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Gastonia council approves arts grants after debate over using funds for bollards on private property
Summary
The council approved multiple arts grants including $8,666 for Highland Art Park infrastructure (bollards) after debate over whether arts grant guidelines should fund infrastructure on private property; Councilman Gallagher voted against that award and Councilman Odom recused himself from the Highland Art Park item.
The Gastonia City Council on Nov. 7 approved a slate of small arts grants but split over whether grant funds should pay for infrastructure on private property.
Councilwoman Jennifer Stipp, chairing the Arts Committee, outlined grant recommendations from the committee’s third cycle: $8,666 to the Boys & Girls Club for a youth arts program (drama, drum line and music), $8,666 to Gaston Dance for a 'Cinderella' production, $6,500 to the Distinguished Youth Enrichment Program for a drum line, $2,500 to Crowder's Camp for pottery equipment and other awards. The committee also recommended $8,666 for Highland Art Park to install bollards and decorative painting to protect park events.
That Highland Art Park award prompted debate. Some council members argued…
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