High school plans in motion
New Gaston school site has not yet been identified, but it would be in east end of county
Can’t wait for this site to be identified and the choice of name, colors, mascots, and whether a soccer field will be a part of the the campus plans.
It is too bad that the county school board and the “educated” planners do not consider more urban models of school designs. These models would build on smaller land in a vertical format. The Belmont vision of “Town Center” could be accomplished, better park and community facilities such as baseball, softball, soccer, football, and cross country courses could be assembled in a workable plan that can be used year around. Of course, the school won’t be in Belmont and the new UDO of Gaston County doesn’t really address school construction issues, but it is worth a plug to keep up discussion.
Our coffee-klatch speculation is that the site will be on the McAdenville side of Lowell north of the interstate. There is a 260+ acre piece of property that is owned by Belmont Land & Investment. It is adjacent to Lowell Elementary school and could made accessible from either exit #22 or #23 of I-85. But again, we just speculate…
Mark your calendars
The Community Foundation of Gaston County will hold the 6th Annual Run for the Money on Saturday, April 19, 2008.
More than 105 non-profit community groups will benefit from the contributions to the Community Foundation which has distributed $5.1 million to organizations since it begin in 2003.
Organizations must be certified charitable organizations, school-based programs, or faith-based groups, to be able to participate in the events.
In February 2008, donation forms will be available from the Community Foundation. People wishing to donate funds for specific groups need only to designate which organization they wish their funds to support. The Community Foundation provides a formula match up to $10,000. In May, the organizations receive matching funds from the foundation.
Check out the Community Foundation of Gaston County website for more details.
Program on Montcross project Dec. 13
The Belmont Chamber and Belmont Abbey College are hosting a program on the 1,100-acre Montcross development project on Dec. 13.
(Montcross Development – Wilkinson Boulevard Side)
The program, which includes networking and refreshments, is from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on the Belmont Abbey campus.
Project designer Bill Monroe, president of Charlotte-based WGM Designs, Inc, will speak about the project and answer questions. Networking will start at 5:30 p.m. in the Haid Ballroom with the Montcross presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. in the adjoining Haid Theatre.
Montcross is a commercial and residential project stretching along Interstate 85 from the Catawba River to the South Fork. The plan touches four towns: Belmont, Mount Holly, Cramerton and McAdenville.
A Wal-Mart Supercenter opened on the property last year. Opening in December are Lowes Home Improvements, BB&T and Hampton Inn.
As more property is developed over the next 20 to 30 years, it is estimated that 10,000 people may be employed in the project, which has been called the next Ballantyne.
Montcross is a partnership involving land owned by the Southern Benedictine Society of North Carolina (founders of Belmont Abbey College), Pharr Yarns, Parkdale Mills and R.L. Stowe Mills.
There is no charge for the program, but registration is requested by email to info@belmontchamber.com or by calling 704-825-5307.
The Belmont Front Porch 