Last Updated on April 30, 2025 5:27 pm
Sunset Drive Crosswalk – the Sunset Drive crosswalk is almost complete, with one remaining item. Greene's Construction began the crosswalk construction last Monday and was able to allow traffic to flow in both directions for the majority of the project with one lane closed during the concrete curing process. Because of the rain, the final coat of sand and sealant to complete the crosswalks will be placed this week. Overall, we learned some valuable lessons as we think about extending these crosswalks onto Main Street in 2026.
Memorial Park Phase 2 – the Memorial Park project continues on schedule as all the old concrete steps, walkways, and the old tennis courts have been excavated and removed to date. New HVAC units have been installed for the Parks and Recreation and Landscaping Buildings, allowing for new concrete to be poured starting this week for the new steps and walkway. The playground equipment will be delivered in the next few weeks, and installation will take place the last of May and first of June. We are still on track to have the new playground area along with the volleyball courts open by the third week in June. The new playground equipment will bring back a climbing wall and rope combination along with another spinning feature and a bench, and of course all with the pour in play base that we currently have on the existing playground. The main portion of the playground (slides, swings, etc.) will remain open through construction.
Broyhill Spillway – work will resume on the replacement of the spillway wall this week. Our contractor was able to complete a large section of the wall replacement prior to the winter and will now return to complete the project over the next few weeks. We will have the parking area closed at Annie Cannon/Glen Burney for vehicle traffic Monday – Thursday to allow the work to be completed. We will reopen it each Friday for the weekends for vehicles. Foot traffic and those wishing to hike the Glen Burney will have access for the entirety of the project, as we will have the Annie Cannon sectioned off.
2025-2026 Budget – work continues on the 2025-2026 budget prep and we are on schedule to present to the Town Council the budget proposal at the May 13th Town Council meeting. Reminder, the budget workshop will be held on Tuesday May 27th from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Town Hall.
Workforce Housing – the Planning Board created a working subcommittee group to explore workforce housing options with regards to the Town's ordinances. The group will review examples across the state and develop some potential options for the Planning Board and ultimately the Town Council to consider. The subcommittee is made up of Town Planning Staff, and Planning Board members: Lindsey Cook, Brandon Walker, Steve Cohen, and Woody Hubbard.
Blowing Rock Academy – We continue to receive great notoriety and positive reviews from across the state for the Childcare Center. Most recently, I have been asked to speak on Monday May 5th to Governor Stein's NC Task Force on Child Care regarding the Town's Blowing Rock Academy. Governor Stein created by Executive Order the NC Task Force on Child Care and Early Education recently, click here for more information. The Duke University Case study should be ready for publication in two weeks, and I will share the details of the study and resulting paper with you just as soon as I receive it.
Trout Derby – The Blowing Rock Trout Derby will be held Saturday May 3rd; Mayor Sellers will present at 4:15pm at Speckled Trout for the awards ceremony. Please feel free to attend as well as the awards will start around 4:15pm and last until around 5:00pm. Please click here for more information.
Upcoming Dates:
Trout Derby: May 3rd
Town Council Meeting: May 13th – 6:00pm
Planning Board Meeting: May 15th – 5:30pm
Budget Workshop: May 27th – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
