Normally we don't comment on anything but positive Gaston County news. But due to the situation in Ukraine, we are making an exception. Evidently Putin has gone rogue, and as always, it is young men, women and children, who pay for old men's arrogance.This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are 9 ways you can support Ukraine.
Hello Tuesday, it's David. Today is March 1, 2022. Shakespeare's soothsayer said to Julius Caesar: "Beware the ides of March"- do you know what the "Ides of March" means? Check the end of this newsletter for the answer.
Today it will be partly sunny and a great day to be outside! The high will be 63. Tonight it will be clear, with a low of 35.
Bessemer City's time to shine?
Looks like Amazon coming to Bessemer CityAt a Gaston Business Association meeting last Thursday, Bessemer City Manager James Inman announced Project GT. He said the Project GT would be a distribution center of 180,000 square feet, and would provide between 200 and 400 jobs.Inman did not name the company behind the project, but the map shows it will be built on property acquired by Amazon last year. The map also shows a large industrial facility with very large parking requirements. The site plan appears to be similar to other Amazon facilities in the region.
Proposed Edgewood85Park in Gaston County
Bessemer City to see 115% growth in square footage in large spaceTrinity Capital Partners announced in January that they will be building a 120 acre industrial project called Edgewood85 Park. The project will total one million square feet of space.A different project is being built at the Southridge Business Park called Project Foundry. The project will be a 260,000 square foot speculative industrial building.
Remember when Belk's had a department store in every small town?
I do...and every large southern town as well. Belk's filed for bankruptcy on February 23rd, 2021, and emerged from bankruptcy a day later, eliminating $450 million in debt. Belk's was one of the hardest hit retailers during the pandemic, with sales down approximately 32% year over year.But analysts are saying that Belk's has done little to make changes or innovate in the last year,which may raise doubts about their long term viability. Another concern is that many Belk's stores are in malls, and malls don't attract the traffic they once did. It is estimated that only 100 to 150 of the 800 malls in the US will be in business in 10 years.Lot's of folks in Gaston County have a long connection to Belk's...here's hoping they innovate and find a way to stay relevant.
Gastonia Police hire homelessness cordinatorGastonia Police are hiring a homelessness coordinator to better serve the homeless population.“We believe having someone in this role will help to eliminate repeat offenses from the calls we get and help us better serve this population," said Chief Travis Brittain.
The Art of Banksy: A brief reviewThe traveling exhibit: The Art of Banksy came to Charlotte recently. It was put together by the Starvox Exhibits, who also put on Van Gogh- The Immersive. The show features over 100 privately owned Banksy pieces.If you aren't aware, Banksy is a somewhat anonymous graffiti artist based in London. Many of his works are anti-war and anti-commercialism. One of his works actually says "I can't believe that you morons actually buy this s$*t."Having said that, I wondered why the artist would allow such a commercial exhibit to take place...selling t-shirts and posters and the like.Turns out, he didn't. So this is a blatantly commercial exhibit that Bansky has not authorized and will not benefit from, and probably would not approve of.Regardless, I got to see a ton of Banksy's early work that I never would have seen otherwise- most of it held in private collections. Is it great art? Depends on your definition of art, and "great art. " I doubt his work is considered technically or artistically progressive as far as technique, but his art does make one feel something, whether or not you agree with him. And that is important. His style and imagery are also unique to Banksy, so there's that. Banksy is popular now- but will be be remembered in 100 years? 500 years? As much as I enjoyed the show, I don't think so. The Banksy exhibit was like really good pizza-really good. But it's still pizza.
Zoning change to allow tiny homesThe Gaston County Commissioners tweaked a zoning law to allow tiny homes- houses no larger than 800 square feet.Previously, the ordinance did not allow for multiple home on the same property, unless the owner had more than 10 acres of land.The zoning change means that tiny home communities for veterans, those with disabilities, and young adults who have aged out of foster care are now a possibility.
New lakefront restaurant plannedOwners of The Pump House are planning on opening a lakefront restaurant called Drift on Lake Wylie. It will be located near Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in the McLean Marina. It will be the second waterfront venue to open on Lake Wylie, the first being Papa Doc's (formerly T-Bones).The restaurant will be accessible by boat, and will serve a menu of fresh fish, steaks and pasta. They will also have craft beers, and a 1000 bottle wine selection.They expect to open in the spring.
A quick $20 mil-Ashbook Village apartments sell for $58.5 millionGastonia's Ashbrook Village apartments sold for $20 million more than it did just 2 years ago.New York based Gindi Properties had bought the property in August of 2020 for $37.3 million. Texas based GVA Property Management was the buyer, They say they have plans to update the interiors of the complex.
Goodbye BB&T, hello Truist
Your local BB&T is gone.
All BB&T branches have now converted to Truist as of last weekend.Atlanta based SunTrust and BB&T of Winston-Salem merged in 2019, to create a top-10 bank with $541 billion in assets.
Hosting an event?Let us help you get the word out- purchase an event listing!
Flu, Omicron numbers trending down- finally!Gaston County Metrics
Caregivers NeededWe welcome caregivers looking for a family-oriented home care agency.
We are approved to conduct COVID-19 tests weekly or as needed for our clients & caregivers. Hiring Personal Care Assistant & CNA's part time/ full time/ weekends only! Flexible Scheduling! NIGHT SHIFT & DAY SHIFTTraining Available$200 Signing Bonus when you mention this ad! (After 90 days, with no call outs & work 20 or more hours/week) Must have valid drivers license and reliable transportation!
Enjoy the elderly? Join our family today!!!Find out more..
Honey Hunters single game tickets now on sale...
Gaston County JobsDental front office $18-$25 hr, Work from Home Cust Svc $19 hr, A&E machine operator $17.50-$21.96 hr, Radiology Tech Belmont , and more.
