City Council Imposes Speaking Limits; Other Topics Discussed.

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – As 2024 kicks off, Cherryville is set to undergo a lot of change. Many of the up and coming projects were discussed at the city council work session held on December 28, 2023. 

New Housing Developments 

The City Council is moving forward with the much-anticipated cluster homes project, known as Terrace Estates.

During a recent work session, Mayor H.L. Beam announced that a public hearing regarding the zoning of Terrace Estates is scheduled for January 8, 2024, during a City Council meeting. The hearing was set during the City Council meeting on December 11, 2023.

Terrace Estates requires conditional cluster developments zoning, also referred to as CCR9 zoning, replacing its current zoning classification of R12 for single-family residential housing.

The proposed development will occupy a 33-acre plot of land situated on Blackrock School Road. Richard Elam, the zoning director, presented a map of the site to the City Council, outlining the parcels requiring rezoning.

On January 8, 2024, the City Council will vote on approving or denying the zoning requests. Elam said the City Council has options to decide between. 

“At the end of the public hearing, Council’s consideration would be to grant the rezoning as requested, from the R12 to CCR9 cluster development of 6,000 square foot lots,” said Elam. 

The project’s builder will attend the public hearing, providing City Council members with an opportunity to inquire about the development.

Cherryville Performing Arts Center

Performing arts lovers in Cherryville have reason to be excited. Wade Stroupe, longtime member of the Cherryville Little Theater group, has proposed a performing arts center for the City. 

Stroupe proposes converting the Cherryville Municipal Auditorium, also known as the Cherryville Little Theater, into an arts center through renovations. This proposal includes renovating the space and appointing a potential art committee.

Stroupe wants the center at the Municipal Auditorium because the Little Theater has used it for over 40 years and believes renovating it would benefit the public.

“This proposal would be more for community use, shared use, with other organizations and groups in town, but also for the City of Cherryville to promote and host events there,” said Stroupe. 

He said the proposed center would allow for more artistic opportunities such as musical events and guest speakers. 

Despite the building being in decent condition, Stroupe said some renovations are necessary. For example, the bathrooms need to be updated and the building needs an expansion. 

Stroupe has consulted with Beam Construction, a local construction company in Cherryville. They looked at the property and determined various updates that could be included in the renovations. 

With Beam Construction’s input, Stroupe said that these renovations should cost approximately $400,000. 

Recently, various municipalities, like Kings Mountain, have invested in the arts. For instance, Kings Mountain converted its Little Theater into a community arts center, hosting multiple public arts events there.

“It is all about promoting cultural and artistic awareness in Cherryville,” said Stroupe. 

In addition to the proposed art center, Stroupe said a managing committee would be necessary to run the space. They would attend to bookings, cleaning and other duties. 

“I don’t think the [Little Theater] wants to take this on as a managing entity. We are still a tenant and we will take care of our stuff and do what we say we will do.” said Stroupe. 

Stroupe alluded to tensions between the City and the Cherryville Historical Association. The Little Theater Committee has operated as a separate entity while still holding a working relationship with the City for several years. 

“Maybe the City would benefit from having, I call it, the Cherryville Arts and Heritage Committee,” said Stroupe.

This would be a committee appointed by City Council who serves the City by protecting and promoting arts, culture and heritage in Cherryville.

Stroupe mentioned that the proposal is in its early stages and requires hiring an engineer for detailed plans and conducting a feasibility study for precise cost estimation.

He’s actively seeking donors and trusts public support for funding. Additionally, the Little Theater plans to contribute to the costs, utilizing a recent $100,000 state grant.

Mayor Beam stated that this proposal will be discussed further during the January 8, 2024, City Council Meeting. 

Shortening Citizens to be Heard Time Limit

During all City Council meetings residents have an opportunity to speak. As of now, they receive a time limit of five minutes to express what they would like to say. 

However, Cherryville offers its residents a significant amount of speaking time compared to surrounding areas. Gaston County grants residents three minutes to speak.

In a City Council meeting held on December 11, 2023, Council Person Jon Abernethy suggested that the City Council adopt a three minute speaking time. Additionally, it was requested that the City Clerk, Paige Green, control a timer.

Abernethy motioned for the City Council to vote on shortening the speaking time and Council Person Jill Puett seconded.

However, Council Person Janice Hovis brought forward concerns from residents regarding this proposed change. 

“I have had quite a few citizens approach me about this. They think if we change that it is grossly unfair to the citizens and if that does come up, I will be voting against that.” said Hovis. 

Mayor H.L. Beam stated that this decision is in accordance with the County and several other municipalities surrounding Cherryville who offer three minutes of speaking time.

Ultimately, the motion passed with three votes in favor of the change and one opposed. January 8, 2024, will be the first City Council meeting where the new speaking time will apply. 

As Cherryville enters 2024, residents and city workers engage in new projects aimed at enhancing the city’s landscape. With initiatives like Terrace Estates and the proposed Performing Arts Center, the city’s growth trajectory remains strong, promising a bright 2024 for Cherryville. Check back with the Wise News Network for updates on these stories and more. 

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