Montreat Minute for May 14,2021
Mayor’s Summary of the 5/13/21 Town Commission Meeting
Hello Montreaters-
We had quite a turnout for last night’s meeting. It was great to see everyone who came out. We broadcasted the meeting live and also had a number of electronic attendees. If you missed it, we recorded it and posted it to our Youtube page. CLICK HERE to watch the recording.
Here’s a summary of tonight’s meeting:
A number of people spoke at the Public Forum prior to the Town Council meeting. Town Clerk Angie Murphy read a statement from Dr. Mary Standaert in which she urged Montreat elected representatives to indicate their support or opposition to HB401 and SB349. If passed as written: duplex, triplex and 4-plex units could be built in districts that are now zoned for single family homes. Bob Wynne, Mari Gramling, Robert Hope, Ellen Henschen, AnnKelso Hewitt, and Clary Phipps all spoke passionately in opposition to the proposed driveway project near Wynne-Lithia Spring. Mike Bowden and his father Jim Bowden, spoke in favor of the project, citing accessibility reasons as to why they need a driveway.
Open Spaces Conservation Committee
The Montreat Open Space Committee met on Tuesday, May 11. The purpose of the Committee is to facilitate donations of land to the Town in return for federal and state income tax deductions related to the value of the donated property. There are presently no proposed donations by property owners. The Committee meets twice a year, and can meet more frequently if necessary to accept donations. The Committee is going to examine its organizational documents to better understand its role and to explore whether and how it could promote donations. The Cottagers also have a similar committee, and it is hoped that both committees, working together, can stimulate interest in donations. Mary Nell Todd was elected Chair of the Committee at the meeting, The Committee encourages property owners to consider making donations of unusable land they own to the Town of Montreat, which could then make sure it remains open space or environmentally protected.
Volunteers Needed
The Town has several volunteer openings on its Planning and Zoning Commission and Open Spaces Conservation Committee. If you are interested in serving on either board complete an application by CLICKING HERE,
Updates and Reminders
- The Montreat Tree Board will meet May 25th, 2021 at 9:30 AM by Zoom software and limited attendance.
- Town Offices are closed May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. Trash will be picked up the following day.
- Montreat Landcare will meet June 3rd, 2021 at 9:00 AM. Location and method to be determined.
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.
Stay well and have a great weekend.