Residents urge better Section 8 communication; NAACP questions $400,000 grant priorities

At the start of public expression, Steve Scott told the council he has had "some issues for about 3 months" contacting the Section 8 housing authority and asked for help connecting with agency staff; he said he hoped a public record of his attempt would prompt assistance. Mayor Franks responded that he would have the director of the Gaston Housing Authority reach out to Scott within two days.

Shortly afterward, Sean Bates, president of the Gastonia NAACP, raised equity concerns and asked whether the $400,000 grant reported for a new restaurant was intended only for businesses with existing capital or whether similar support had been offered to grocery stores serving food deserts. "The money given in order for this new restaurant, the $400,000 grant," Bates said, asking whether comparable grants exist for grocery stores and urging the council to speak up about inequities.