Last Updated on August 22, 2026 11:59 am
BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Town Manager Alice Derian’s latest “Message from the Manager” update recaps Town Council action on a property exchange that clears the way for a new Watauga County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) base, along with newly adopted Green Hill Road ordinances, an ABC Board appointment, continued cellular upgrades, and a rejected water and sewer construction bid.
New EMS Base Coming to Blowing Rock
The highlight of this week’s Town Council meeting was approval of a property exchange allowing the Town to sell the exchanged property to Watauga County for construction of a new Emergency Medical Services base. Per the agreement, the County must begin construction on the EMS base prior to December 31, 2028, or the property reverts back to the Town of Blowing Rock. Town Council has worked toward this initiative for several years as part of an effort to improve EMS response times in Blowing Rock.
Green Hill Road Ordinances Formally Adopted
Two ordinances relating to Green Hill Road were adopted following up on direction Council gave at its July meeting. Ordinance No. 2026-02 reduces the speed limit on Green Hill Road from 35 and 25 mph to 20 mph for the full length of the road within Town limits. Ordinance No. 2026-03 restricts thru trucks on Green Hill Road, adding it to the list of roadways that prohibit truck traffic with more than two axles.
The ordinances have been provided to NCDOT, and Police Chief Kirk is working to have the changes reflected on Google Maps and other GPS services. The Town is coordinating with NCDOT on new signage installation.
ABC Board Appointment
Town Council appointed William Aldinger to the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board. Mayor Sellers also recognized Susie Greene and Sylvia Tarleton for their years of service on the board.
Cellular Service Improvements Continue
Blue Ridge Energy recently completed small cell node installations near Shoppes on the Parkway and plans to complete three more nodes every two weeks, with twenty-one nodes remaining in the project.
Water and Sewer Project Bids Rejected
The Town received bids for its USDA Water and Sewer Improvement Project and rejected them after they came in roughly $1 million over budget. Staff are reviewing the project scope and identifying available grant opportunities before re-bidding the project as a line-item bid.
Broyhill Park Statues Donated
Two new statues were donated and installed this week at Broyhill Park near the gazebo. The Town thanked donors Ron and Catherine Perry, given in memory of Pete and Dellie Gillespie, and Gigi, given in honor of Ivy Carrington Smith “Lil Bit.”
Upcoming: Deer Tick and Law Enforcement Community Meetings
The Town will hold a community discussion on deer ticks Friday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. at the American Legion (333 Wallingford Street), following concerns residents raised at a recent Council meeting. North Carolina Wildlife Officer Devon McGuire and Dr. Steven Seagle of App State’s Department of Biology will discuss deer ticks and related issues, including protecting pets from ticks.
The Blowing Rock Civic Association has also organized a community meeting on law enforcement for Monday, Aug. 24 at 5 p.m., also at the American Legion. Police Chief Kirk will speak about law enforcement in the community, crime, speeding, and other concerns.
Council meetings are live streamed and recorded on the Town of Blowing Rock’s YouTube channel.
