City Council Approves Downtown Murals, Speed Limit Change, and Code Enforcement Contract
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN)— The Cherryville City Council kicked off 2025 with several unanimous approvals during its January 13 meeting, including two new downtown murals, a significant speed limit reduction on Highway 150 East, and a new contract with Alliance Code Enforcement. The decisions reflect priorities of downtown beautification, traffic safety improvements, and enhanced code compliance for the growing city.
Two New Murals Get Green Light for Downtown Revitalization
The Architectural Review Board thoroughly reviewed the applications submitted just two days before their December 18 meeting and endorsed the mural proposals. The board voted unanimously to recommend the projects to the city council.
Mural Locations Selected After Careful Consideration
A mural featuring military and veterans themes will decorate 114 West Main Street next to Pete’s Fish Box. The five-section design, originally intended for the American Legion building, was relocated because officials feared drivers might become distracted by the detailed artwork. The second mural received approval from the council for placement on the back of the dugout building along Pink Street, adding visual interest to the sports facility.
Project Details and Community Impact
Local developer Patrick O’Leary will privately fund the murals, at no cost to the city. David Day, representing the Architectural Review Board, expressed enthusiasm about the projects, particularly noting how the veterans mural’s new location complements recent city improvements. “With the work we’ve done on First Street and updates to the park, more people will have the opportunity to walk over there, explore, and appreciate the detailed work that’s going in it,” Day explained.
Lighting and Accessibility Plans
Council members discussed potential lighting improvements for the murals, with Day noting that the developer has a history of incorporating lighting features in his projects. “He likes to have things lit up, and they’re looking at doing some lighting in other areas, so I’m sure that will probably be a feature that he adds,” Day said. The lighting would enhance visibility and security while making the artwork accessible during evening hours.
Speed Limit Reduction Targets High-Risk Area
The council voted unanimously to recommend reducing the speed limit on Highway 150 East, also known as Lincolnton Highway, from 55 to 45 mph. This adjustment applies to the section extending from the Country Club area to just past Walmart, an area with numerous access points.
Safety Concerns Prompt Action
City officials cited two severe accidents in the past year along the four-lane highway as the primary motivation for the speed reduction. The stretch has become increasingly dangerous due to growing commercial development and traffic volume. While some council members acknowledged potential pushback from the trucking industry regarding freight movement delays, they emphasized that public safety must take priority. The approved recommendation will be sent to the NCDOT for final approval.
Council Approves Contract with Alliance Code Enforcement
In addition to the murals and speed limit reduction, the council approved a contract with Alliance Code Enforcement to address increasing zoning and code enforcement demands. The City Manager, Brian Dalton, outlined the plan during the meeting, citing the growing workload of current part-time employee Richard Elam. Due to retirement regulations, Elam is limited to working under 1,000 hours per year, making it challenging to manage both zoning and code enforcement responsibilities effectively.
Under the new contract, Alliance Code Enforcement will provide 10 hours of service per week at a rate of $50 per hour. Services will include handling high grass violations, junk cars, dilapidated housing, and other code enforcement issues. Alliance will also manage correspondence, such as sending violation notices and filing liens when necessary. The contract begins February 1 and runs through June 2025, providing a trial period to evaluate the service’s effectiveness.
Dalton highlighted a specific project as an example of Alliance’s potential impact: the neglected property of an old store on Mountain Street near the middle school. The property, owned by an out-of-state individual, has long been overgrown and in need of attention. With Alliance taking charge, the city aims to expedite improvements on such properties while allowing El to focus on zoning and growth-related tasks.
Council members expressed support for the contract, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness compared to hiring a full-time code enforcement officer. Additionally, the contractor’s proactive approach—such as identifying violations during routine inspections—was praised. “This partnership takes the politics out of code enforcement and ensures consistent standards,” Mayor H.L Beam noted.
Looking Forward
Both the mural project and speed limit reduction represent ongoing efforts to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and safety of Cherryville. Additionally, the new code enforcement contract aims to address community concerns more efficiently while accommodating the city’s growth. Council members expressed satisfaction that all initiatives received unanimous support, reflecting a shared vision for community improvement.
To see the recorded LIVE Council Meeting, click HERE.
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