Public Notice: Project Impact on Catawba Creek Greenway and Golf Course Properties

Overview 

The City of Gastonia, in partnership with the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), has assessed that planned impacts to the Catawba Creek Golf Course and Catawba Creek Greenway (NCLWF easement #1997B-023) meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Section 4(f) requirements as a “de minimis” impact.

What’s Planned for Residents in the City of Gastonia?

NCDOT is planning to improve a section of N.C. 274 (Union Road), from Osceola Street to Niblick Drive. This project, designated as Project U-5961, lies near beloved community spots—the Catawba Creek Golf Course and the Catawba Creek Greenway—in Gastonia. Portions of the study area touch on land protected by NCLWF's conservation easement (number 1997B-023). For a clear view of the areas that may be impacted, please refer to the Exhibit Maps provided in this notice.

Why This Notice Matters 

As the project involves federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), it must comply with the USDOT Act of 1966, specifically Section 4(f), which safeguards publicly owned parks, recreational areas, and certain natural areas. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has classified the Catawba Creek Greenway, Catawba Creek Golf Course, and the NCLWF conservation easement as Section 4(f) properties. This classification means that any impacts from the proposed road improvements must be carefully reviewed. The City of Gastonia and the NCLWF have determined that the proposed project impacts meet the criteria for a “de minimis” (minimal) impact, meaning they are not expected to significantly affect the park’s features, functions, or qualities.

Comment Period Deadline: December 4th, 2024 

We encourage all residents and stakeholders to participate and share their insights on this project. Comments must be submitted by December 4, 2024. All feedback will be reviewed and included in the project’s administrative record. Responses may not be issued to each comment, depending on their content, but all input will be documented for consideration in the project’s planning process.

Comment Submission Information:

Maps of Affected Properties