City of Cherryville To Get New Police Headquarters for 1.3 Million

Posted Wednesday, February 25, 2026 7:10 pm

By: Wise News Network Staff

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Cherryville City Council met for a busy regular work session on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. They moved forward with approving a new police headquarters and discussing a proposed downtown building standards ordinance. Councilwoman Janice Hovis presided over the meeting as Mayor Pro Tem in the absence of Mayor Wade Stroupe.

Police Department Relocation Discussed and Approved

City council members discussed purchasing a formal medical office building at 120 S. Mountain St. If purchased, it would serve as a new facility for the Cherryville Police Department.

The potential new location for the Cherryville Police Department located at 120 South Mountain Street - Cherryville, NC - February 25th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

According to Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker, the current police station building is too small. Officers are sharing office space, the training room is being used for evidence storage, and overall, space is just tight.

The Cherryville Police Station located on Highway 150 - Cherryville, NC - February 25th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

The proposed building has about 4,300 square feet on the main level, plus another 1,607 square feet upstairs that isn't finished yet. It's listed for $1.15 million, but according to City Manager Brian Dalton, the purchase price can be $1,125,000—a recent appraisal valued it at approximately $1.29 million. The purchase money will come from the city's general fund and its electrical fund, according to Dalton.

Renovating the building might cost up to $200,000, bringing the total building cost to $ 1.3 million. Additionally, Hunsucker believes that moving would give the department enough room for the next 20 to 25 years.

Ultimately, council members unanimously voted to purchase the building, which is located next to City Hall.

Chief Hunsucker speaking on the potential new police department location - Cherryville, NC - February 24th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Building Standards Proposal Moves Towards Public Hearing

Cherryville's Marketing Director, Steve Panton spoke to the council, presenting them with a proposal for a building standards ordinance. He highlighted that Cherryville's building stock is "a gold mine." This ordinance aims to keep properties in the B-1 central downtown business district well-maintained and will complement the current fire codes, building codes, and zoning regulations.

The ordinance would address issues such as graffiti, faded paint, roof leaks, boarded-up windows, outdated signs, outdoor storage, and empty display windows. There will also be renovation design standards that cover materials for awnings, window tinting, and paint color approvals through the Architectural Review Board. Additionally, any unpainted or unstained brick surfaces must remain that way unless property owners obtain a variance.

Front facade of a vacant building on Mountain Street - Cherryville, NC - February 25th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Most violations will come with a 90-day grace period after the ordinance is passed. For broken or boarded windows on the sides, backs, or upper floors of buildings, there'll be a 12-month grace period. Property owners who are already renovating and have a $100 repair permit plus proof of work won't face penalties during that time.

Boarded windows on a vacant building on Main Street - Cherryville, NC - February 25th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

This ordinance is meant to work alongside the city's existing incentive grant program. Patton estimates that about $108,000 will be needed to meet outstanding grant requirements, while roughly $42,000 in funding is currently available.

The council is set to include this ordinance proposal on the agenda for March 9, and they're looking at having a public hearing on April 13.

Council Approves $775,985 Oxidation Ditch Project

Council members approved a $775,985 contract to renovate the city's second oxidation ditch at the wastewater treatment plant.

City Manager Brian Dalton mentioned that the first ditch was redone about 2 years ago. He says this new project is crucial to getting both ditches up and running at the same time, which will help prepare the city of Cherryville for future growth.

Cherryville City Manager Brian Dalton explaining the need for another oxidation ditch - Cherryville, NC - February 24th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Sign Ordinance Update

Council members also discussed changes to the city's sign ordinance. The city planning board also reviewed the proposal, but no decision was made.

Council members noted that many signs in the B-1 district, including political signs, are currently in violation of the zoning ordinance. Councilman Jon Abernethy made a motion to remove the signs before the March meeting, but eventually decided against it after some conversation.

Council Member Jon Abernethy proposing that they clear out the signage downtown before reviewing the ordinance - Cherryville, NC - February 24th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

It was also mentioned that the Gaston County Board of Elections has rules about political signs. Many of the signs were put up too early, in violation of the rules. They also need to be taken down within a specific time after the elections.

Political signage being displayed in the windows of a vacant building on Mountain Street - Cherryville, NC - February 25th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

The council is expected to discuss the sign ordinance and building standards proposals during their next meeting, scheduled for March 9.

New Main Street and Marketing Director Announced

Also, during the work session, it was mentioned that David Day has retired as Main Street and Marketing Director and that Emily Dellinger will take that position in April. Dellinger is currently the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce Director.