Montreat Minute 05/08/2020

May 8, 2020

COVID-19 Update

Everything is pretty confusing given state, county and in some cases, local COVID-19 rules. Hopefully we can clarify some of it for you. Here are a few updates pertinent to all of us at Montreat:

  • As of 5:00pm today, Friday, Buncombe County will move into Phase 1 of reopening. The county still remains slightly more restrictive than the State’s order, primarily in the area of tourism. Tourism is still not allowed for anyone except those in the 828 area code. The 14 day quarantine for anyone coming to Montreat from out of state is still in effect. For an excellent overview of the Phase 1 provisions, please CLICK HERE.
  • MRA has reopened the trails, tennis courts, Dowd Green and Welch Field given proper social distancing rules. However, Robert Lake Park, like other playgrounds in the area, remains closed.
  • Town Public Works staff will return to full time work on Monday. Administrative staff will remain working from home until Phase 2. Building permits and inspections have not been affected and continue with safe distancing precautions. For details, call 828-669-8002 or email info@townofmontreat.org.
  • Brush and Stick pick up will resume on Wednesday on its normal every-other-week schedule.

Landcare Launches New Website Content

Spring is a wonderful time for making new connections with the natural world. While we are practicing stay-at-home behaviors during the coronavirus pandemic, it is still possible to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the out-of-doors. The Montreat Landcare Committee has created a page on its website intended to serve the community as a source of ideas and inspirations, whether sitting indoors or perhaps puttering in the garden or walking in a solitary place. CLICK HERE for more information.

The first article in this occasional series is on flower gardens and native plants. Some virtual ways to learn more and see some of the beauty of native (and other) plants are listed in the pdf “MONTREAT BEAUTIFUL DAY: PLANTS IN ALL THEIR GLORY!”

The article has links to virtual tours of botanical gardens and sources of information about identifying and selecting native plants. One website even has a page full of information for parents, grandparents and others caring for children, titled “Stuck at home, not stuck inside.”

Watch the site for future articles and content. Thanks to Landcare for helping to keep us busy!

Town Council Meeting May 14

The Town Council will hold its regularly scheduled May meeting on Thursday, May 14, at 7:00pm. Due to COVID-19 rules, the meeting will be closed to the public. There will be no Public Forum prior to the meeting. However, submit your questions and comments to [email protected] by 10:00am on Thursday, May 14. The meeting may be live streamed via Zoom by CLICKING HERE. It will be limited to the first 100 participants. For a copy of the Agenda, CLICK HERE.

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting May 12

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. virtually via Zoom. For full instructions, go to the website by CLICKING HERE. The sole agenda item is the continued zoning ordinance review.

Questions?

Do you have Town-related questions you would like answered? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a safe and distanced weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!