By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — The Q1 meeting of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee on Feb. 27 covered a lot of ground over the two hours of discussion. Highlights included:
- Updates on the Town water and sewer projects, as well as the new restroom in Memorial Park.
- Wendy Patoprsty gave a report on the Middle Fork Greenway, including five elements that have been completed (two miles), what has been funded and construction is underway (2.5 miles), and what is left (two miles). A pedestrian and bicycle path connecting Boone and Blowing Rock, MFG when finished will be roughly six and a half miles long.
- The Wayfinding signage project will soon be a reality. It is one of the initiatives taken on by the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority after being recommended by the Roger Brooks International study.
- Jim Pitts reported that the “Living the Blowing Rock Dream” video planned before COVID-19 arrived is being re-evaluate for bringing to fruition, including updating the video and fundraising steps.
- There was discussion about the U.S. 321 Corridor between Boone and Blowing Rock. Especially with the planned completion of the Middle Fork Greenway, the group specifically focused on the Corridor is hoping for it to be developed as a recreation corridor and that businesses along the corridor would primarily have outdoor recreation interests.
- The Village Foundation has taken special interest in developing or redeveloping Annie Cannon Gardens, Glen Burney Trail and the area behind the American Legion Building.
- Chamber leadership hopes to encourage business owners in the downtown area of Blowing Rock to clean or replace awnings, and other wise “freshen up” their exterior with cleaning and paint. Chamber CEO Charles Hardin suggested that once the water and sewer infrastructure projects are completed and Main Street is repaved, some of this will occur naturally as business owners vie to compete for customer attention.
- There was some concern expressed regarding the momentum of CORE, formerly the Young Professionals sub-group. Questions arose regarding the leadership team other than P J Hennessee and the calendar plan for 2024 activities.
- Ben Powell suggested that he is gauging interest with Principal Patrick Sukow and faculty member Robert Smith at Blowing Rock School about reigniting the interests of the Chamber in promoting entrepreneurship and financial literacy, which seems to have lost momentum since COVID-19.
- The Chamber continues to pursue Skyline/Skybest, AT&T and others in expanding high speed fiber service in business and residential areas. Charles Hardin reported on recent contacts with Verizon and they may be getting put in touch with the right people.
VACANT SPACE/DEVELOPMENT REPORT
- The Blowing Rock Brewing project at Edmisten Road and U.S. 321 is stalled because of unexpectedly high construction costs.
- Moody Building was purchased by John Winkler, with plans for a 16-room boutique hotel. Site work started in early November.
- The Embers Hotel, including restaurant and bar, is nearing completion and awaiting a certificate of occupancy.
- The 7.35 acre parcel by the entrance to Chetola may have a project submitted to the Planning Board soon for a hotel, conference center and restaurant.
- The old Scotchman building at Sunset Dr. and Valley Boulevard has been determined to be a teardown. Town Council had earlier approved it as a package store.
- There has been no progress to date regarding the High Country Cabinets Building. Town Council has approved a variety of retail and office uses for the owner, with a parking lot to be constructed.
- The Oyster House building on Sunset Dr. has been purchased by Chuck Ludeke (Mellow Mushroom). No decision has been made as to what will go in the space.
- No updates re: the old Hallmark Realty Building
- The Wheelie’s Refresher restaurant (formerly Canyons) is closed. It is still listed for lease but there are reports that Jay Harrill (Echota) has made an offer to the Bernhardts to purchase the property for condo development.
- Former Papa Joe’s: repair work is being done on the building. The childcare center next door is potentially interested in expanding.
- Famous Toastery: there are plans to reopen in April, according to Hardin.
- Blowing Rock Service Station at Sunset Dr. and Valley Boulevard: David Barker (Blowing Rock Market) has leased the property from Kim Hartley. The gas pumps were converted to Exxon and are now open again. Some work has been done on the interior, reportedly to be somewhat similar to Blowing Rock Market.
- The sale of Chetola Mountain Resort to Warren Cathcart has apparently fallen through and principals are re-evaluating next steps.
- Cafe Violet has opened a French bakery in the space next door.
- Rhoddie’s bicycle shop has moved to a Valley Boulevard location, next to Sweet Mimi’s.
- Sweet Mimi’s is moving from her Valley Boulevard location in downtown. Needs someone to lease the space next to Rhoddie’s.
- A new pet store is reportedly moving into the Pappion Shops.
SPACE NEEDS
- High Country Greek restaurant is looking for a Blowing Rock location.
- Flavia needs a Main Street bakery space large enough to produce product.
- Mountain Escape Gallery (Brian Hockman) seeks gallery space on Main Street.
- Candy store space is sought on Main Street.
- A general contractor, Zach Bennett, needs office space
OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS
- Trip English, an App State intern, is gathering data for a commercial property database that is in development.
- The Chamber leadership headed by Hardin, Pitts and Powell, are exploring a reorganization of the EDC to better develop networks, strategic initiative and advocacy, and support for Blowing Rock businesses and Chamber members.
- Questions remain about the Shoppes on the Parkway focus and the potential re-development of a mixed use retail/residential community.
- The Chamber wishes to work with Liberty, the for-profit company that owns The Foley Center, about development of a retirement and assisted living community that was originally planned for the surrounding or adjacent property.
