On Tuesday, October 17th, the Mountain Retreat Association filed notice that it is appealing the Buncombe County Superior Court’s decision to set aside the Town of Montreat’s decision to grant the conference center a permit to build a new lodge on its campus in Montreat.
The MRA’s executive committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, made the decision to appeal. The committee also voted to retain Robinson Bradshaw, a Charlotte firm, as lead counsel for the appeal.
“In taking this important step, the executive committee considered a variety of factors,” said MRA president Richard DuBose. “Most pressing, of course, is the conference center’s need for this new lodge in the service of our mission and ministry.” Mr. DuBose added that the committee’s decision to appeal was also motivated by concerns that the judge’s decision, if allowed to stand, portends serious issues – not only for the conference center but for all institutions in the valley.
The conference center made the decision independent of input from town officials. “We have standing to file the appeal,” DuBose said. “We believe that the implications of the judge’s order hold high importance for future governance in Montreat, but the town considers other factors. Many municipal councils and mayors don’t go as far in defense of their decisions as Montreat already has, and we’re grateful for the town’s support.”