EDC to assist developers with business contacts

By Rose Hooper

El Bayadi and local businessman Ray Nations presented a proposal for their 7.6-acre tract, which is located just within the Dillsboro town limits. During Phase I of the project they hope to have several business along the road frontage.

Nations, who said he would move his flower shop there, asked for the EDC's help with contacts for other businesses, especially drug stores. EDC Chairman Tom McClure, who said he had information on Eckerds that he would be glad to share, referred the project to the EDC's Commercial Development Committee, chaired by Herb Nolan.

In other business discussed, Avram Friedman talked to the board for their support of the Canary Coalition. The coalition is a non-profit clean air advocacy organization targeting state legislators to "clean up the air," Friedman said.

A major cause of North Carolina's pollution is older, coal-fired power plants that are exempt from compliance with the Clean Air Act, he said.

"Cost-effective technologies exist which can achieve a greater than 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and mercury from the power plants," Friedman told the group. The coalition plans to meet with local state legislators about the issue.

Board members agreed to review the material Friedman distributed and perhaps take action at its next meeting.

Also Monday night, the EDC voted to contribute $7,500 to the Hooper House renovation project. Brenda Oliver, representing the town of Sylva, was welcomed as a new EDC member. She replaces Boyd Sossamon, whose term expired. Herb Nolan of Dillsboro was reappointed for another term of office.

Upon recommendation by Frank Wilkie, chairman of the nominating committee, McClure was re-elected EDC chair; Mark Leonard will serve as vice chair; and Wendy Cagle will be treasurer.

The 2001 annual Economic Development Commission meeting will be held Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m. in Western Carolina University's Ramsey Center. WCU Chancellor John Bardo will give a presentation on the Millennium Campus. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to 586-7575 by March 1.

Back to Archive: 03/01/01.