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Commissioners authorize condemnation for Tryon Elementary waterline easement after majority vote
Summary
Gaston County commissioners voted 5–2 to authorize condemnation actions to acquire permanent utility easements needed to extend a potable waterline for the Tryon Elementary Waterline Project, citing ARPA funding deadlines and overall project readiness.
The Gaston County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 authorized county staff to pursue condemnation actions to acquire permanent utility easements for the Tryon Elementary Waterline Project extension after a 5–2 vote.
Commissioners said the action responds to one parcel owner who had not executed an agreement while most property owners had consented. County leaders stressed the project is time‑sensitive because it uses ARPA funds and must be completed within a funding timeframe. A county official told the board the bids came in under budget and the county does not want delays to jeopardize funding or other ARPA allocations.
“There's one property that is pending signing the approval for the right of way… we're taking this action to condemn it with the majority of the property owners being in agreement,” the sponsoring commissioner said during debate, noting the project will provide potable water not only to Tryon Elementary but to residents between Grampian Road and Bessemer City and will improve water pressure for a volunteer fire department’s ability to meet code for overnight staffing.
The motion to authorize the county manager, county attorney and designees to execute condemnation actions passed 5–2. The record shows commissioners expressed reluctance about condemning property but emphasized the urgency to complete a shovel‑ready infrastructure project funded by ARPA within required timelines.
