Belmont council approves annexation for Lakeview Farms and an economic incentive for Project Family 2025

At its Sept. 2 meeting, Belmont City Council unanimously approved two separate items after public hearings: a corrected noncontiguous annexation for Lakeview Farms (ANN202501) and a resolution authorizing a Level‑1 economic incentive grant for Project Family 2025.

Lakeview Farms annexation: City attorney Parks Wilson said the ordinance corrects an earlier effective date that did not comply with state law; the council rescinded the prior action and adopted the corrected ordinance with a new effective date of March 1, 2026. One resident, Tim Becker, urged the council to ensure required water, sewer and road improvements tied to the development agreement are completed prior to occupancy. City staff and the council reiterated that the development agreement requires those infrastructure improvements prior to issuance of certificates of occupancy.

Project Family 2025 incentive: Miles and a representative from the Gaston County Economic Development Commission introduced Project Family 2025, described as an expansion project totaling approximately $4.5 million that includes new machinery and the creation of about 30 jobs at the county average wage. Council adopted the resolution approving Belmont’s Level‑1 incentive grant unanimously.

Votes at a glance: the annexation ordinance and the resolution for Project Family 2025 were both approved unanimously at the meeting; the Saki Express rezoning was deferred and a separate Riptide Car Wash special‑use permit was approved with conditions.