Friends – Several members of the Blowing Rock Civic Association Development Evaluation Committee attended the subject meeting Wednesday March 6th. Our group had cordial discussions with the developer Steve Barker from Charlotte and his development Planner Walter Fields from Charlotte. Barker proposed the “Morningside” condominium project that was defeated by a unanimous council vote a year ago for the same property. Barker who has developed a Ramada Inn in Fargo North Dakota and a Fairfield Inn in Shelby, N.C. presented site plans, renderings and a model of the subject proposed hotel planned for the .905 acre property back of The Speckled Trout restaurant. Barker intends to present this project as meeting all town codes. Our committee and the professionals we have retained are evaluating the project and will have a report on it. The project on this key piece of downtown real estate does have some substantial natural challenges including substantial building height above Highway 221 and Main St. and the use of neighborhood streets for increased car traffic and delivery trucks. The developer plans to present his project to the Planning Board at their Thursday March 21, 2019 meeting starting at 5:30 P.M. He then intends to present the project at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday April 9, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. in a Conditional Use Permit process that requires expert testimony by the developer and citizens. We recommend that you consult an attorney about any specific concerns you might have about this project. Immediately following the public hearing Council will vote to approve or deny the proposed project.

George Wilcox

Blowing Rock Civic Association