Agencies Release Statements about Rutherford Crossing Delay

"The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) is aware of the February 10, 2026 article regarding the Rutherford Crossing apartment development in Cherryville. We would like to clarify several points to ensure accurate information is shared with the public.

Rutherford Crossing is a Brownfields redevelopment project located adjacent to the Westgate Preregulatory Landfill. The property is not located on the landfill itself. Previous site assessments identified limited surface debris, which was removed by the developer. Additional geophysical surveys and subsequent site work did not identify buried waste on the property.

The article also states that soil tests did not meet requirements. Following site grading, soil samples were collected in November 2025 in accordance with NCDEQ requirements. While some naturally occurring metals were detected above screening levels, the results were consistent with background concentrations for the area. Based on these findings, the site meets applicable standards, and residential use is considered acceptable.

Protecting public health and ensuring transparency remain our top priorities. NCDEQ will continue to evaluate site conditions and share information as it becomes available."

"The City of Cherryville is aware of a recent Wise News Network article and related inquiries about the Rutherford Crossing apartment complex at 1444 West Academy Street, Cherryville, and the City of Cherryville’s Westgate Park, at 1109 and 1113 West Carroll extension, Cherryville.

Questions have circulated regarding each site’s environmental status and whether conditions may pose a risk to future occupants or the public. The City of Cherryville relies on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for guidance and instruction in any matters of this type. We want to reassure everyone, especially residents and neighbors in this area of our town, that these parcels have been studied and thoroughly monitored by North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality over many years, and per NCDEQ, each site is safe for their designated and intended usage.

The City’s only tangible involvement with the privately developed Rutherford Crossing Apartments was in the rezoning and pre-construction plat approval processes. However, throughout construction the site has been subject to continuous testing by NCDEQ. This oversight is designed to protect public health and to assess any potential impacts. On February 5, 2026 NCDEQ Brownfields Redevelopment Section issued a notice to the owner of the property, Rutherford Crossing LP, on the ‘final grade soil sample analytical data’. The NCDEQ’s assessment was that ‘the evaluation results indicate that soil conditions are acceptable for the proposed residential use’. Furthermore, the City of Cherryville has no jurisdiction nor involvement as to the decision of when occupancy may begin.

Concerning the separate issue of the Westgate Park property, and two parcels of land owned by the City since the 1920’s and 1950’s; this area many years ago was used as a landfill, with the ‘park’ established in large part through federal grants in the 1970’s. A ‘pre-regulatory landfill program’ was developed by DEQ in 2007, and as a result monitoring wells were installed in a specific area of the park in 2017. Since then, there has been consistent monitoring and yearly reporting of all findings from the NCDEQ. While there are limitations on usage and restrictions on disturbance of soil, the park today, as it has always been, remains open and safe for its intended public use. (More information on all Gaston County pre-regulatory landfill sites – please refer to: download )

The City of Cherryville considers the safety of all our residents and citizens to be our highest priority. We are committed to clarity of information and will work with all state partners to ensure ongoing compliance. The City further encourages all citizens to trust verified public information from regulatory agencies, and not rely on random speculation and conjecture as to what ‘may be happening’.

Further information on these or other properties in NC can be found by contacting North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality ( NC Dept. of Environmental Quality 877-623-6748).

Information on occupancy or questions concerning the Rutherford Crossing Apartments, contact Rutherford Crossing, LP ( Rutherford Crossing | Apartments in Cherryville, NC 980-552-5710).

If there are any questions, or if you need assistance from the City of Cherryville, please reach out anytime – cityofcherryville.com - (704) 435-1700."

Wade Stroupe, Mayor of Cherryville, 2-16-2026

NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has not responded as of this article's release.

More Information To Follow

This is a developing story. WNN will release more information as it becomes available.