Montreat Minute 01/27/23

January 27, 2023

Parking Reminder

Montreat’s narrow roads make it difficult for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and firetrucks to negotiate. It becomes even more challenging when cars are parked on the roadways. Of course, snow exacerbates the problem. If you must park on the street, please ensure two wheels are off the road and there is 12 feet of clearance. Parking on both sides of a street is not feasible to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Please help us keep streets clear to provide emergency services to those in need.

Bobcat Sightings

Several sightings of a bobcat have been reported recently in Montreat. They are native to the WNC mountains, just like deer, bear, fox and other animals. Bobcats are shy, solitary and reclusive in nature. They generally weigh between 20-40 pounds. Their distinctives are their “bobbed” tail and tufted pointed ears. They are not necessarily nocturnal, as they are most active at dusk and dawn.

Bobcats are not dangerous to humans. There are virtually no reports of attacks on humans. However, they are carnivores and prey upon smaller species than themselves, such as birds, squirrels and other small animals. Their “prey” opportunities include domestic pets- small dogs and cats. Therefore, follow the following guidelines with your pets, just as you would with bears and other wild animals:

  • Keep your dog on a leash when taking walks (it’s a Town law anyway!)
  • Don’t allow cats to roam free outdoors
  • Don’t leave pets unattended outdoors
  • Of course, don’t attract predators with food (this is a Town law also)

Enjoy the fact we live in an area resplendent with wildlife and use common sense in how we co-habitate with them. If you see a bobcat, take a picture and send it to [email protected] and we will share it with others.

Learn More About Your Property Value

Do you want to learn more about the market value of your property? Or, about how property values affect your property assessment and taxes? The Land of Sky Association of Realtors is offering free help on learning more about your property value and what it means to you, including discussion about how to appeal assessment values.

The clinic will be held on Tuesday, February 7, from 11:30am -1:30pm at the Black Mountain Ingles.

Updates and Reminders

  • The Montreat Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a training session on Tuesday, January 31st, from 10:30am until 12:00pm in the Town Hall Conference Room. The public is welcome to attend.
  • The Montreat Landcare Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 1st, at 9:00am in the Town Hall Community Room. It will also be live streamed. For streaming instructions, CLICK HERE.
  • The Montreat Comprehensive Plan Update Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 7th, at noon in the Town Hall Community Room. It will also be live streamed. For streaming instructions, CLICK HERE.

Questions?

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

Have a great weekend!