We Still Call It Suspicious
(Gazette Photo, Benjamin Patton)
Regardless of the Fire Marshall’s comments about the nature of the Mayworth School fire on Sunday, it still is a fire that neighbors feel was deliberately set. “I wouldn’t say suspicious,” Hendrix said. “It’s just under investigation.” Good, we hope that it is thoroughly investigated.
We are not saying as much, but there have been incidents where a tight housing construction market and downturns in buying lead to “ways out” of project commitments or ways to get returns on investment.
This is an example of one of the “good projects” that we were discussing last week in an article about growth on the east side of the county. The proposed housing for seniors, is a good step. Of course, if you could afford it.
We believe that anytime an empty “big box” is going to be reused for housing or other economic development activity, that would be a good thing. In this case, Cramerton has a stated goal of becoming a bedroom community to Charlotte. In many ways it already has become just that with the growth and build out on top of Cramer Mountain.
This fire, while a set back in Cramerton’s plans, could earn the developer a few brownie points in this struggling community, if they come back with a solid commitment to proceed with the project.
The cynics herebouts just fold their arms and hrumpppf.
Homeless and Not Liking It
There is an article in today’s Gaston Gazette about a homeless man’s trek across our community.
As the east side of Gaston County grows, both “gateway” citities of Belmont and Mt. Holly must face the issue of adequate housing, sheltering, and relationships with the temporary homeless and the chronic homeless.
Our editorial board has a split opinion of solutions or steps necessary to address the issue in our small town. Homelessness is an issue that needs to be as close to a consensus agreement as possible for the problem to be addressed adequately. We are seeking our neighbor’s opinions and solutions.
Belmont and Mt. Holly have crisis management programs in the form of the BCO, CRO and SOCKS; temporary solutions for women and children at Catherine’s House; support for teens and young men through With Friends — although they had relocated to Gastonia; and, local Housing Authorities are addressing permanancy.
One thing is for sure, on this day, homeless families and individuals do exist in communities regardless of the impression of prosperity. How we respond to people in this situation identifies what type of community we are and we hope to be…
The Belmont Front Porch 