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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - On Monday, December 8th, 2025, Former Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam concluded his 12 years as mayor. The city held a ceremony to swear in the New Mayor, Wade Stroupe, and returning council members.
New Mayor Wade Stroupe is receiving the gavel from outgoing Mayor HL Beam. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
Beam, who served six consecutive terms beginning in December 2013, delivered his final remarks reflecting on the city's transformation during his tenure.
"My wife's first reaction was to relate how low the morale of the city was at this time," Beam said, recalling his decision to run for mayor. "My reply was immediate and short: I love this city, and that is why I want to change this perception."
Stroupe, sworn in by City Clerk Mary Beth Tackett, outlined three primary goals for his administration: citywide infrastructure improvements, enhanced customer service, and quality of life advancements.
Mayor Wade Stroupe is taking the oath of office. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
"Growth just for the sake of growth should never be our goal," Stroupe said. "But smart growth, the kind that brings opportunity without losing sight of who we are, that is worth pursuing."
Stroupe emphasized the need for consistent planning across city services and promised transparency in government operations. "The work of the city government and this council in all respects must be an open book," he said.
Council members Jill Puett and Gary Freeman were sworn in for new terms alongside Stroupe.
Councilman Gary Freeman is taking the oath of office. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
Beam received a standing ovation from the crowd, who honored his service, which the council noted was longer than that of any previously known mayor in the city's legislative history. City Manager Brian Dalton praised Beam's leadership, noting the downtown area now has 30 new businesses that weren't present in 2013.
City of Cherryville recognition by City Manager Brian Dalton for outgoing Mayor HL Beam. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
"Any night of the week, Main Street is packed," Dalton said. "That's something we've never seen."
Beam thanked his family, council members, city staff, and citizens for their support. "I have never regretted this decision," Beam said. "It is you that have made Cherryville, in my opinion, the greatest city of the world."
Mayor HL Beam is making his last statements as the Mayor of Cherryville. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the council unanimously approved a special use permit for Terrace Estates, a 64-home development off Black Rock School Road. The project will feature homes expected to exceed $300,000 on 12,000-square-foot lots.
Planning and Zoning Director Richard Elam said the property was purchased in 1999 and underwent public hearings, but the project was halted in 2008 and has yet to be developed.
Residents Lisa Downie and Jack Weisberger, whose properties border the development, raised concerns about a retention pond's potential impact on their well water.
A wide-angle aerial view of the proposed Terrace Estates development property, which is currently covered by foliage - December 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Developer representatives Craig Upshaw and Justin Collins assured everyone that the pond would meet state Department of Environmental Quality standards and include a 50-foot buffer with 30 feet of undisturbed vegetation.
Upshaw explained the development's stormwater management system would direct all runoff to the retention pond, ensuring water leaving the property flows no faster than it currently does.
Resident Sid Stroupe, questioned the development's cost to taxpayers and its aesthetic design. Dalton confirmed the developer would cover infrastructure costs for streets, water, sewer, and sidewalks, with the city's only expense being approximately $30,000 for electrical infrastructure.
The council added two stipulations to the approval: requiring a signed waterline agreement for upgrading infrastructure from Acre Drive to Black Rock School Road, and preserving open space along the west property line in its natural state.
Dalton stated that the waterline upgrade would replace an existing 8-inch line with a 12-inch line, improving water pressure and fire protection for the area at the developer's expense.
The council unanimously adopted a 10-year capital improvement plan that addresses aging water and sewer infrastructure.
A city of Cherryville water meter - December 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Consultant Jerry Twiggs presented the plan, estimating approximately $44.7 million in water system needs and $8 million in sewer improvements.
The water plan focuses on changing 10,788 linear feet of old galvanized pipe and spending about $30 million to replace cast-iron waterlines. This project is split into 10 phases. The plan also includes $9 million in water plant improvements, primarily new sedimentation basins. For the sewer system, the top priority is replacing the 26,000 linear foot Ballard force main at an estimated cost of $3.5 million.
Dalton said the city has already completed much of the lift station work through a $1.6 million grant secured by state legislators.
Twiggs said the city would pursue grants and low-interest loans from the state Department of Environmental Quality, estimating 25% grant funding and possible principal forgiveness on loans.
"This gives you the framework to start with," Twiggs said. "And from a getting a grant perspective, it is extremely important to have a CIP plan."
Jerry Twiggs is discussing the CIP Plan. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
The city experiences approximately 25% to 28% water loss, which Twiggs called medium for a system of Cherryville's age.
To read the CIP plan yourself, click here.
Council approved amendments to zoning ordinances reducing off-street parking requirements for multifamily developments of 10 or more units.
The new requirements establish 1.5 parking spaces per one-bedroom unit, 1.75 spaces per two-bedroom unit, and two spaces for three-bedroom or larger units — down from the previous requirement of two spaces for one- or two-bedroom units and three spaces for units with three or more bedrooms.
A smaller apartment block located near Cherryville Elementary School, that would be exempt from the ordinance change if built today - December 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Developments with fewer than 10 units will maintain existing parking standards, with the zoning director reviewing each project individually.
The council approved a revised ordinance for the supply of gas to the city of Cherryville. The new ordinance is a non-exclusive agreement with Dominion Energy, which currently provides natural gas to Cherryville. It outlines the authority held by Dominion to install/ maintain the lines and the time frames they are allowed to do so in. It also outlines the legal aspects of failure to provide service and the severability of the contract. This agreement is to be reviewed and amended by Cherryville's City Council in 2055. To read the ordinance for yourself, click here.
HomeTrust Bank located on Main Street in Cherryville, NC - December 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Mayor Stroupe brought an administrative item before the council to open other business. With Mayor Beam stepping down, the signature card for Cherryville's account at HomeTrust Bank had to be updated. To update this, all parties must be present. The council approved granting Wade Stroupe, Dixie Wall, Brian Dalton, and Mary Beth Tackett the authority to sign city checks.
The meeting concluded with an announcement that the basketball season had begun at the recreation center, featuring 25 teams and 204 children participating, which is an increase of four teams from the previous year.
Following the over two-hour council meeting, a reception was held to honor Beam's years as mayor. Family, friends, city staff, and community members attended the event.
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Mayor HL Beam is enjoying his retirement cake. Reception after the Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Mayor HL Beam retirement cake. Reception after the Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Adjacent property owner Lisa Downie is voicing concerns about the Terrace Estates Development. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Zoning Director Richard Elam is addressing concerns about the Terrace Estates Development. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Adjacent property owner Jack Weisberger is voicing concerns about the Terrace Estates Development. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Adjacent property owner Gene Dellinger is voicing concerns about the Terrace Estates Development. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
City of Cherryville recognition for outgoing Mayor HL Beam. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Councilwoman Jill Puett is taking the oath of office. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Mayor HL Beam is making his last statements as Mayor of Cherryville. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
Mayor Wade Stroupe is taking the oath of office. Cherryville City Council Meeting, December 8th, 2025
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