Gastonia council approves city attorney hire, accepts donated land, backs park grant and closes paper street; schedules governance work session

The Gastonia City Council on March 4 approved several items affecting city staffing, parks, public property and planning, including the adoption of a city attorney employment agreement naming Eric Patrick Edgerton, acceptance of a donation of land at 2701 Aberdeen Boulevard, approval for staff to apply for a $500,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) matching grant for phase 2 of Linwood Springs Park, and a resolution to close a recorded but unopened street called Briarcliff Circle to clear title for a proposed townhome development.

Why it matters: The votes advance multiple projects that the council and staff said will affect stormwater management, recreational amenities and staffing continuity. The acceptance of the Aberdeen Boulevard parcel also gives the city direct access to utility easements and a potentially significant area for stormwater and stream-restoration projects, according to staff. The council also voted to bring a retired UNC School of Government faculty member, Peg Carlson, to a facilitated work session on April 8 aimed at improving board-manager roles and the council’s approach to evaluating the city manager.

Most consequential actions

City attorney hire — The council adopted an employment agreement naming Eric Patrick Edgerton, currently an assistant city attorney in Asheville, as Gastonia’s next city attorney. Council members…