GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gastonia Planning Commission has voted to deny a proposal for a new development in the city.
While split on the decision at first, commissioners ultimately decided to deny the proposal, citing concerns with traffic and overcrowding.
The developer is planning to build 194 new homes at the intersection of Robinwood and Kendrick roads. Almost all of them are expected to be apartments in what’s now 17 acres of woods.
However, area residents said they want to keep the neighborhood as it is.
“Density means putting more people in the same amount of square footage, which we think leads to noise pollution, light pollution, public safety,” Bob Ferguson, a homeowner in Planters Ridge, said.
[ ALSO READ: Local developer seeks approval for mixed-use project in Gastonia ]
Developer Will Ratchford, of Southwood Realty, said he was not shocked by the outcome.
“A split vote between the council and the planning commission. City Council doesn’t always see eye to eye,” Ratchford said.
In the video at the top of this page, Channel 9 reporter Erika Jackson explains the next steps the developer can take to appeal this decision.
(WATCH BELOW: Residents express frustrations with potential development in Gastonia neighborhood)
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