We will be surveying our audience within a few days to collect data on your top three priorities in 2025. The sample survey topics are:

BLOWING ROCK CIVIC ASSOCIATION
“A Unifying Voice for Blowing Rock Property Owners”
PROMPT RESPONSE REQUESTED FROM PROPERTY OWNERS

(Survey closes June 15, 2025)

The Blowing Rock Civic Association is a community-based nonprofit providing information and advocating for the interests of property owners in the Town of Blowing Rock. This is why we are reaching out to you. 2025 will be a pivotal year for you and your property interests in Blowing Rock. Your responses will give current Town leaders, as well as candidates running in the November 2025 Town Council election, insights into your views on important topics. You will be able to access our survey link using the QR Code on the front of the post card or go to www.brcivic.org and look forthe Survey tab to let us know your current top three topics of interest using the list below or adding your own topics:

1. Ambulance arrival time improvement to national norm (9 minutes, 90% of the time)
Property tax increases

2. Continuance to limiting short term rentals to defined districts and protection of residential neighborhoods

3. Main Street protection from losing historical charm

4. Redevelopment of Shoppes on the Parkway property

5. Town-facilitated workforce housing

5. Other (please specify any top three topic not listed); you may also add comments on the above topics here

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR SURVEY!! While you are on our website, please sign up for our informative BRCA 28605 webcasts and e-newsletters. We also hope that you will consider joining BRCA for a yearly membership donation of $100 or more.

BACKGROUND DRIVING THE TOPICS

Ambulance Arrival Time Improvement to National Norm
9 minutes, 90% of the time)
Watauga County, the party responsible for ambulance
service to the Town, uses a private contractor, Watauga Medics. The Town has local EMTs (paid for by the Town budget) who can provide quick service to triage/stabilize patients, but cannot provide hospital transport needed in some emergencies. Average age of Town residents is 61 (summer statistics are not available, but likely take the average up). Watauga Medics stations an ambulance in BR some of the time, but does not have a 24/7 commitment. After many years of requests, the County is looking into acquiring property for an ambulance base on 321 near the Parkway.

Property Tax Increases
BR Property Tax rate 2014-2015 fiscal year was 31 cents / $100, producing a tax bill on a $500,000 house of $1,550. Revaluation in fiscal year 2022-2023 produced an
average property value increase of 35.4%. The $500,000 house would be revalued at $677,000. BR Property Tax rate for 2024-2025 fiscal year was 40 cents / $100, producing a tax bill of $2,708 on a $677,000 house (a 74.7% increase). The General Operating Budget for BR increased from $7,887,478 to $14,709,070 (an 86.5% increase over 10 fiscal years, 2015-2025). BR Town Personnel expenses rose from $3,167,829 to $8,156,450 ( +157.5%). Staff grew from 54.5 FT to 89 FTE; average pay + benefits rose from $58,125 to $91,645 (+57%). Numbers sourced from BR Town budgets.

Short Term Rentals
continue to limit STR to defined districts and protect residential neighborhoods
Town rules limit STR to downtown commercial areas plus Chetola Resort area, 321/Edmisten Road area, and isolated grandfathered homes. Enforcement is complaint driven via the Town Planning Director. Senate Bill 291 (2025 NC General Assembly) aims to remove local authority to regulate where STR can be located.

Main Street Protection from Losing Historical Charm
The Downtown area of Blowing Rock combines charm and historical significance. Strong building codes — and their enforcement — support preservation of historic, unique buildings and landscaping. The Town is considering forming a committee to evaluate additional historic preservation options.

Redevelopment of Shoppes on the Parkway Property
Citizens and Town Council have requested a pause in redevelopment of this gateway property. Concerns: scale, appearance, material quality of proposed condos; lack of full build ut plans; potential STR unit surge. Town facilitated Affordable Housing Across the state, including in Town limits, there is a shortage of “workforce housing” — housing affordable to those earning about $55-60k/year. Town Council seeks state authority (HB 306) to engage in construction, financing, and other real estate actions for Townemployee housing. A 2025 Council Retreat scenario proposed eight 3 bedroom units rented to employees below market rates; net Town cost estimated at $50-55k per unit per year after rent. Planning Board subcommittee is studying incentives for private development of workforce housing in or near Town
limits.