Montreat Minute 11/3/23

Montreat Minute for November 3, 2023

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.”

Several weeks ago, MRA announced they are appealing the judge’s decision. Commenting on the issue, Mayor 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.”


Community Connect Emergency Information Service Available

The Black Mountain Fire Department, in conjunction with Community Connect, have joined forces to provide the residents of Black Mountain and Montreat with a special emergency service in times of need. This free, secure and user-friendly service allows you to share crucial information in and around your home that will aid emergency personnel who are responding to your location. This tool enables emergency personnel to know your situation and living environment to better deal with any situation. It allows the Black Mountain Fire Department and other emergency personnel to protect you, your home, and your possessions.

By clicking on the link below, you can set up an account and provide information such as address, emergency contacts, household information, functional abilities/needs, even pet information. Click the link to set up your own Community Connect account:  https://www.communityconnect.io/info/nc-blackmountain


Town Council Meeting November 9 at 7:00pm

The Montreat Town Council will meet for its monthly meeting next Thursday, November 9th, at 7:00pm in the Town Hall Community Room. For a copy of the agenda, CLICK HERE. The meeting will be live streamed and recorded. For information about streaming the meeting, CLICK HERE. The Public Forum will begin at 6:30pm. All are invited to attend and participate.


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!


Joely Rogers’ Solo Art Show Debuts This Evening

Montreat artist Joely Rogers is being honored with a solo art show today through November 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 this evening 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.


Updates and Reminders

  • Don’t forget to set your clocks back on Sunday.
  • The Montreat Audit Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 am in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will not be live streamed, but the public is invited to attend.
  • 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 weekend!