Montreat Minute 6/23/23

Comprehensive Plan Complete

Yesterday, the Montreat Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee presented the new Comprehensive Plan, Montreat Tomorrow, to the Planning & Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation to the Town Council. The Commission expressed great appreciation to the Steering Committee for their 18 month effort in updating the 2008 Comprehensive Plan. They then reviewed the plan page by page, making very few, minor revisions. The revised plan will be available on June 29, however the original version is available by CLICKING HERE.

The Steering Committee, made up of community representatives and representatives of the College, MRA and the Town, met for the first time in January 2022. They met 16 times over the course of the project, including 10 times in 2023 alone. Members of the committee include John Casper, Richard DuBose, Maggie Elliott, Mari Gramling, Tim Helms, Daniel Hewitt, Paul Maurer, and Bill Seaman.

There were significant opportunities for community input, which is a critical element in developing a comprehensive plan such as this:

The plan includes significant background information. The opportunities for the future are in Section 4 and include three Vision Statements, a series of Objectives, and Next Steps.

“Next steps” for adoption of the plan include public input and Town Council action. Here is a timeline:

Color copies of the Comprehensive Plan are available at the Town Hall for a fee of $18. The Town Hall business office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm.


Gate Race Coming July 4th

Get ready for the Montreat Annual Gate Race! The 5K race begins and ends, of course, at the Montreat gate. The mayor will start the race at 7:00am, with the runners taking off on Assembly Drive up to West Virginia Terrace, connecting to Virginia and returning to the gate finish line. The route will be clearly marked.

“We’re excited to have the Gate Race again this year”, stated Town Commissioner Kent Otto, co-organizer of the event along with resident Matt Ashley. “As usual, this is a ‘no-frills’ race- no medals, no t-shirts, no registration, no fees. Just show up for good fellowship. It’s a fun way to kick-off the 4th of July holiday.”


4th of July Barbeque

Is there anything more American than barbeque? A Montreat 4th of July is not complete without enjoying some tasty southern barbeque with your family and friends! Plan to chow down at the annual Montreat Cottagers’ 4th of July barbeque picnic lunch right after the July 4th Parade.

Treat yourself to your choice of barbeque pork or chicken sandwich, baked beans, cole slaw, a delicious dessert bar, a bag of chips and bottled water. Tickets for these mouthwatering, all-American meals, prepared by Red Radish and Little Sprout Carryout of Black Mountain, are only $15.00. The lunches will be distributed at the Walkup Building on Community Circle immediately after the flag raising ceremony.

Treat yourself to your choice of barbeque pork or chicken sandwich, baked beans, cole slaw, a delicious dessert bar, a bag of chips and bottled water. Tickets for these mouthwatering, all-American meals, prepared by Red Radish and Little Sprout Carryout of Black Mountain, are only $15.00.

Tickets are on sale now through Saturday July 1st at the Montreat Store and Red Radish, and at the Montreat Post Office 9:00 to 12:00 in the morning. Tickets must be purchased in advance, by cash or check made payable to Montreat Cottagers, Inc. 


Don’t Miss Bulk Pickup on Wednesday, July 5th

Remember to place your bulk Items/white goods curbside for pick up on Wednesday, July 5th.  For more information about items for bulk pick up, CLICK HERE. Take advantage of this free service (except mattresses and box springs- $5 each) offered by the Town.


Come Tour the Flat Creek Crossing Trail Site July 5th

Montreat Landcare Committee invites you to visit the site of Montreat’s first all-persons trail, Flat Creek Crossing. It is located just inside the Gate, adjacent to the Memorial Garden parking area. Come on Wednesday, July 5th, from 5:00-6:30pm to walk the site and learn about plans for an exciting new trail perfect for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. This will be a very special event to showcase the plans and kick off the fund raising program. Look for the Flat Creek Crossing Accessible Trail team on July 4th, in the parade, at the picnic pick-up area and on Moore Field.


PHC Searches for New Executive Director

Montreat’s Presbyterian Heritage Center has begun a search for a new Executive Director. After 15 years of outstanding service, current Executive Director Ron Vinson will be stepping down at the end of the year.

If you know someone who might be interested in this 25-30 hour per week opportunity, have them email [email protected] for a full position description and other details.


Updates and Reminders

  • The Tree Board will meet on Tuesday, June 27th, at 9:30am, in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed, with instructions to follow. All are invited to attend.
  • The Cottagers annual meeting will be held on Saturday, July 22nd, at 10:00am, in Upper Anderson Auditorium. More information to come.

Questions or Comments?

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? 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!