City of Blue Ridge officials gathered with nearly 20 residents for a town hall meeting Tuesday, March 30, in which parking, zoning and short-term rentals were topics for discussion.
Although present for half of the townhall, Councilwoman Robbie Cornelius left shortly after the discussion on parking began, which was the last topic.
Despite being the last topic, council members and citizens spent the most time on the subject, especially whether or not the city should manage their own parking situation.
Council members Cornelius and Harold Herndon were mostly silent throughout the meeting, but Council members Rhonda Haight and Nathan Fitts were very vocal about the need for additional parking downtown.
On the other hand, Councilman Mike Panter said he doesn’t believe parking should be the city’s main concern.
A parking revenue overview was provided by Panter, which he claimed was approved by Financial Director Alicia Stewart, that shows the city has generated $18,308.32 so far this year from paid parking. Haight said that this money can be used for infrastructure.
As for parking management, Haight and Fitts agreed that the city should take on the task themselves, while Panter disagreed.
Due to significant voiced opposition from Panter, Fitts accused Panter of having some sort of financial benefit for wanting to keep the management company versus taking it over themselves.
Haight claimed that the only service the management company provides is insufficient signage and a kiosk, which they can purchase for $5,000.
General Counsel for Executive Parking Systems Shelli Wojohn disagreed with Haight claiming the agreement is “tailored to benefit the city,” that they are “here to help” and “take pride in this town which we live in.”
In turn, Haight asked if they’d provide the service for free, but arguments between Wojohn and council members Haight and Fitts resulted.
Paid parking along East and West Main Streets was noted as well as free parking at the City Hall and First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge.
Mayor Donna Whitener explained that city residents can email a picture of their tags to city hall, which will then be sent to Executive Parking Systems, to allow the person to park in the paid, municipal lot beside TruFitness for free.
Resident Margaret Tilley Middleton spoke in favor of free parking for both city and county residents and admitted that she does not frequent downtown due to the inability to find parking.
Resident Angie Arp agreed that there must be free parking for residents and downtown employees and mentioned free, two-hour parking as an alternative.
Regarding zoning changes, the four residents who spoke agreed that the maximum building height should not exceed 35 feet.
County resident Debi Holcomb voiced that she does not think it should be included in the ordinance that, for example, if a building that is currently over the 35-feet height were to burn down, it shouldn’t be allowed to be built back exceeding 35 feet.
Panter pointed out that this is the same maximum height allowed in Ellijay, Georgia, and Dahlonega, Georgia. The council had previously recommended 45 feet, but the Planning Commission recommended 35 feet.
Fitts noted that roof pitch should be reviewed before passing the proposal. The need for architectural guidelines was also made by a resident and the council.
In a short discussion on short-term rentals, Haight recapped the latest decision from the last council meeting in which they agreed to check on the legalities of fining home owners who do not follow the protocol for obtaining a Special Land Use Permit for nightly rentals, issue an immediate cease and desist, and prohibit and deny the home owner’s application for a permit for two years following.
After running the ideas by City Attorney James Balli, he confirmed the city can do so.
Those who could not attend the townhall will have another opportunity Tuesday, April 13, at 4 p.m., just prior to the regular council meeting at 5 p.m.