Last month on a sunny Montreat afternoon, the Mountain Retreat Association held an open meeting in the Melvin Center at Upper Anderson Auditorium to discuss its latest plans for the new lodge on its campus. (You can view a recording of that meeting, which was also livestreamed, here.) In that meeting, before a gathering of community members both present in person and online, I reported on our Board of Directors’ actions at its recent meeting, which included 1) the approval to begin construction on the new lodge as soon as appropriate financing and permits have been secured, and 2) enthusiasm for an alternative plan for the project which would pair a smaller, 24-room lodge with two residential-style facilities along Georgia Terrace. Regarding the second action, the board expressed its support for a plan that makes financial sense, serves our mission, and shares some principles of a plan put forward by neighbors and others who opposed the original design.
Since this information was shared, we have received significant and thoughtful input from many. And I’ve been encouraged, both by the constructive engagement and positive tone of the texts, emails, and comments I’ve received; I would characterize the general response as both optimistic and appreciative – particularly regarding the “Option Two” approach introduced in our presentation. Many have expressed gratitude for a plan that not only meets the conference center’s programmatic needs but also reflects sensitivity to the surrounding neighborhood.
In alignment with the Board’s stated preference, and in light of this feedback, we plan to pursue approval from the Town of Montreat for Option Two. While our existing Special Use Permit allows us to proceed with the originally approved lodge design, we believe this step reflects both the Board’s intention and the spirit of the community input we have received.
We’re hopeful that the process will result in a clear, decisive path that enables the Conference Center to accomplish its goals, respond meaningfully to neighbor concerns, and contribute positively to the life of the Montreat community.
Stay tuned for further news!
In further news under the heading, “Life Can Get Complicated in a Small Town,” I want to let you know that the parking area adjacent to Montreat Conference Center’s Memorial Garden will be closed this summer as work commences nearby on a new, accessible trail.
The Flat Creek Crossing Trail, an initiative of Montreat Landcare, is being constructed to create a universally accessible path to Flat Creek. It will be Montreat’s first accessible trail intended to link to Montreat’s trail system.
While the long-term benefits to the project are obvious and worth celebrating, in the short-term memorial services will need to be carefully scheduled in the limited times available, and we encourage hikers, swimmers, and other outdoor explorers to avoid the area until further notice.
Finally, here’s an update on the Montreat Cottagers’ offer to transfer ownership of the Jane Holt Wilderness (formerly Rocky Knob) to the Montreat Conference Center.
Since the Cottagers’ decision last summer, we’ve engaged in a multi-party conversation with attorneys, insurers, and our friends with the Mount Mitchell Bear Hunters’ Club, whose neighboring property provides their members convenient access and opportunity to hunt occasionally on the 200-acre site. When considering taking the property, the MRA’s goals have been to:
- Assume responsibility for the continued conservation of the wilderness area, which is already covered by a conservation easement enforced by the Southern Highlands Appalachian Conservancy;
- Provide the bear hunters’ continued hunting privileges on the property; and
- Evaluate and cover any additional liability the conference center is assuming in taking responsibility for the property’s ownership and maintenance.
As I write, the work continues, but we expect to be able to bring the matter before the executive committee of our board very soon. Thanks to all for their patience and interest in this very important project.
More to come,
Richard DuBose
President, Montreat Conference Center