Greetings from BRCA 28605!
Library Tables Delivered
Yesterday Jean and Hodge Kitchin delivered new library tables to the Blowing Rock Library. The tables are a gift from the Kitchin family and Blowing Rock Civic Association. There will be a dedication service on May 15th at 4:30 PM at the library. BRCA is honored to have an opportunity to support our local Library and our community. We will record and post the dedication service next week.
Blowing Rock Planning Board Meeting May 15th
The regularly scheduled Planning Board will be next week at Town Hall at 5:30 PM.
BRCA 2025 Spring Priorities Survey
You will hear more about this in the coming weeks. 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 for the 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)
2.Property tax increases
3. Continuance to limiting short term rentals to defined districts and protection of residential neighborhoods
4. Main Street protection from losing historical charm
5. Redevelopment of Shoppes on the Parkway property
6. Town-facilitated workforce housing
7. Other (please specify any top three topic not listed)
Survey link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PS29PFD
The background history behind these priority topics is listed on our website. They are repeated here:
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.
Queens of Blowing Rock Press Release
Award-winning history author pens new Blowing Rock local history book that focuses on eight incredible women
Queens of Blowing Rock
Barry M. Buxton
ISBN: 9798822944305
Publication Date: July 2024
Dr. Barry M. Buxton, an esteemed native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina and an award-winning history author, chronicles a chapter in Blowing Rock’s rich history in his new publication Queens of Blowing Rock. The book centers on eight women who each made a unique mark on the town’s future.
Blowing Rock is a small resort town tucked away on the crest of the Blue Ridge and eight incredible women had a special, behind-the-scenes impact on the town’s destiny. Each of these women were heroines who overcame their own difficult obstacles to make their mark on local history. With their efforts combined across time, they built schools, churches, hospitals, and libraries. Driven by an intense love for Blowing Rock and its community of people, these women worked to leave a legacy of compassion and purpose.
Queens of Blowing Rock will appeal to readers interested in the local history of Blowing Rock. Historians will appreciate the book’s fine attention to research and scholarly objectivity. Women have often been overlooked in community histories, and young women looking for role models will be overjoyed to discover these inspirational women.
Queens of Blowing Rock is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com
About the Author
Barry M. Buxton is a proud native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina and he wrote the award-winning local history book, A Village Tapestry. During his professional career he has taken on many diverse positions including college president, science museum director, real estate developer, writer and editor, teacher, researcher, and community leader. He has been honored with induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian award in the state, and received the Paul H. Broyhill Award for Community Service in 2022. He is married to Lyn and his additional interests include golf, tennis, and cycling.
House Bill 765 Still Alive
House Bill 765: Act to Reform Local Government Development Regulations. This bill has many implications and is worth reviewing. There is a lot in this 22-page bill that will redefine Planning and Zoning and remove some of the local government authority in enforcing codes. You should review this proposed bill.
BRCA Summer Concert Series Broyhill Park
June 12: Harris Brothers
July 10: Smokin’ Joe Randolph
August 14: King Bees
On behalf of all of us at BRCA we sincerely appreciate your financial support and your ongoing engagement. Thank you for following us. We also want to welcome our new members and viewers; we welcome you to BRCA. Have a great weekend.