Growth & Development

What people are saying: The City redeveloped Osage Mill.

No. The Lofts at Osage Mill is a private development. The City provided technical assistance during the development phases of this project, along with project coordination with City staff.

Link to this answer: Did the City redevelop Osage Mill?

What people are saying: The City keeps fast food restaurants out of Bessemer City.

No. The City cannot prevent businesses from developing within its limits as long as they comply with the Land Development Code (LDC) and zoning regulations, which are aligned with NCGS 160D. Business development is generally driven by market factors such as population, traffic patterns, income levels, and property availability.

Link to this answer: Does the City prevent fast food businesses from developing in the City?

In accordance with NCGS 160D, the City cannot regulate the design, size, or value of single-family homes with traditional zoning regulations.

Link to this answer: Why does the City allow small homes to be built in the community?

In accordance with NCGS 160D, the City is required to consider all rezoning and project requests that follow the procedures outlined in the City’s Land Development Code (LDC). The City does not have the authority to simply reject a project without following the established process, which often includes holding a public hearing.

Link to this answer: Why does the City have so many zoning public hearings?

Commercial growth is driven mostly by private investment decisions, and those decisions depend on several key factors:

• Population & traffic: Retailers and restaurants look closely at how many people live nearby and how many cars pass daily. Bessemer City is growing, but we are not yet at the levels many companies require.
• Income & spending power: Businesses evaluate whether the local market can support their operations. Median income and customer spending are big parts of that equation.
• Regional competition: Larger nearby markets, like Gastonia and Charlotte, attract businesses first because of their higher population density and established customer base.

It’s also important to know that the City cannot require or prevent property owners from building commercial businesses. Property rights allow owners and investors to decide how to use their land.

That said, the City does actively advocate for new commercial development. We continue to improve infrastructure, support local property owners, and strengthen quality of life so that when market conditions align, Bessemer City is ready to welcome more businesses.

Link to this answer: Why don’t we have more commercial businesses in Bessemer City?

Bessemer City is committed to encouraging business development, with a strong focus on small business growth in the downtown core and other areas throughout the city that are zoned for commercial activity. The City has been part of the North Carolina Main Street program since 2012 and continues to advocate for downtown revitalization, private investment, building reuse, and long-term business success.

Like many small communities, business growth is influenced by several factors, including area median income, poverty levels, disposable income, available buildings, foot traffic, surrounding development, and overall community support. The City continues to focus on community and economic development efforts that strengthen these conditions and help create a more attractive environment for businesses to open, grow, and succeed.

Bessemer City has significant potential for small business development, and continued growth in the community creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs, property owners, investors, and residents. The City will continue working to support business-friendly development, encourage reinvestment, and promote local support for businesses that choose to invest in Bessemer City. Ultimately, a strong local business environment requires partnership between the City, business owners, property owners, residents, and visitors.

Link to this answer: How is Bessemer City supporting business growth and downtown development?