It’s been a busy year in Gaston, Lincoln
Growth Was growth the big story? The folks in the eastern part of Gaston and Lincoln counties would likely say so, as Charlotte sprawls ever farther.Leaders scrambled to keep up with infrastructure, with mixed results. Crowded schools, especially in east Gaston, got a major boost when voters overwhelmingly approved a $175 million bond package. The money will go for a new high school, two middle schools and three elementary schools, along with other renovations and additions.
Sewer systems didn’t fare quite so well. Lincoln maxed out its sewer plant, and Mount Holly realized it was nearing capacity, too. No sewer means no growth, leaving some Lincoln projects stalled while the county waits for a permit to expand its plant. Mount Holly officials also looked for solutions, including possible cooperation with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities on a facility. Drought One of the worst droughts on record parched Gaston and Lincoln something fierce.
With lake and river levels threatening to dip under water intakes, officials in both counties hurried to find ways to keep water flowing. A nearly dried-out Bessemer City began pumping from neighboring Kings Mountain. Belmont drew up emergency plans for a connecting water line to Mount Holly and asked Gastonia for permission to test an emergency connection with that city. Gastonia water officials browsed through catalogs with devices that push water intakes out farther into lakes, just in case.
And there were rules. Lincoln County was the first in the region to ban lawn irrigation, in July. Mount Holly got serious about enforcing its restrictions and slapped fines on residents, including one for $3,700 to a resident accused of repeat violations. The Gaston Board of Health considered, briefly, banning wells dug solely for irrigation — opting out because they weren’t likely a public health threat, yet.