Supporters of a $7.5 million school-bond package in Alleghany County have been making calls and writing letters that urge voters to back a plan to build the county’s first middle school, saying it would ease crowding.
But opponents are firing back with a campaign against the school bonds, which would require a property-tax rate increase of 9 to 10 cents, about a 20 percent increase in this small, rural county.
The referendum will be Tuesday.
Here’s the WS-Journal Article
FROM THE ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES – The state Environmental Review Commission will hold a second public hearing on a proposed new law for development on steep mountain slopes.
The meeting will take place from 4-7 p.m. Monday in Boone, according to Rep. Ray Rapp, a sponsor of the bill that would require local governments to regulate steep-slope construction.
The meeting is in the county commissioners’ board room in the Watauga County Administration Building, 814 W. King St.
A big road. Here they are, in case you haven’t seen them yet, the state released computer mock-ups of the new highway 321.
Boone Point, The new mixed use development on the 105 ext. will be 40k square ft and offer 10 condominiums above several businesses such as a Cold Stone Creamery. The project began last September and is scheduled for completion this fall.
Here’s a link from the Appalachian
The DOT is planning to remove the row of shops on the Dan’l Boone Inn corner, to allow a new right turn lane.
According to the Uniform Relocation Act, tenants will be eligible to collect up to $10,000 in reestablishment expenses, up to $2,500 in search expenses and will also be reimbursed for any and all moving costs. Tenants could also choose to settle for a single, one-time payout of $20,000 to cover all moving and reestablishment expenses.
Here’s the High Country Press article
In case you missed it, Simm’s Furniture will be replaced by TJ-Maxx. Barry Nicholson, spokesman for H.L. Libby Corp., which bought the mall about two years ago, said the off-price retailer has signed a lease and should be open by fall.
Click here for the Watauga Democrat article
The resolution notes the county doesn’t expect property tax increases to repay the loan, since it is selling the current high school property. The construction price for facilities is set at a guaranteed maximum of $47.2 million, with another $11.2 million committed in land purchases, site testing, studies and design work. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for the next regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19.
Click here for the Mountain times article
Plans are in action for a 250ft radio tower. Here’s a link to the Charlotte Observer.
