DBXuXCn8IkPVQRTg5ztuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Gastonia, NC","date","2025-07-15T00:00:00Z","article","At the public-comment portion of the Gastonia City Council meeting, resident Tracy Champagne said she filed a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General and asked the council for transparency about the Go Gastonia micro‑transit program.

Champagne said she had sought part‑time work with the program and was told that drivers who operate the city‑owned vehicles as contractors are required to pay $200 a week. “If you have at least 100 individuals signed up and employed doing this service, that means that’s at least $20,000 per week,” she said, and asked who benefits and where that money goes.

She also said the program’s contractor, RiverNorth Transportation (a subsidiary of Via, she said), is not licensed to do business in North Carolina and expressed concern about applicants being asked to submit copies of driver licenses, debit cards and insurance documents. “We have no way of knowing where that information is going, who’s using it, what’s happening with it,” she said, and requested transparency in the hiring process.

Council members did not make a formal action on the complaint during the meeting; staff members present said they would direct the resident to the appropriate staff and reiterated that the city does not keep fees for contractor-operated vehicles. Councilwoman Danielle Barber and others clarified that Go Gastonia uses contracted operators and third‑party software.

Why this matters: The allegation raised questions about contractor terms for a city-operated mobility service. Residents asked for clearer disclosure about how the program is managed and whether fees are appropriate or disclosed in contractor agreements.

What’s next: Staff and the city attorney were asked to follow up and provide clarity on program management, fee structures and data-handling practices for contractor applicants. The resident had already reported the matter to the state Attorney General’s office, per her comments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Gastonia, NC - City Council 2025 07 15 - Jul 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident told the council she filed a complaint with the state and alleged the city’s Go Gastonia micro‑transit program requires contracted drivers to pay $200 per week to use city-owned vehicles; she also raised concerns about a third-party manager’s licensing and data handling for applicant documents.","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},6683751,"Council adopts UDO changes to speed industrial development, raises allowed building heights to 75 feet",484,8253000,8737000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e&start=8253&end=8737","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e/thumbnail_8253000.jpg","/articles/6683751/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Council-adopts-UDO-changes-to-speed-industrial-development-raises-allowed-building-heights-to-75-feet","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6683751-3498c5b891644fe423ccb163e0dcd341/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448483&Signature=TVeFiJmo9d6C7wKwS5JHCZbvqD7W2BPGQa7iGXTEiKxIHgmaTc-10tWXsg5mOemgfqGWd-YB35S0iWAbnIXWy7ua6aDUhtFQ4dd98-EE13wVxTP0l35XPyGgYOpAnS2KPfcnJBTJaVHqWlsNTPe66BV8Xj2q5r8g4ibNwvSTA1TQwQLcjZkwsnZ3858mv7fikAScRoEObjtcnFrk7q6Tf0ycEcXk6XpbyQNO7iRhcyHk7FvVBpk7Du17bdgCdbLJYs14CPQDoXc~bE70wv8NJLozQZhxzI~n7ZGS6PaXL4IyQRAX1z7EdSUkh2NoR514iXdYb3vv8dN3sBul4L-8Jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gastonia City Council unanimously approved updates to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) intended to make the city more competitive for industrial recruitment.

Assistant Planning Director Joe Gates told council the amendments were developed in partnership with Gaston County economic-development staff and would reclassify selected North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) categories so that some “manufactured goods” uses in I‑2 and I‑3 districts would be allowed by right (with supplemental regulations) instead of requiring discretionary approvals. That administrative change, Gates said, would shorten review timelines for certain industrial projects.

Gates also recommended raising the ordinance’s ceiling on industrial building height from 50 feet to 75 feet. He said modern manufacturing and distribution projects increasingly require higher clear heights and that a 75‑foot allowance would accommodate typical contemporary production and storage designs without broadening other use permissions.

Donnie Hicks, director of Gaston County Economic Development, joined the presentation and described similar changes the county has adopted to “modernize” ordinances and to position the region to compete for large industrial projects. Hicks urged the council to adopt the changes because visiting site selectors and corporate teams frequently evaluate clearance heights and ordinance flexibility when short‑listing locations.

Gates noted the Planning Commission reviewed the text amendments at its June 10 meeting and unanimously recommended approval. On the council floor the public hearing was opened, no citizens objected, and the council voted to close the hearing and adopt the ordinance amendment and an associated statement of consistency and reasonableness. The motions passed unanimously.

Why this matters: The UDO update removes procedural barriers for some industrial uses and allows greater building height, changes that staff and the county say will help Gastonia be considered in larger industrial recruitment projects. The amendment does not change permitted uses across other zoning districts; it targets industrial zones and includes supplemental standards to address impacts such as buffering and site layout.

Implementation: Staff said the changes are effective on adoption and that building permit reviewers will apply the revised definitions and height limit in forthcoming project reviews.

