Montreat Minute 08/30/24

Last Call on the Town Bear Survey

We have had an excellent response to the bear survey that was introduced last week. However, we have not heard from everyone! If you have completed the survey, thank you. If you have not completed the survey, please take a few minutes now to complete it by CLICKING HERE. The survey will be closed out early next week. We want to hear from you. We will share results when the survey is closed.


Town Offices Closed Labor Day, Monday, September 2

Please note that Town Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, in recognition of Labor Day. Of course, Police services will be available. Trash pickup will occur on Tuesday, September 3. The Town Trash Convenience Center will be open 24/7 if you need to dispose of trash or recyclables prior to Tuesday. And please make sure to secure trash cans to prevent bear incursions.


Public Works Staff Makes Montreat Even More Beautiful!

Stormwater culvert at Virginia and Mississippi Roads constructed by Mike Harrison

Driving around Montreat, you may not have noticed some of the stonework done by the Montreat Public Works (PW) staff. Many stormwater culverts, low stone walls and other stone structures have been built by Public Works staff. In doing so, not only does their work add to the beauty of Montreat, but it saves the Town money by not using outside contractors. Director Barry Creasman and Mike Harrison, PW Maintenance Worker, have been laying stone in Montreat for years. Recently, they have been teaching the other PW workers how to do the special art of laying stone.

Other projects the PW staff have completed in recent years include a culvert on Assembly Drive across from the entry to Shenandoah, the large project on Texas Road across from the entrance to the pool, and landscaping on Greybeard Trail where the creek washed out the bank and road.

Take notice of their work, then tell them how much you appreciate their efforts.


Learn About the Upcoming Property Reappraisal

No doubt you have heard about the Buncombe County property reappraisal for 2025. Every four years, the county reappraises all properties to “ensure all properties are valued fairly and equitably.” A new appraisal will be done on January 1, 2025.

If you would like to learn more about property assessments or have questions, the county is offering a “Community Conversation” regarding Reappraisal 2025. Buncombe County Assessor, Keith Miller, will answer questions about the reappraisal, property values, tax relief, appeals and more at a forum on September 5th, from 6:00-8:00pm, at the Swannanoa Fire and Rescue Bee Tree Sub Station, 510 Bee Tree Road in Swannanoa.


Where’s Monte This Week?

Congratulations to Grace Nichols for correctly identifying that Monte was sitting on bench overlooking Flat Creek on Greybeard Trail near the Calvin Trail turnoff. Grace won a Montreat gate and coaster.

This was Monte’s last week in Montreat for the season, as he heads south on Labor Day. But fear not, he will return in the spring just like other Montreaters. So, Monte spent the week wandering around Montreat enjoying the sights and sounds of his favorite locale. At one point, he was spotted enjoying some time sitting in a fairy garden on Assembly Drive. He blends in quite well with all the fairies.

He was also seen at Lake Susan trying to befriend the ducks, who were not quite as enthusiastic as Monte was. They were grumpy at having to share their space.

He finally settled in for a nap at a quiet little space before starting to pack up for his travels south. Can you identify where Monte is in the photo below?

Where in Montreat is Monte this week?

Send your guess to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to win a prize! First correct answer wins!


Updates and Other Reminders

  • Donations are still being sought to “light the Montreat Gate”. The Town of Montreat, MRA, and the Montreat Adult Summer Club have joined together to light the Montreat gate for the holidays. Please make a donation to help purchase the lights and other needed supplies. Make your tax deductible check out to the Town of Montreat and note it is for Gate Lights. Send it to Town of Montreat, PO Box 423, Montreat, 28757.
  • The Montreat Landcare Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 4th, at 9:00am, in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. CLICK HERE for streaming instructions. The public is welcome 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 Angela Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend!