Friday, October 9, 2026
®
The World's Local News Source®
Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Residents of Cherryville and surrounding Gaston County communities will have opportunities to voice their opinions at two significant public hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, October 12–13, 2026.
The first hearing concerns proposed economic development incentives for Project LEGACY, while the second concerns a proposed air quality permit for Elevra Lithium's Carolina Lithium mining and processing operation.
Although the hearings involve separate projects, both raise questions about economic development, potential environmental impacts, and the public's opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their communities.
The Cherryville City Council is scheduled to conduct a public hearing during its regular meeting on Monday, October 12, at 6 p.m. at the Cherryville Community Building, 106 South Jacob Street.
Cherryville Community Building located at 106 South Jacob Street.
Mason Beam (WNN)
Project LEGACY is a proposed economic development investment that could bring approximately $70 million to $75 million in capital investment and at least 150 new jobs to Gaston County.
According to Gaston County Economic Development and the public notice, the projected jobs would pay average annual salaries exceeding the county's average annual wage of $54,736.
On September 22, 2026, the Gaston County Board of Commissioners approved a Level Four economic development incentive grant for the project.
Cherryville officials are now considering their own incentive arrangement.
In response to a Wise News Network request for additional project information, Cherryville City Manager Brian Dalton stated:
"The information you are requesting is not public record at this time."
Dalton also indicated that the incentives under consideration are the same Tier Four incentives that Gaston County approved on September 22.
Among the questions surrounding the project are the identity of the company, the specific location of the proposed development, the estimated dollar value and duration of the city's incentives, and the financial benefits expected for Cherryville taxpayers. Other questions include environmental impact, city utility infrastructure requirements, and expected city costs.
Project LEGACY Public Hearing Notice
City of Cherryville
Years 1–5 receive 85% Property Tax Reimbursement
Years 6-10 receive 70% Property Tax Reimbursement
Economic development incentive agreements can provide qualifying companies with grants based on a percentage of property taxes paid, subject to investment, employment, and other performance requirements.
Monday's hearing will provide residents with an opportunity to comment before the City Council acts on the proposed arrangement.
Public information requests from WNN to Gaston County about Project Legacy have not been fulfilled as of publication.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) will hold a separate public hearing on Tuesday, October 13, at 6 p.m., in the Myers Center Auditorium at Gaston College's Dallas Campus, 201 U.S. Highway 321 South. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Gaston College Myers Center Auditorium | June 11, 2026
Ashley Reep (WNN)
The hearing concerns a draft air quality permit for Carolina Lithium, formerly developed under Piedmont Lithium and now part of Elevra Lithium.
The proposed mining and processing facility, located in the Hephzibah Church Road area near Bessemer City, would include operations to mine, crush, handle, and process lithium-bearing ore into materials used in battery production.
NCDEQ previously issued a mining permit for the proposed 1,548-acre operation in 2024. Tuesday's hearing concerns a separate air quality permit.
The proposed facility could emit particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide at levels that would require additional federal regulatory review.
According to NCDEQ, its preliminary analysis indicates the facility could meet applicable air quality standards if the required pollution-control technology and permit conditions are implemented.
That determination is preliminary, and the agency has not issued its final decision on the air permit.
Residents may address concerns about potential emissions, air quality, health impacts, pollution-control requirements, and the state's review of the proposed operations.
Individuals wishing to speak may sign up at the hearing.
The state will also accept written comments through Friday, October 16, 2026.
Comments may be emailed to DAQ.publiccomments@deq.nc.gov, using the subject line CarolinaLithium.22A, or submitted by voicemail at 919-707-8714.
NCDEQ says it will consider public comments before making its final permitting decision. Official DEQ Notice Link: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/11/deq-hold-public-hearing-carolina-lithium-draft-air-quality-permit
Monday's hearing centers on the potential use of local economic development incentives and the commitments expected from Project LEGACY.
Tuesday's hearing centers on whether Elevra's proposed Carolina Lithium operation can meet state and federal air quality requirements.
Both hearings are open to the public and offer residents an opportunity to provide comments before the respective government agencies make decisions.
Wise News Network will continue following both projects and the actions taken by local and state officials. This article may be shared at the links below.
For further WNN articles and news stories, visit https://wisenewsnetwork.com
For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork
Contact WNN at newsdesk@wisenewsnetwork.com
North Carolina Press Association Member
©️Copyright 2026 Wise News Network. All rights reserved.