","The council unanimously approved amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to reclassify certain manufactured goods uses as by‑right in general industrial zoning and to raise an industrial building height cap from 50 to 75 feet to better accommodate modern industrial users.",{"_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},6683758,"Gastonia council sets temporary cooling-station plan after heated debate over care and shelter",5197,8749000,13946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e&start=8749&end=13946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e/thumbnail_8749000.jpg","/articles/6683758/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Gastonia-council-sets-temporary-cooling-station-plan-after-heated-debate-over-care-and-shelter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6683758-7a501869d5441186dcbed0128e0c9e87/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448483&Signature=LTHnZzH0dprW6sUhYJj127Kz0Au~kki0WkLXTz4UyF6kC~TkNUbOPtRriVbjY-8p6NI78IcchFlxAZVUUVkUt3xxhcpG26hmS75gr4pJjzIbONPMLhkUh6-PGLpoqW6yC7LGqT6WFi0Cbgtet0KxSnex8soJTsGFkGAg7jpoJxs5FEitC94Sjd6ZIFNgb1Z9zC51GuFslRfS8p71j-UUcfRWOcdO8XbNeRgy3RgkBe~pVL2KdbItZfeI7PQW5u0tk-rqQnJply1PpGeHzHwhAOVVnO1CHuhWX8ByYxytKMrN-3hBmvc997SKIT-Cm4V8UGJgl0Tea6XxCXyBENMivw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gastonia City Council adopted an interim plan for heat-relief services following intense public testimony about homelessness and an exchange among council members over who had led earlier planning.

City Manager Michael Peoples told council staff had operated a temporary cooling station at 107 South Broad and briefed members on operational costs and options. For indoor operations at 107 S. Broad, staff estimated roughly $1,700 per day for redirected Parks and Recreation staff, police presence and custodial support; outdoor-only operations were projected at about $160 per day. Peoples recommended making the outdoor station a more durable offering (larger tent, extra fans, water) and using partners such as Gaston County, Help Net Gaston and local nonprofits for volunteers and outreach. He estimated the city could purchase supplemental equipment for about $4,000 to $5,000 and reuse those assets after the season.

Council members and public speakers pressed a broader question: is the city’s response to heat a stopgap cooling measure or a step toward a day center or permanent shelter? Several residents — including Pastor Moses Colbert and Sister Carolyn Mary — urged more permanent sheltering options and criticized prior arrangements that advocates said amounted to “two fans on a fence.” Pastor Colbert said the city should do more to prevent deaths among people living on the street. Sister Carolyn Mary said collaborative local shelter planning was long overdue.

Councilwoman Danielle Barber urged collaboration with county and nonprofit partners and repeated that the city’s facilities and staff can supplement community efforts but are not designed to replace permanent shelter operations hosted by established charities.

“We have to partner,” Barber said. “Government will supplement; it will collaborate. We don’t have the nonprofit base that has shelters.”

Council members raised insurance, supervision and liability concerns. The city’s risk consultant flagged typical exposures in opening city facilities to unsheltered populations: premises liability, slip/trip hazards, security and supervision risks, and potential medical and mental-health responses. Staff noted the city’s current insurance program carries a $100,000 deductible.

After discussion, the council approved a time-limited operational plan: when the forecast calls for 90 degrees (outdoors), the city and partners will operate outdoor cooling stations at 107 S. Broad (and promote other staffed public sites such as libraries and community centers); when forecasts exceed 95 degrees, the council directed staff to make indoor cooling available at 107 S. Broad as a cooling station only (no day shelter services). Council asked staff to run the arrangement through a date in early August and return to council at the August 5 meeting with a fully fleshed operational plan including staffing, volunteer roles, liability mitigation, and budget estimates.

Council members said the measure is an interim response while the city and its partners pursue longer-term shelter solutions and better coordination with the Continuum of Care and county emergency services. Several council members repeatedly urged improved communications with county partners and nonprofits to avoid repeating the early-July situation that many speakers said was humiliating for unhoused residents.

Why this matters: The council’s decision creates a near-term cooling safety measure for vulnerable residents during periods of extreme heat while prompting further work to define staffing, liability protections and a strategy for permanent sheltering in Gaston County. The city’s directive asks staff to return with operational details so the council can review costs and assign responsibilities before the cooling strategy continues beyond the August check-in.

","After extended public comment about homelessness and an often-criticized temporary setup, the council voted to operate outdoor cooling stations when the forecast reaches 90 degrees and to open an indoor cooling site when forecasts exceed 95 degrees; the city will revisit the arrangement in early August and staff must return with a detailed plan.",{"_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},6683762,"Gastonia council approves RFQ and plan to move Adult Recreation Center to 107 S. Broad",3144,4674000,7818000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e&start=4674&end=7818","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399371-3dc79c3331a3cfc22594c45a068ba54e/thumbnail_4674000.jpg","/articles/6683762/Gastonia/Gaston-County/North-Carolina/Gastonia-council-approves-RFQ-and-plan-to-move-Adult-Recreation-Center-to-107-S-Broad","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6683762-e0c23833194d47f7f11fd48d11d9fe2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448483&Signature=D7ziMv-uXR8K4gQetgGcsVRTQXcjS0G~5QjVK7AnwEsHVkC7ofQonOYiLRtO~CkaHfEtO-NsCUa0IJdXOMnRedifTLnQRNir2oj370JIrjzGeA1zPVB6yLiKUHMDs8rtjBTJ4Q7JtPOBYvGw9E1IMjYOGc9q2S~zAKoJLfM-40KT0x5eVEqbxsGiY4G8gsBeegt1NZCOnJvZ20k-HsIoSLb9m~W-PwGQyUMMNtiWMzX2joTKHBtBqhDBPyGLhGcW-RggGTN4f3p7jPVnx6nCNNnPoby3KM15ZvjOinch7LpjazL0-eed~75bB2lkwNy8RlZ2tndYf1W1LCNRpFlXsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gastonia City Council voted to seek private development proposals for parcels adjacent to 107 South Broad Street and approved a phased plan to relocate Adult Recreation Center (ARC) services to 107 S. Broad.

