Planning & Zoning Commission 1/18/24

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Recap: January 18, 2024

The Montreat Planning & Zoning Commission kicked off 2024 with its first quarterly meeting on January 18th, addressing a range of topics crucial to the town's future. The meeting focused on procedural matters, ongoing subcommittee work, and importantly, initial steps toward implementing the town's comprehensive plan. This recap highlights key decisions, discussion points, and what residents can expect moving forward.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to organizational housekeeping. The Commission formally welcomed Julie Schell back for a 15-year term and approved the agenda, including her oath of office. They also unanimously re-elected Bill Shy as Chair, John Hinkle as Vice Chair, and Angie Murphy as Secretary for the coming year. While a motion was made to double the salary of these officers, it wasn't ultimately voted on. Minutes from the previous October meeting were approved with a minor clarification regarding Alan Crawford's role in the Hillside Development Subcommittee.

Beyond procedural items, discussions centered on several key planning issues. The Commission received updates from various subcommittees, including the Hillside Development Subcommittee (currently seeking a replacement member), the Sign Ordinance Subcommittee (scheduled to meet February 8th), and the Zoning Ordinance Amendments Committee, which remains in a holding pattern due to an ongoing lawsuit. A major focus was the implementation of Montreat’s comprehensive plan, specifically objectives related to environmental protection, development guidelines, and transportation improvements. Commissioners discussed identifying individuals to champion these objectives, with a commitment to revisit this topic in April and engage the public. The possibility of implementing regulations to protect Montreat’s scenic “view sheds” was also explored, prompting a conversation about prioritizing areas and engaging residents in the decision-making process.

During public comment, resident Jane emphasized the importance of considering traffic studies and stressed the need for collaboration between Montreat, the Mountain Retreat Association (MRA), and the College. This resonated with Commissioners who voiced concerns about the cost of a traffic study and the importance of incorporating input from these other entities. A special meeting was scheduled for February 14th to review a proposed text amendment to the stormwater ordinance, responding to a request from a property owner.

Key Outcomes & What's Next:

• Comprehensive Plan Implementation Deferred: While the Commission discussed objectives related to the comprehensive plan, they ultimately voted to defer any immediate action until a later date. Residents can expect further discussion and opportunities for public engagement on this topic in April.
• Stormwater Ordinance Review: A special meeting is scheduled for February 14th to review a proposed amendment to the stormwater ordinance.
• Traffic Study Collaboration: Julie Schell, Bill Shy and Sally will draft a letter to the Town Council regarding the traffic study.
• Subcommittee Work Continues: Each subcommittee will continue its work, with updates to be provided at future Commission meetings. Kayla is responsible for sending out a list of subcommittee members.

This meeting demonstrated the Planning & Zoning Commission’s commitment to addressing critical planning issues facing Montreat. Residents can anticipate ongoing discussions about the comprehensive plan, potential view shed protections, and improvements to traffic management. The Commission’s emphasis on collaboration and public engagement suggests a transparent process as they navigate these important decisions.