The Boone Town Council, led by Mayor Dalton George alongside council members Anitra Ball, Virginia Roseman, Adrian Tait, and Mayor Pro Tempore Todd Carter, convened on Sept. 23 to discuss a range of local issues, including housing, town properties, and staffing.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on housing, particularly concerns raised about the affordability of proposed "attainable housing" units. Hannah Brady, a resident of the Beverly Heights neighborhood and former Watauga County Public Schools employee, spoke to the council about a developer's proposal for units intended for "preferred employers," specifically Watauga County Public Schools.
Brady highlighted that the proposed rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at $1,500 per month. She argued that this figure is too high for a teacher's starting take-home pay, which she estimated to be around $2,800 per month. After accounting for insurance and taxes, Brady stated that the remaining $1,300 per month for groceries and utilities would be insufficient. She emphasized her concern, stating, "If the proposed attainable units are being offered as a public benefit in exchange for exceptions for Boone zoning standards, the affordability should be judged against the incomes of the people they’re supposedly intended to serve."
In a related matter, the council discussed a Conditional District Zoning Map Amendment proposed by LCD Acquisitions, LLC. The company seeks to construct a large apartment-style residential building comprising 185 units and 642 bedrooms. The proposed site is currently characterized by a mixture of business and residential spaces.
Separately, council members addressed the issue of rental payments and minimal housing standards. The discussion centered on whether the town could implement additional protections for tenants living in properties cited for substandard conditions. Specifically, they considered if tenants should be required to continue paying rent when a housing situation violates minimum housing standards. The council reached a consensus to task town staff and legal counsel with researching similar ordinances adopted by other North Carolina municipalities for future consideration.
The council also reviewed the use of town-owned properties, exploring their potential as office spaces for town employees or as a community center. Members concluded that formal plans could not be established until funding is secured and necessary rezoning occurs. Additionally, the Rivers House, a historic landmark in the Town of Boone, was discussed as a potential larger version of the Jones House Cultural Center after planned renovations.
Regarding town staffing, the council intends to re-advertise the town manager position. The interview process is expected to include full council participation. Proposed adjustments to the job posting include a salary range of $175,000 to $215,000 and offering the selected candidate up to two years to establish residency within the town.
In a lighter note, the Town of Boone officially recognized Sept. 25 as “Dolly Parton Day.” The date's selection draws on the wordplay of “nine-two-five,” referencing the singer's hit song “9 to 5.” Citizens were asked to perform “one good deed for Dolly” for a stranger in observance of the day.
