Montreat Minute 10/27/23
Town Does Not Appeal Lodge Ruling
The Town of Montreat has decided not to appeal the decision of Superior Court Judge Peter Knight in reversing the Board of Adjustment’s (BOA) decision to grant a Special Use Permit. Judge Knight’s decision calls for the BOA to revoke the Special Use Permit issued to MRA to build the lodge.
The Town’s decision not to appeal means any additional resources, human and financial, will be minimized. The Mayor and Commissioners stand solidly behind the decision of the Board of Adjustment despite the judge’s opinion. “The residents who serve on the Board of Adjustment are of the highest caliber and should not have been subjected to the harsh decision from the court,” stated Mayor Tim Helms. “Judge Knight’s opinion that because they had donated monies to MRA in the past they made a biased decision is unrealistic and untrue. In a small town like Montreat, it would be extremely difficult to find a group of people who have not supported MRA in some manner. Ironically, even several of the Petitioners have made donations to MRA.”
Last week, MRA announced they are appealing the judge’s decision. Commenting on the issue, Mayor Tim Helms said, “We respect MRA and their decision to appeal. But the Town does not feel it is prudent to continue using taxpayer funds for legal proceedings in this case.”
Be Firewise– And Record Your Hours!
The leaves are coming down! Please work on removing them from the proximity of your house. Leaves are the #1 fuel for wildfires!
When you have moved the leaves and disposed of other debris, please send Nancy Midgette ([email protected]) an email reporting your hours. You can also count hours that you pay someone else to work. These hours are very important for our application to remain a community in good standing with Firewise, and the application is due mid-November. Many thanks!
Tonight, Don’t Miss Dr. Richard Gibbons
Montreat’s Presbyterian Heritage Center invites you to come tonight to the 2023 Distinguished Lecture on the Reformation, featuring Dr. Richard Gibbons, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC.
The presentation will be tonight at 7:00 pm in Upper Anderson. Admission is free. The lecture is entitled “Rediscovering Redeeming Love: Reformation Principles in a World of Social Media.” In his lecture, Dr. Gibbons will explore whether Reformation principles from the mid-16th century have an impact in today’s world of 24-hour news cycles. He will discuss what a gospel of love and grace has to offer in a digital society.
Dr. Gibbons holds joint honors in Ecclesiastical History and Systematic Theology from the University of Glasgow and a Doctor of Ministry from Highland Theological College in Inverness, Scotland.
Montreat’s Joely Rogers Opens Solo Art Show- “Night Creatures”
Montreat artist Joely Rogers is being honored with a solo art show November 3rd through 24th at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. The show, entitled “Night Creatures” features 30 works of Joely’s art depicting wildlife you’ve probably seen in Montreat.
There will be an opening night reception on November 3rd from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Entrance for the exhibit and reception is free. The gallery is located at 225 W.State Street, Black Mountain. Come and cheer Joely on.
- With daylight getting shorter, be careful when walking. There is statistical evidence showing that there are more pedestrian/vehicle accidents due to changing lighting conditions in the fall.
- The Montreat Landcare Committee will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 1st, at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. For streaming instructions and meeting information, CLICK HERE.
- Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!
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 fall weekend!