Cherryville Government

Cherryville Weighs Funding for Proposed Baseball Field Parking Lot

State Representatives Recognized Among Other Business

Cherryville, NC - November 10, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Posted Wednesday, November 11, 2026 11:41 am

By: Ashley Reep - Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN) – On Monday, November 9, 2026, the Cherryville City Council recognized local veterans, honored two state lawmakers, approved a rezoning request, and discussed several city projects during its regular meeting.

The meeting opened with recognition of veterans in attendance ahead of Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11. Mayor Wade Stroupe thanked them for their service and recognized all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Mayor Wade Stroupe holding Richard Walker's new book about American Legion Post 100 Baseball | Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

During the mayor's report, he congratulated the newest members of the Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame: Josh Cobb, Justin Johnson, Alan Mauldin, Natalie Willis Poston and Mark Sane, along with the 1953 American Legion Post 100 baseball team. He also highlighted a new book by local sportswriter Richard Walker, titled Cherryville American Legion Post 100 Baseball: A Community Love Affair Since the 1930s, which documents the history of the community's American Legion baseball program.

In Other News

Other city news included the grand opening of Las Cascadas, a new Mexican restaurant on Main Street, and upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Alpha and Omega Photography at 400 East Main Street and Bam's Seafood Shack at 116 W 1st Street in Cherryville, NC. Mayor Stroupe also reminded residents that cemetery cleanup is scheduled for Friday, November 13. Anyone wishing to keep decorations on gravesites should remove them on Thursday and return them on Saturday.

Council members shared additional updates, including the selection of Bill Sneed as the grand marshal for the city's Christmas parade. Members also recognized the veterans' banners displayed throughout town and thanked city employees and museum volunteers for their work on community events and the historical museum renovation.

Resident Tom Moss speaking about the water and sewer policy | Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

Following approval of the meeting agenda and previous meeting minutes, the council opened public comment. Resident Tom Moss spoke about the Cherryville Ironmen football team's playoff success and expressed concern about the lack of visible recognition from the city and Chamber of Commerce. He also presented a petition requesting that the city review its water and sewer lateral policy. The petition asks the city to make homeowners responsible for lateral connections only to the property line. He said he plans to present the signatures at a future council meeting.

State Representatives Recognized

The council presented resolutions of appreciation to Senator Ted Alexander and Representative Kelly Hastings for their service and continued support of Cherryville and its residents. Both lawmakers thanked the council for the recognition and spoke about their work with local leaders and the importance of helping constituents and supporting community needs.

Senator Ted Alexander and Representative Kelly Hastings | Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

Senator Ted Alexander being welcomed by the city | Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

Representative Kelly Hastings with Mayor Wade Stroupe | Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

Senator Ted Alexander receiving his recognition | Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

Representative Kelly Hastings receiving his recognition | Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

Cherryville City Council Meeting | November 9, 2026

(click the above arrows to scroll through the photo gallery)

Council Approves Rezoning Request

The council held a public hearing for a rezoning request involving property at 805 West Church Street.

The request, submitted by Clyde Queen for parcel 130230, changes the property's zoning from B3 to R9 residential. According to Gaston County Planning staff, the property contains a home built in 1903 and has historically been used for residential purposes. The city's future land use map identifies the area for traditional single-family homes. The proposed R9 district allows single-family homes on lots of at least 9,000 square feet.

The property at 805 West Church Street that is approved for rezoning from a B3 to R9 residential - Cherryville, NC - November 10, 2026

Council members discussed the property's current zoning and whether the request would allow the owner to make changes to the existing home. They also clarified that the rezoning does not approve a subdivision. Any plans to divide the property would require a separate review. The council unanimously approved the rezoning request.

Water Tower Lease Agreement

The council next discussed a proposed wireless antenna lease for the city's water tower on Dick Beam Road. The proposed agreement would allow a wireless company to install and maintain antenna equipment on the tower at no cost to the city. The initial lease term would be 10 years, with monthly payments of $2,300, or $27,600 annually, and a 2.9% annual increase. By the tenth year, annual payments would reach approximately $35,694.

The city's water tower - Cherryville, NC - November 10, 2026

The council voted to schedule a public hearing for December 14, 2026, to consider the proposed lease for the city's water tower.

City Manager Provides Project Updates

During his report, city manager Brian Dalton shared updates on several ongoing projects.

At the Tom White Facility, turf installation had started on one field, while grading was underway on the other three fields. The project was expected to take another month to a month and a half to complete, weather permitting.

Turf installation at the Tom White Facility - Cherryville, NC - November 10, 2026

The city's basketball league had 192 children registered, with approximately 20 teams expected to participate.

The city manager also provided an update on repairs along Vista Drive. A collapsed storm drain pipe required crews to excavate the roadway and install a replacement pipe. During the work, crews also discovered and repaired a water leak. The remaining work was expected to be completed within the following few days.

Water line repairs on Vista Drive | Cherryville, NC - November 10, 2026

He also announced that Seth Freeman, son of council member Gary Freeman, had been named the new head baseball coach at Cherryville High School. Freeman previously played on the school's 2008 state championship team, played at Davidson College, and later served as an assistant coach at Cherryville.

Proposed Parking Expansion at Baseball Fields

During other business, the council discussed a proposal to add parking behind the city's baseball fields. The proposed gravel lot would cover approximately two acres, with an entrance from Pine Avenue and space for about 140 vehicles. Plans also include four handicap-accessible spaces near the left-field fence and a concrete walkway connecting to the walking track.

The city had already solicited bids for the project, even though the parking lot was not included in the current fiscal year's budget. Three bids were received, with the lowest coming in at $119,800. The city manager said he is reviewing available revenue, including the possibility of using funds from the city's general fund balance, to determine whether the project can be funded. He also noted that contractors expect a $6-per-ton increase in stone prices beginning in January. The council discussed the proposal, but no vote was taken at this time.

The meeting concluded with council members thanking city employees for their work repairing the Vista Drive water leak and other ongoing projects before voting to adjourn.