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LETTERS / Major Blowing Rock Code Changes Proposed to Promote Downtown Change – Public Hearing Set for February 12, 2019

Dear Editor,

The Blowing Rock Town Council has set a public hearing Tuesday February 12, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. at Town Hall for consideration of major changes in long standing town codes governing downtown development. these changes include:

1. Eliminating restrictions on the density of residential units on downtown properties that could enable construction of numerous condominiums without council approval or public input.
 
2. Increases in the permitted heights of buildings constructed in the downtown area. Enabling more and larger residential units on downtown properties.
 
3. A substantial reduction in the amount of green space required for downtown area developments enabling more units to be built on downtown properties.
 
4. Measurement of building heights from secondary streets instead of from primary streets such as Main Street and Highway 221.
 
5. A reduction in the amount of space required for trees and in the height of trees planted for a development.
 
6. A substantial reduction in set backs required for construction of buildings enabling more units to be built on downtown properties.
 
Community surveys of residents, property owners and taxpayers have repeatedly listed their top priority to be as spelled out in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan  “…to ensure that the Town’s unique character and quality of life are not compromised.” The question is: How will the major proposed changes, if approved, impact this top resident priority? More information on the proposed code changes is available on our Blowing Rock Civic Association website www.brcivic.com. We urge all interested citizens to attend the February 12, 2019 public hearing and to express your important opinion on these proposed code changes. You can express your thoughts on these proposed changes by email to: Mayor Charlie Sellers, csellers@tobr.us, Mayor Pro Tem Albert Yount, ayount@tobr.us, Council Member Doug Matheson, dmatheson@tobr.us, Council Member Virginia Powell, vpowell@tobr.us, Council Member Jim Steele, jsteele@tobr.us, Council Member Sue Sweeting, ssweeting@tobr.us. You can send letters to them at :Town of Blowing Rock, P.O. Box 47, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605
 
Sincerely,
 
William H. Carter
Vice President – Blowing Rock Civic Association