Greetings from BRCA 285605! Here is what is happening this week.
The Laurel Clarification
I want to be clear that in last week’s BRCA 28605 video message, it was not my intent personally or on behalf of BRCA to promote The Laurel. We try to share the facts and let you make your own decisions. My message was intended to say that the presentation was well done and addressed many areas of concern that have been a problem in some other recent presentations on proposed developments. To be clear, while the presentation was well done and provided much information, BRCA strongly supports the view that individuals are free to make up their own minds about how they feel about this project. At least one variance from current development ordinances appears to be required (height of building at 50’ is above the 35’ limit). If so, that will involve proceedings before the Planning Board and Town Council. Turning now to other topics, the Blue Ridge Parkway is in the news this month ….
Work on Blue Ridge Parkway
This information comes from the National Park Service and TOBR:
Blue Ridge Parkway Construction
Last week, NPS announced plans for construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2026.
Some important takeaways from the release and further communication with Parkway officials:
- Staggered closures are planned in a way that provides continuous access to popular attractions and trailheads. These points are marked by the nodes on the map below and include Cone Manor, Price Lake, and Rough Ridge parking.
- After an initial 3-4 week closure, the Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9, used as trailhead for Daniel Boone Scout Trail and others) will be accessible from at least one direction like the others.
- Grandview Overlook near Parkway School in Deep Gap is already closed, and work is expected to begin in that section as early as this week. Visitors traveling to Blowing Rock from the north will need to be aware of the detour that utilizes Browns Chapel Road, which will be marked with signs and is indicated on the second map below.
- Work on the section between 321 and Beacon Heights will begin as early as next week. The current detour for closures in this section runs through town, as seen on the map below. Keep in mind that changing closure sections will mean changing detour routes for travelers!
- The Parkway will update its Road Status & Closures page with active closures. Encourage your guests to check the page when planning, and just ahead of any activity on the Parkway, as changes to closure sections are part of the plan. Maps provided also indicate active closure sections.
Welcome New Town Manager!
At the regular Town Council Meeting this week there was a Town Manager Appointment/Announcement: Alice Derian has been selected as the next Town Manager. She is currently the Town Manager of North Topsail Beach. Her start date is yet to be determined (5/1 or 6/1). The accounting firm also presented the Financial Audit results. The video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=156ZZmNB3G4&t=2308s
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. If you are not a member of BRCA please consider joining for a little as $100 annually. Have a great weekend!