As we move into the new year, I can report on much progress being made in Chimney Rock Village. In a Facebook post I dubbed 2025 as the year of recovery. The recovery is in full swing.
Contracts from DOT are in place to rebuild the highway to Bat Cave and the bridge in the Village to Chimney Rock Park. We are told the replacement bridge into Chimney Rock Park will be “fast tracked”. That sounds good. The state park system and DOT are also exploring options to try and develop a temporary public entrance to the Park. That should also be happening very soon.
Many of the Village shops are nearing completion on their repairs and rebuilding. Volunteers lead by Spokes of Hope, and their leader Shane Zoccole, have done incredible work in rebuilding these flood damaged businesses. The goal is to have Main Street and Chimney Rock Park open by Memorial Day weekend.
The Chimney Rock Task Force will be holding public input sessions in March and hopes to have a Master Plan ready to send to the Village Council in April. This group has been meeting and working very hard on developing a plan for the new Village. They are receiving input from so many groups including the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), UNC Charlotte, Village businesses, CR State Park, DOT, and the public. Be sure to check Facebook to see when you will get a chance to share your input.
Another chance to share your input will be on February 26 from 5-7pm at the Lake Lure Classical Academy. NC Department of Transportation (DOT) will be holding a public input meeting to share their plans on the highway rebuild and the replacement bridge into CR State Park. You will get a chance to see the plans, ask questions, and share your ideas. This will be a drop in event between 5 and 7.
The Village Council is posting all of our information on our website https://www.chimneyrockvillagenc.gov/ or on our Facebook Page “Chimney Rock Village NC”
Please visit these sites to learn of upcoming meetings and other important information.
Please keep me posted as to any changes, news, or information you would like me to include in future Village reports. You can email me at bubbaolearys@bellsouth.net or call 828-625-2479. You may also contact any of your Council Members; Peter O’Leary, April Schick, Buck Meliski, Bruce Godzik, and Patrick Warncke with any concerns or questions.
Remember the Chimney Rock Village Council always meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm. These meetings are open to the public. Please contact Peter O’Leary 828-545-1243 or Village Clerk, Steve Duncan 828-777-5718 if you have any questions or concerns.