Montreat Minute 03/22/24

March 22, 2024

Montreaters Voice Opinions on Honorary Designation of Assembly Drive

At last Thursday’s Public Forum and in a subsequent on-line survey, the Town Council asked for opinions on whether we should add an honorary designation of “Billy Graham Way” to Assembly Drive. Montreaters were quick to offer their opinions. Clearly, a significant majority was not in favor of the idea. By Monday, after the we heard from more than 200 people, the Town Council was quick to determine the honorary designation was not popular and will not pursue the idea any further.

The Town Council thanks all who participated in the process and for sharing your Thoughts.

Introducing Montreat’s New Online Customer Service Portal

The Town of Montreat is excited to announce the launch of our new online utility customer service portal. Using the portal makes it easy to pay any of your town bills, including water bills, permit fees, fines, and other fees. Using the portal, you can:

  • Make one-time current and future dated payments
  • Schedule your own recurring payment with the Auto Pay function
  • Enroll for e-bills and go paperless. As an incentive, if you elect to receive e-bills, the Town will waive your monthly billing fee from your water bill!
  • View your transaction and consumption history
  • Manage your account online 24/7/365

Sign up today by going to: www.municipalonlinepayments.com/montreatnc or go to the Town website homepage, www.townofmontreat.org.

Questions? Call Angie or Rachel at 828-669-8002, x1 or x2.

A Reminder About Signs

Several weeks ago there were plenty of reminders we are in an election year.  And, if you look closely and you can probably find a sign recommending a roofer for your house or someone to install aluminum siding. In Montreat many of the signs are against Town laws. Why? It is all about preserving the aesthetics and safety of our town. Excessive signage can create clutter, obstruct visibility for drivers and pedestrians, and detract from the overall appeal of our community. That is why Montreat has ordinances about signs.

This is not to say political signs, “yard sale” signs, and other similar communications are illegal. They can be posted on private property, just not on the Town right of way. The right of way is defined as “the space between the sidewalk (or telephone pole) and the street.” This area is typically considered public property and should not be used for the display of any signs besides Town posted signage. For political signage, there is an additional requirement that they be displayed not more than 60 days prior to the election.

We will continue to share sign information with you in the months ahead. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in this matter. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding sign regulations, please don’t hesitate to contact Kayla DiCristina, Montreat Zoning Administrator. Contact her at [email protected] or 828/669-8002 x3.

Presbyterian Heritage Center Invites You to “Meet and Greet”

The Presbyterian Heritage Center is one of Montreat’s most valuable and educational resources. Yet many people, local and visitors, have little or no knowledge of what the PHC offers! A group of Montreat neighbors is hosting five gatherings at the PHC to “show off” this community jewel. Come and enjoy wine and refreshments, a “backstage tour”, fellowship with neighbors, and even some prizes. As a special treat, come and meet Anne Chesky, PHC’s new Executive Director.

Event details include:

  • Tonight, Friday, March 22 and 26
  • From 4:00 to 5:00pm
  • Please RSVP by calling 828-669-6556 or emailing [email protected] with name, number attending and preferred date.

Come learn, visit with friends, and have fun!

Updates and Reminders

  • The Montreat Town Council will meet this afternoon, Friday, March 22nd at 2:00 pm in the Town Hall Community Room for a Budget Workshop. The meeting will be live streamed. CLICK HERE for the agenda and streaming instructions. The Public is invited.
  • The Montreat Tree Board will meet on Tuesday, March 26th at 9:30am in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. CLICK HERE for the agenda and streaming instructions. The Public is invited.
  • The Montreat Board of Adjustment will meet on Thursday, March 28th at 5:00pm in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. CLICK HERE for the agenda and streaming instructions. The Public is invited
  • Please note that the Montreat Town Offices will be closed on Friday, March 29, in observance of Good Friday. Offices will reopen at 8:00am on Monday, April 1. Trash pickup will not be affected. The Montreat Minute will not be published next Friday.
  • 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 Angela Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend!