developments.“Our goal is to create a true live-workplay environment,” Sparks states. Collaborating with Kiersten Martin and the Albemarle Corporation, they envision outdoor spaces that connect the community and enhance the overall livability of the area. ENHANCING GREEN SPACES AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY Kings Mountain’s ongoing developments focus on residential and commercial growth and enhancing outdoor spaces to improve community connectivity and livability. Kirsten Martin,Albemarle Corporation’s community relations lead for North America, outlines the company’s significant role. “Albemarle has proposed reopening a hard rock lithium mine that was operational from the ‘30s to the ‘90s,” she explains. “As part of that, there is an 80-acre easement that Albemarle gave to the local Gateway Trail in 2008. As we reopen the mine, we want to ensure we can replace that section of trail.” The mine’s potential reopening has revealed numerous opportunities to collaborate with local developers and the city to expand the trail system. “We found that there were a lot of opportunities to work with local developers, work with the city directly, and expand the trail in a really incredible way,” Martin says. This expansion aims to integrate 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC
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