Cherryville City Council Appoints New Planning Board Member, Sets December Hearings

Cherryville, NC City Council Meeting, November 10th, 2025

{Rusty Wise WNN}

Posted Tuesday, November 11, 2025 4:11 pm

By: Wise News Network Staff

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Cherryville City Council approved a new planning board member and set two public hearings for December during its regular meeting on Monday night, November 10, 2025, at 6 PM.

Planning Board Appointment

The council unanimously appointed Dawn Whitworth to the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Whitworth will fill the seat vacated by Mayor-elect Wade Stroupe, serving a term from November 10, 2025, through June 30, 2027.

Richard Elam speaking on the new appointment to the planning and zoning board - November 10th, 2025

Rusty Wise WNN

Planning and Zoning Director Richard Elam said the opening required a resident within city limits. Mayor H.L Beam noted Whitworth submitted "one of the best written resumes" he had seen.

Public Hearings Scheduled

The council set two public hearings for its December 8 meeting:

The entrance to Terrace Estates off of Delveiw Road in Cherryville, NC - November 11th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

A special use permit for Terrace Estates on Gaston County parcel 158768. The Planning Board recommended approval after determining that the proposal met all the required criteria.

A text amendment to Section 10.1.9 of the zoning ordinance regarding off-street parking requirements: the proposed change would reduce parking space requirements from two spaces per two-bedroom unit to 1.5 spaces, aligning Cherryville with municipalities like Shelby and Lincoln.

The Doran Mill property that the parking spot ordinance was changed to benefit - November 11th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Elam said the revised parking standards would enable redevelopment projects, including the old Doran Mill property, which plans 107 apartments but cannot meet current parking requirements due to limited land. Under existing rules, 107 apartments would require 240 parking spaces; the proposed ordinance would require 175 spaces.

Fire Chief Honored

Fire Chief Jason Wofford received recognition for 37 years of service with the city before his retirement on November 20. City Manager Brian Dalton said Wofford may be the longest-serving city employee on record.

Fire Chief Wafford receiving an award for his 37 years of service at the Cherryville Fire Department - November 11th, 2025

{Rusty Wise WNN}

"The memories and the good times far outweigh the rough times," Wofford told the council, adding that he treasured the relationships built throughout his career. Wofford began his city career in the recreation department before joining the fire department.

Election Results Recognized

Mayor H.L Beam congratulated newly elected Mayor Wade Stroupe and re-elected council members Jill Puett and Gary Freeman. The three will be sworn in at the December 8 council meeting.

Stroupe has already begun mayoral duties, attending a breakfast with City Manager Dalton and the Gaston Business Association last Thursday.

Development and Infrastructure Updates

City Manager Dalton provided several updates:

Water interconnect paid off: The city made its final payment on the water interconnect with Cleveland County. Approximately $800,000 in remaining state funds can now be used for water and sewer projects.

Community Building renovations: The council chamber received new flooring and paint, completing the building's remodeling project.

New Public Works Facility: The department is constructing a 10-bay metal building to house vehicles, equipment, and supplies. The project is funded entirely by proceeds from surplus property sold on GovDeals.

Business development: Waffle House delayed construction on its new facility until mid-2026 but projects completion within three months. Tractor Supply is moving forward and hopes to open by the end of the year.

A street light in Cherryville, NC - November 11th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Street Lights: The Cherryville Police will be marking street lamps that are out around town by putting tape on affected poles.

Downtown Police Officer Planned

Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker stated that the department is hiring two officers to achieve full staffing. One officer will be designated as a downtown officer, patrolling the Main Street area during business hours.

The new central district to Cherryville, NC. November 11th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

The officer will cover a new central district from Academy Street to First Street and from Depot to Mulberry Street, working from 11:30 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. The officer will patrol on foot, by bicycle, or in a golf cart. "We want them to be visible during the busy business hours," Dalton said.

ABC Board Correction

The council corrected an earlier board appointment, reappointing Tim Moss to the ABC Board. The city had mistakenly reappointed James Russell Bean two months ago when it was actually Moss whose term had expired.

ABC Board members serve three-year terms, with one member reappointed annually.

Upcoming Events

Cemetery Cleanup: The city will conduct its semi-annual cemetery cleanup on Friday, November 14. Residents should remove items they would like to keep by November 13 and can replace them on November 15.