Walking on the Golf Course
The Club has asked the residents of Etowah to refrain from walking on the golf course if they do not have a membership in the club. If you are a member, you are allowed to walk the course before tee-time, after last tee-time or if the course is closed. Walking on the course is dangerous for the walker and represents a liability risk for the club. It has always been private property and we need to be good neighbors if we want the club to continue to exist.
The Golf Course Appearance and Upkeep
Members of the golf club who play golf report that the club’s new operations management team is doing a great job of improving and maintaining the course. The attention to detail is noticeable and the overall appearance has substantially improved.
The Etowah Sewer Company Sale
The sale of the Etowah Sewer Company has been delayed at least 30 days.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission has approved, with restrictions, the sale of the Etowah Sewer Company to a company named Red Bird. This new company wants to include its acquisition adjustment (costs) in its monthly billing charges. The Utilities Commission has stated that this would result in an increase of $22.23 or an 84% increase in residential monthly wastewater flat rates.
Red Bird has requested a hearing to dispute the Utilities Commission’s recommendation. The hearing has been set for Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in Commission Hearing Room 2115, Dobbs Building, 430 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603.
Documents related to the case can be found at:
Horse Shoe Mountain Property Sale
This property went up for sale on February 22nd and went under contract the same day. This website does an excellent job of showing the location and extent of this property.
This property has the potential to become one more reason the Etowah-Horse Shoe area could become a great outdoor destination for the County.
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting on February 21st
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plans to replace the Highway 64 bridge over the French Broad River in 2027. The department has a draft of a proposed traffic circle at the intersection of Cummings Road and Highway 64, but this adjustment has not been scheduled yet.
The Board of Commissioners Meeting on February 21st
The Board meeting for this date is recorded on video and available at this website.
Two topics should be of interest to all Henderson County residents.
The first was a talk by the NC Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner on changes they are implementing to make it easier for individuals to get and renew driver's licenses. Scroll down to 1:20 to view his presentation.
The second topic is Pardee Hospital which begins at 27.15.. The Chief Executive Officer of Pardee Hospital discussed their strategic plan and objectives to provide more specialty services. Pardee is a corporation that is fully owned by Henderson County. Commissioner Edney provided some history and the significance of some of the changes being planned at 43.08.
Etowah Park
The Friends of Etowah Park met on Monday, February 19th with the Parks and Recreation (P&R) director and his deputy. There have been a few significant changes in plans to upgrade the park. There will be nine, possibly ten exercise stations placed around the walking path. Because the park must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, a ramp leading from the parking lot to the playground must be constructed. P&R will also be implementing a new drainage system.
The space required for these improvements means there will now be only one pickleball court and one basketball court. The smaller area for the playground necessitates one tall structure rather than several smaller pieces spread out horizontally. There will be a walking path around the periphery of the central structure and there will be tables and benches for people to sit at and have picnics.
Native plants will be placed in the wet areas. An improved water drainage system will be built in the far-left corner so water does not continue to drain off the large field onto the walking trail after heavy rain events.
The park staff removed a large overhanging tree on the back side of the park, have trimmed the entranceway to the park and cleaned the picnic grounds resulting in the park looking very good right now.
Etowah Library
The Etowah Library will be constructing an outside amphitheater at the library site this fall just to the right of the current building. It is intended for outdoor programs from classes to music events.
Voting
Everyone is urged to vote in the primary elections. Please note that while the County Commissioners represent five districts in the county, voters should cast a vote for both open seats, and that republicans and unaffiliated voters can pull a republican ballot. Early voting lasts through Saturday, March 2nd, at 3 PM. Don’t forget to bring your ID.
Go to this website for key information on dates, places to vote, and sample ballots.
If you are interested in information on candidates for the state offices, check out this link
ttps://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_state_executive_official_elections,_2024
Finally, the Etowah Valley Preservation Society wants to continue to provide you with information about our community, our county, and our state activities that affect our town. We stumbled upon several of the news items reported here accidentally. If you would like to help continue to report these kinds of stories, please let us know. We have learned over the past year that there are some excellent researchers in Etowah.
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