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Cherryville, NC (WNN)— The Cherryville City Council held its monthly meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, with standing room only as residents packed in. Council members addressed a busy agenda, making important decisions on future development and celebrating the commitment of city employees. The most significant outcome of the night was when everyone on the council said no to a housing project that had caused a lot of debate in the community.
A lengthy public hearing focused on the rezoning proposal for 363 Anthony Grove Road. This proposal aimed to change the rural property into a conditional zoning district to accommodate a large development of 125 single-family homes. Richard Elam, the city's Planning and Zoning Director, opened the discussion by explaining that the planning board had suggested rejecting the proposal.
Developer Alvin T. Johnson, speaking for BRD Land and Investment, described plans for a neighborhood built with care. He shared ideas about creating spaces that bring people together, with parks and useful features included. Macie and Cathi Putnam, who own the land and hold deep family ties to it, talked about their hopes. They want to see something that welcomes new families and helps the community grow without putting extra expenses on the city. "Cherryville is growing, whether y'all want it or not, whether I want it or not, or whether the citizens want it," said Putnam.
Dr. Rev. Dennis Bean, from Anthony Grove Baptist Church, also shared his thoughts. He talked about how this could help his congregation and how the area needs more places to live.
Alvin T. Johnson of BRD Land and Investment speaking to city council members at the meeting.
July 14th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)
Many citizens did not feel the same excitement. Pete and Natalie Santini, who live in the area, opposed the plan. They said they wanted to protect the rural feel, personal space, and nature they valued. Others from the community also worried about how a big development could stretch the current infrastructure, such as roads or overcrowded schools.
The council listened to all sides, thought it through, and rejected the rezoning request. They explained that it went against the city's future land use plan and didn't seem to serve the larger public good. An associated special-use permit request was also turned down, with every council member voting against it.
WNN reached out to Cathi Putnam for comment after the vote, but she declined.
During the Mayor's Comments, Mayor H.L Beam shared updates about improvements around Cherryville. Crews resurfaced parking lots at the water plant and police department, and they are now finished. The Larry & Carolyn Summer Recreation Center floor has been repaired, and volleyball camps are already making good use of it. The city pool and splash pad are busy this season. The Mayor also congratulated the American Legion Jr. baseball team on reaching the state tournament.
There is visible progress in the Calico Creek housing project, where 13 homes have been sold and new ones are being built. After recent salary increases, the city hired two new police officers to the team. Apartments on West Academy Street have been making good progress on construction completion and will likely be ready to rent by the end of this year.
Cynthia Francis was honored for working ten years as a police telecommunicator for the Cherryville Police Department
July 14th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)
Following the Mayor's comments, several hardworking city employees were recognized. They honored David Day for serving five years as Main Street Director, and Trent Rayfield for serving five years of service in the City of Cherryville. Cynthia Francis was honored for working ten years as a police telecommunicator, while Kevin Abernathy stood out with a remarkable thirty years of direct service to the city.
Kevin Abernathy receiving a certificate for thirty years of service to Cherryville.
July 14th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)
The council made progress on some other important city matters, along with the main zoning issue. They approved a public hearing set for August 11 to consider the voluntary annexation of 119 Grove Road, where a 17-site RV park is proposed.
The property on Grove Road in Cherryville, NC, that the RV Park will be located on
July 15th, 2025. By: WNN
A new fee system for paying utility bills with credit or debit cards was approved. Customers will now pay $2.50 as part of the fee, while the city will cover the rest. The council also passed a resolution to adopt the Cleveland Gaston Lincoln Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
This decision allows the city to qualify for FEMA reimbursement to handle future hazard mitigation needs. They also mentioned a press release about big upgrades coming to Interstate 85 between Gastonia and Charlotte. The improvements include adding more lanes and updating exits. Construction is planned to start in 2026.
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