Belmont

National Night Out Event

City Works Administration Building

Plein Air Painting On Main Street

Rendering Of New Recreation Center

Belmont Numbers

Population: 15,010* Land Area: 9.93 square miles Tax Rate: 51.5¢ per $100 valuation Median Household Income: $71,650** Median Home Value: $210,600** Total Housing Units: 4,394** High School Graduate or Higher: 89.3%** Households with Internet Subscription: 84.0%**

Sources US Census: *Census, April 1, 2020; **2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates

BY PENELOPE McCLENNY

rom repurposing existing buildings to fine-tuning plans for new facilities,F the City of Belmont is well-positioned for an exciting future of growth. “We’re really building this recreational hub,” City Manager Adrian Miller said, citing numerous upcoming plans including a recreation center, a dog park and an outdoor skateboard facility. Many of these plans have been hatched from the city’s new administration building, which previously served as the public works headquarters. While completing a renovation that included more energy-efficient features and windows to overlook the Catawba River, the building officially opened in late 2020.

On the grounds of the facility, now called “City Works,” plans are underway for both a skateboard and dog park. “Many people live in apartments and town homes with small backyards and need a place to walk their dogs,” Miller said. “It’s also another great place for dog owners to interact.” Design is also complete on a new recreation center, with construction slated to begin at the end of 2021. That facility, situated along the river, will include three full-sized gymnasiums as well as several classrooms and an indoor walking track. These as well as the city’s existing park facilities will help accommodate a growing population as Belmont becomes a popular option for Charlotte residents looking to move a little further out of the city. “We are on their radar,” Miller said. “If you can work from home, or frankly from anywhere…then we offer a fantastic quality of life and a great place to live.” A bustling downtown filled with restaurants, local breweries and shops also makes this east Gaston County city a popular destination for visitors. While the pandemic initially posed unique challenges for Belmont businesses, Miller said support from local residents helped merchants brave the storm. Now, traffic to shops and restaurants is as strong as ever. “We actually added businesses during the

Belmont Middle School

pandemic,” he said. “Our downtown is absolutely slammed.” While strolling through the streets, pedestrians may also notice a redesigned logo and updated streetlight banners that were created as part of the city’s recent branding campaign. This fall, the new Belmont Middle School campus welcomed its first class of students, while local leaders begin to consider options for renovating and repurposing the school’s former site. “It also offers a redevelopment opportunity for the old middle school, which is in the heart of downtown Belmont,” Miller said. Each of these services and facilities offer a great variety for the growing number of residents and visitors the city looks forward to welcoming throughout the year. As workers adjust to some pandemic-inspired office environments that may be in place indefinitely, Miller said local home designs and creative downtown co-working spaces are offering great options. “Homebuilders have accelerated their building and have adapted their plans to include a home office,” he said. “Marketing us as a place to live while you’re working remotely is something that’s going to stick around for a while.” a NEED INFORMATION?

Downtown Belmont has two information kiosks to help residents and visitors discover local businesses, restaurants, community events and activities. Users also have access to a downtown map and a history tour with just the tap of a finger.

LOCATIONS Entrance to Stowe Park on Main Street - - - - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - - - Main Street near Kenwood Street

Allison Cottingham John Cottingham Jeremy Hall

Freda Hall 704-576-0152 843-817-8158 704-472-7565 704-473-1182 32 N. Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012 www.BelmontRealty.net

GASTON 2035 COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

The Gaston 2035 Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2016 and serves as a "blueprint" for how and where the community should grow and considers issues such as land use, neighborhoods, mobility, community facilities, infrastructure and economic development. The process involved a coordinated effort involving Gaston County Board of Commission, Gaston County Planning Board, Steering Committee Members, Gaston County Planning Staff, N Focus Planning & Design Inc., and most importantly, the citizens of Gaston County who attended meetings and submitted valued input. The Plan looks at the interconnectedness between transportation, utilities, recreation, economic development, land uses and the like. One of the primary methods of gathering citizen or public input was with the citizen input meetings. After ten (10) extensive public involvement meetings, a thorough analysis of current and future trends, and assessment of the county’s issues and opportunities, this official long-range guide for the future was established.

For more information go to: https://www.gastongov.com/government/departments/ planning_and_zoning/2035_comp_plan.php