Montreat Minute January 9, 2026
Happy New Year Montreaters,
Mayor Tim wasn’t feeling well, so I presided tonight. As he always says, the official minutes with far more detail will be in next month’s agenda packet. This is just a quick, timely summary for you of what happened tonight. You can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.
Public Forum
- Jean Norris, representing both Landcare and Flat Creek Crossing, gave a report about a grant proposal they are working on for Flat Creek Crossing. The NC State Parks and Recreation Trust Fund created a Hurricane Helene Recovery Fund to help local communities recover from damage caused by Helene. Landcare will be submitting a grant proposal primarily focused on bank stabilization, as the damage is far in excess of what was originally thought. The proposal is due by January 31, and Jean will keep us informed.
To read more of the meeting summary, CLICK HERE
2025 “Progress Notes” from Town Manager Savannah Parrish
The year 2025 marked a turning point in Montreat’s recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. What began as a season of assessment and planning steadily transformed into significant progress across town as critical infrastructure was restored, community spaces were renewed, and long-term resilience took shape.
Although it may not seem a high priority, one of the most significant and important accomplishments was the completion of many culvert repairs. These repairs are vital projects that restore safe water flow and helpe protect nearby homes and roadways from future storm events. The Tennessee Road culvert, Calvin Trail culvert, Providence Terrace culvert, and Louisiana Road culvert were all repaired, strengthening stormwater management in areas that proved especially vulnerable during Helene.
The restoration of the Town Hall symbolized more than a repaired building. it represented the return of the heart of Montreat’s civic life. We are all so happy to be back in our beautiful town hall building. The Public Works building was also restored after mold was discovered over the summer. Welch Field was cleared of debris and brought back to life better than before the storm. It’s hard to imagine the enormous debris pile that was there this time last year!
Transportation and pedestrian safety remained a major focus throughout the year. Although there is still much to do, multiple paving projects improved road conditions across town. Repaired sidewalks enhanced walkability and safety for residents and visitors alike. The Greybeard shoulder repair and culvert project addressed long-standing erosion and safety concerns along one of Montreat’s most heavily traveled corridors. And the completion of the Shenandoah bridge restored a critical connection within the community.
Each completed project reflected countless hours of planning, coordination, and hard work. Together, they demonstrate Montreat’s commitment to rebuilding thoughtfully and with resilience in mind.
As the town looks ahead, attention is turning to the next phase of recovery. Paving and road repairs remain top priorities, with continued efforts focused on improving travel safety, extending the life of town roads, and preparing infrastructure to better withstand future storms. Our biggest “roadblock” to road recovery at this time is cash flow and slow FEMA payments. So I ask for your continued patience.
In addition, the upcoming budget year will prioritize investment in the town’s fleet and equipment. Strengthening these resources is essential to ensuring that, should another disaster occur, Montreat is better prepared to respond quickly and effectively.
While recovery continues, the strides taken this year have laid a strong foundation for a more resilient future, built not only on restored infrastructure, but on shared purpose and community strength.
I have said it many times over the last 13 months: none of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Public Works Department. Barry Creasman, Jarod McIntosh, Drew Brown, Daniel Wiggs, and Michael Harrison have all worked tirelessly and sacrificially for this community. “Thank you” will never be enough, but they have my sincere thanks and admiration.
Your patience and support are deeply appreciated. I am excited to see what 2026 brings for our very special community!
Feeding Birds
At last night’s Town Council meeting, the Council voted to delay passing the Wildlife Feeding Ordinance. The rationale was to see how well the requirement to have bear resistant trash receptacles does in controlling bear incidents.
However, we ask that residents please be aware and possibly rethink your bird feeding habits. Although trash is the bears’ primary source of food in Montreat, they also enjoy raiding bird feeders. So please follow these suggestions:
- Bring in all bird feeders at dusk- do not leave them out overnight
- Feed birds in the winter when the bear population is not very active, and suspend feeding in the summer and fall when natural bear food is plentiful and bears are active
- If your bird feeder gets hit by a bear, hold off feeding for several weeks until bears move on to other food sources
- Let us know if you have some “tried and true” bird feeding practices that thwart bears. Send your ideas to info@townofmontreat.org.
MPD “Drop In” Gathering Next Friday
The Montreat Police Department will be offering another community “Drop In” gathering next Friday, January 16th, at 10:00 am at the home of Clay and Elizabeth Hamilton, 160 Maryland Place. Come meet our police officers, ask questions about safety issues in Montreat, and learn what is being done to protect Montreaters. Refreshments will be served! All are encouraged to attend.
We are grateful to the Hamiltons for hosting this special opportunity.
- The Montreat Tree Board will meet on Tuesday, January 13th, at 9:00 am in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live-streamed. CLICK HERE for streaming instructions.
- The Montreat Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Thursday, January 15th, at 10:30 am in the Town Hall Conference Room The meeting will be live-streamed. CLICK HERE for streaming instructions.
- 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!
- Do you receive Montreat Code Red alerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane? If not, CLICK HERE to register and ensure you will be contacted in the event of an emergency.
Questions or Comments?
Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angie Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great weekend.
