Infested with termites, this wooden frame house (left) that belonged to the late Edna Monteith would cost too much to restore, according to Dillsboro town clerk Herb Nolan. The nearby wash house on a rock foundation, however, is slated for restoration, he said, and could feature heritage exhibits. The structures are located off a portion of Hometown Place Road that was closed when the railroad bridge was removed. Herald photo by Rose Hooper
Dillsboro may have discovered the goose that laid the golden egg, according to the town's mayor. After a vote Monday, town board members appear to have found a solution to a problem they've faced for many years a lack of parking spaces for the seasonal tourists who provide the town's economic thrust. Board members voted to offer $1,000 earnest money to purchase 14 acres of the Edna Monteith estate. Town board member Lela Jean Phillips, an executor of the estate, abstained from the earnest money vote. A large portion of the property could be developed into additional town parking, Mayor Jean Hartbarger told the board. In addition, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is considering a commuter unit, or "goose," that would shuttle visitors from the parking lot to the Best Western Motel. During a visioning process in December 2001, Hartbarger said her long-range goal for the parking-strapped town would be a trolley. Monday night Hartbarger agreed that a "goose" might be the next best thing. "It's not my trolley, but I will settle for the goose," Hartbarger said. The Monteith property is located north of U.S. 23 Business and east of the traffic light through which the old road went to Harold's Supermarket before the railroad bridge was removed. "We are looking at a whole new entrance for our town," Hartbarger said of the proposed project, which includes a heritage greenway. Probably just as exciting as the project, she said, is the cooperation of the partners involved. The town is working with the Economic Development Commission of Jackson County, Dillsboro Tomorrow, Duke Power Co., GSMR, Jackson County Greenway Committee, Kudzu Players and executors of the Monteith estate. Three structures on the property, including the aging barn and wash house, are expected to be saved. But restoration of the wooden house, which is badly infested with termites, would be too costly, said town clerk Herb Nolan. Future plans call for a permanent facility for Kudzu Players. The performers currently lease the courtroom in the old Jackson County Courthouse and have faced requests to relocate from those who want to restore the building as a heritage museum. "A lot of the area can be cleared along Scotts Creek. The greenway will follow the creek... that's some 15 to 18 feet, but the rest of the cleared area below the road, on the same side as the house, could be used for a performing arts area," Nolan said. "Kudzu could be a part of that facility." "This project could solve a lot of problems," Hartbarger said, noting the town will pursue grant funds to purchase the property. "This is one of the best opportunities for Dillsboro I've seen since I have been here," Nolan said. |