Event Recap
Morganton Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap: July 13, 2026
Meeting Overview and Key Decisions The Morganton Board of Adjustment convened on July 13, 2026, to review an application by Morganton Lodgings LLC, represented by Arti Sura, for the construction of a hotel at 184 Albert Tron Boulevard. The application sought four specific variances from the City’s Zoning Ordinance to facilitate the project, which involves recombining 184 Albert Tron Boulevard with 155 West Parker Road. After reviewing the requests individually, the Board voted unanimously to approve all four variances. Mr. Britton moved to approve the variances, and the motion was seconded by Speaker 8, a public commenter, before the Board cast its unanimous vote in favor.
Discussion Highlights The Board examined each variance based on specific operational and physical constraints of the site. For Variance 1, regarding frontage, the applicant argued that placing the primary entrance on Albert Tron Boulevard was more practical due to topography and the presence of an electrical substation across the street, which made the opposite facade uninviting. Regarding Variance 2, which sought a single primary entrance instead of the two required for buildings over 50,000 square feet, City staff member Wendy Smith clarified that while emergency exits are mandatory, the ordinance’s intent for multiple customer entrances does not strictly apply to hotels. She noted that a single check-in point enhances security by allowing staff to monitor all entries and exits.
The discussion also covered Variance 3, which requested reduced glazing on the West Parker Road side. The applicant explained that this section of the building is eight feet below grade and houses back-of-house facilities like laundry and mechanical rooms, making windows aesthetically unnecessary and impractical. Finally, Variance 4 addressed upper-floor glazing, where the applicant proposed using commercial shutters that resemble closed windows. Arti Sura explained that hotel room layouts limit window placement and that guests prefer dark rooms for sleeping, with shutters designed to meet aesthetic transparency requirements without compromising comfort.
Community Input Two residents provided public comments during the hearing. Rita Russ, a resident at 168 West Parker Road, expressed concerns regarding safety, noise, and traffic, specifically citing a history of speeding and lack of policing on that street. She requested that the hotel be positioned to minimize impact on her property, particularly regarding proximity to the electrical substation. Steven Hawkins, a resident at 144 West Parker Road, stated he is not anti-development but raised concerns about noise and traffic, noting that HVAC and laundry equipment would face his property. He asked if the site plan respected building setbacks from West Parker Road.
In response, Chair Thomas Ure thanked both residents for attending and acknowledged their safety concerns. He noted that positioning the hotel to face Sterling Street helps mitigate congestion and noise for neighbors. Chair Ure also commended the residents for their engagement, stating that the applicant is committed to reducing noise and that the building’s placement will serve as a buffer between the hotel guests and the residents on West Parker Road.
Follow-ups and Impact There were no specific follow-up actions, staff assignments, or future committee referrals explicitly agreed upon during this meeting; the item was concluded with the unanimous vote. The approval of these variances allows Morganton Lodgings LLC to proceed with the hotel construction under the specific conditions granted, addressing legal hardships related to security, topography, and building functionality. The Board’s findings confirm that the variances address specific site-specific challenges, such as the impracticality of windows for below-grade facilities and the security benefits of a single entrance.