Montreat Minute for February 27, 2026
Road Repair Update
In last Week’s Montreat Minute, we gave an update on a variety of Hurricane Helene related projects. The most visible of all the remaining projects are road repairs. We estimate that remaining road, landslide, and culvert projects total between $6 to 8 million. Thus far, we have spent approximately $2 million.
In order to move ahead, creative funding plans have to be developed because FEMA typically “reimburses” the Town for completed projects, meaning Montreat must first come up with funds to complete repairs. Town staff and Council have been investigating funding alternatives to enable road projects to be completed. The Council will vote on a plan at the March Council meeting. The plan calls for selecting a series of initial projects including:
- Appalachian Way
- Kentucky Road
- Calvin Trail
- Salem Lane
- Louisiana Road
The funding plan includes $330,000 from our own operating accounts and “borrowing” $300,000 from ourselves, which is known as our Available Fund Balance. By doing so, we save borrowing costs by avoiding commercial lenders and we know FEMA will eventually pay us back for the cost of the repairs.
After Town Council approval, work will begin as soon as possible. Incidentally, Lookout Road is not included in the above list because significant culvert work must be done prior to repaving.
Personnel Updates
The Town is fortunate in that we have very little staff turnover. At the current time, two positions are available.
As mentioned last week, MPD Chief Jeff Eaton submitted his resignation effective March 18. The position has been posted and Town Manager Savannah Parrish reports that several qualified individuals have submitted applications.
The other available position is Zoning Administrator. For the past few years, the Town has contracted with Land of Sky Regional Council to provide a Zoning Administrator. We have decided to cease the contract arrangement and will be hiring our own zoning administrator. Savannah has been interviewing candidates and feels that the position will be filled very soon.
Did You Know?
Ed. Note: Three years ago, The Montreat Minute ran a story on the Livery Stable that was on Assembly Drive. In the past three years, the Presbyterian Heritage Center staff have uncovered additional information about the stable and are pleased to present this updated story, showing that history is not static!
F. D. Rood, a minister, and his wife arrived in Montreat from Florida by late 1898. Montreat Resident Mary Martin, in her letters at the time, reported that in November 1898, the Roods were living in the make-shift hotel (where Assembly Inn now stands). He often preached on Sunday mornings, although she did not think much of his sermons. He also ran the “express” wagon to Black Mountain, sold wood to local residents, and was the initial postmaster for Montreat when the post office opened in January 1899. On adjacent lots along Assembly Drive where Shenandoah now intersects, he built a livery stable, operated a small store and the post office, and constructed his house. Remnants of the livery stable still exist.
His first buckboard was not a particularly sturdy vehicle. Martin recounted renting it for a trip to Black Mountain, during which the flooring came loose and she had to have it repaired in town before returning to Montreat. Her preference after that for transportation to town was by horseback, noting that horses could pick their way around obstacles in the deeply rutted and often muddy road. By April 1899, Rood had established a regular hauling business to and from Black Mountain. To transport items from the train station, he charged 10 cents per 100 pounds. He hauled wash for 5 cents, both ways.
In 1907 Rood transferred his supply business to the Montreat Supply Company, formed shortly after Montreat became the conference center for the PCUS. Thereafter, he was quite active in real estate in the Black Mountain area, particularly along Rainbow Ridge. Property records show him still a resident of Buncombe County in 1921, but a sale in 1924 lists him as a resident of Los Angeles, California. To date the PHC has not uncovered any records that might suggest why Rood came to Montreat or why he departed.
Thanks to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, especially Nancy Midgette, for this glimpse from the past. Stop by the PHC for additional Montreat history and so much more. Have an idea for a future “Did You Know?”? Let Nancy know at midgette@elon.edu.
Updates and Reminders
- The Montreat Stone Bridge Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, March 2nd, at 10:00 am, in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will not be live streamed. All are invited to attend.
- The Montreat Landcare Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 4nd, at 9:00 am, in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. For streaming instructions and agenda information, CLICK HERE. All are 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!
- Do you receive Montreat CodeRED 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 Angela Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a good weekend.
