Dear Mount Holly Residents and Business Owners:Over the past week, I’ve heard from a lot of folks—business owners, residents, and community members—about the recent vote on the StreetLights proposal.

Dear Mount Holly Residents and Business Owners:Over the past week, I’ve heard from a lot of folks—business owners, residents, and community members—about the recent vote on the StreetLights proposal.  First, I want to start by saying thank you.  Whether you’re excited, frustrated, or somewhere in between, it means a lot that you care enough about Mount Holly to speak up.I want to provide some context regarding the events of last Monday’s meeting.  My expectation going into that meeting was to receive an update on the project, not to take a final vote.  However, once Council members made a motion and a second, a vote was required under our procedures.The vote resulted in a 3-3 tie, and as Mayor, I cast the deciding vote not to move forward with the proposal at this time.  This was not a decision made lightly.In addition to the procedural circumstances at the meeting, I want to be transparent about the review process leading up to it.  Final versions of the agreement continued to evolve up until the meeting itself.  The City Manager and City Attorney provided updated drafts on Friday evening, again on Saturday afternoon, again on Sunday afternoon, and made additional revisions on Monday prior to the meeting.Given the ongoing changes and the limited time available for full review and consideration of all implications, I did not feel it was appropriate to take final action at that meeting.I believe strongly that Mount Holly deserves the very best outcome for this property, and I believe we can do better.  This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our downtown, and we have to make sure we get it right.In addition to concerns raised during public discussion, I also believe there are several elements that warrant further consideration before moving forward.  These include the potential inclusion of a right of first refusal for the City, additional flexibility and leniency during the due diligence period, and broader exploration of options for how the park and public space components of the project could be designed and utilized.This decision was not a rejection of growth, investment, or the importance of supporting our local businesses.  Rather, it reflects a desire to take a deep breath and fully evaluate all options available to us.I want to make sure we take the time to explore all possibilities, hear directly from our residents, and clearly define the vision for this downtown acreage—not just for today, but for Mount Holly's future.I also have some real concerns that I think we need to work through as a community, things like the project's overall density and the number of rental units proposed for our downtown.  Those decisions shape Mount Holly's feel and future for decades to come.This property represents a significant and highly visible part of our city.  This wasn’t about stopping progress or turning our backs on growth.  We all know Mount Holly is growing—and it’s going to keep growing. The question isn’t if, it’s how.This decision should not be rushed.  We owe it to our residents, our business owners, and future generations to be thoughtful, deliberate, and thorough when evaluating what is truly in Mount Holly's best interest.I appreciate the passion and advocacy shown by our business community and residents alike. I remain committed to working collaboratively with Council, stakeholders, and the public as we determine the best path forward. - Mayor David MooreMount Holly, North CarolinaSee full statement here