Supporters said the move would provide an accessible, modern facility for adults 50 and older and create a more active downtown presence; critics and several seniors warned that some current ARC programs — notably beginner pickleball, certain class times and monthly dances — could be disrupted if schedules and space are not protected.

The motion approved an RFQ (request for qualifications) to solicit private partners for redevelopment of 101, 107, 115 and 117 South Broad Street and to explore a public–private partnership for senior affordable housing or complementary development. Councilmember Danielle Barber, chair of the Facilities Management Committee, said the parcels should be considered together so any future development could include parking and shared uses to support the ARC’s operation.

“107 South Broad Street is one location. It’s one place,” Barber said while presenting the committee recommendation, adding that the site includes about 16,400 square feet on 1.56 acres and existing accessible parking. She told council the building would allow Parks and Recreation to provide membership card check-in, fitness and wellness rooms, ceramic and arts studios, a multipurpose room with an estimated capacity of 104, and space that could make the site eligible for national senior center accreditation and grant funding.

City staff presented a structural and cost assessment of the existing ARC on Franklin Boulevard that found asbestos in floor tile, lead paint and a roof needing replacement. The consultant offered several options with order-of-magnitude costs: repair and renovate the existing ARC (approximately $2,100,000), demolish and grade the site ($325,000), or redevelop into apartments or offices (estimates in the $12–13 million range). Staff reported roughly $25,000 spent to stabilize and start cleaning the 107 S. Broad property, and proposed a phased move: Phase 1A (basic technology/infrastructure, fitness room, furniture and equipment), Phase 1B (window/door and flooring replacements funded by possible CDBG dollars), and a Phase 2 to add specialty features (e.g., digital entertainment, golf simulator) supported by grants and private fundraising.

Councilmembers pressed staff on program continuity. Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp, who said she works closely with ARC seniors, asked for “protected times” so bingo, monthly dances and teaching pickleball sessions would continue without interruption. Tripp (Parks and Recreation staff), who gave the building presentation, confirmed the plan would relocate events that cannot be accommodated by the Salvation Army–era building to Bradley Community Center and other city facilities and said staff aims to reserve those times for ARC programs.

Several council members also asked about whether the RFQ included the existing 107 building or only the surrounding parcels. Staff said 107 S. Broad is included in the RFQ package so proposals could treat the ARC as an amenity, use shared-parking agreements, or propose additions above the existing footprint. City Manager Michael Peoples noted developers sometimes propose podium or pedestal builds, and staff invited that flexibility.

The Facilities Management Committee had voted 3–0 to recommend the RFQ. On the council floor the RFQ motion carried 5–1. Later the council approved the proposal to renovate and move ARC services to 107 S. Broad in a separate vote (5–1), with members saying the phased approach would allow immediate, limited operations while longer-term options were pursued.

Council members acknowledged outstanding issues: weekend staffing, liability, senior input on final programming, and the need to preserve heavily used activities. Barber and Tripp said senior advisory input would be sought for Phase 2 programming and that staff would work to minimize interruptions as rooms are reprogrammed.

Council directed staff to proceed with the RFQ and implementation planning. Staff said they would return with more detailed operational plans and timelines, including specific protections for existing ARC programs and clearer budgeting for phases.

Why this matters: The relocation and RFQ aim to modernize aging recreation infrastructure; proponents say a downtown-located active-living center will help sustain downtown businesses and make senior services more accessible. Opponents and senior speakers urged detailed guarantees about program continuity and protected time slots before major changes are finalized.

The council’s actions are intended to be the first step toward a multi-year redevelopment of the southern Broad Street block; staff will bring back details on schedules, staffing and any required funding requests for final approval.

","After months of study, the council voted to solicit private developers for redevelopment near 107 South Broad and approved a phased plan to relocate Adult Recreation Center programs to the former Salvation Army building at 107 S. Broad, drawing questions from seniors over program continuity and from council members over next steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident asks Gastonia council for transparency after she says micro‑transit drivers were charged weekly vehicle fees

Council adopts UDO changes to speed industrial development, raises allowed building heights to 75 feet

Gastonia council sets temporary cooling-station plan after heated debate over care and shelter

Gastonia council approves RFQ and plan to move Adult Recreation Center to 107 S. Broad