One request down, one to go for Dillsboro's new Best Western

By Rose Hooper

They requested a sign with interior lighting and that their sign be considered "on-premises," rather than "off-premises." Don Hensley and Roger Bartlett own both the hotel and the property, the Ulmers told the Dillsboro board.

"Hazel and I are involved on the management and marketing end, but we do not own the property," Ernie Ulmer said.

"We don't feel that the sign should be considered off-premises because we own the property," Hensley told the board. "It's all one parcel, and we pay taxes on it as such."

The Best Western is being built along the Tuckaseigee River next to Western Builders, a business owned by Hensley and Bartlett.

Board member Jim Cochran said the ownership designation could change if the property changed hands. Hensley replied that he could not predict the future.

"Roger or I could get hit by a truck tomorrow," he said.

After looking over the property on a plat map, the board agreed that the sign should be considered on-premises advertising.

Town clerk Herb Nolan said he had spoken with Patsy Black of Best Western's national corporation, and she said in other states, like California and New York, the hotel chain has been known to work with local governments to comply with various ordinances.

Most corporations are willing to work with local governmental sign ordinances and regulations, Dillsboro officials have learned in the past. The Huddle House, which complied with Dillsboro's regulations against interior-lighted signs and those that exceed 15 feet in height, is one example.

"We want to be a good neighbor," Ernie Ulmer said. "If you provide us the back-up documentation that the town does not allow interior-lit signs, we will request an alternate design from Best Western."

The proposed height of the sign is 7 feet, well within the town's 15-foot limit, Nolan said. Vice Mayor Reg Moody then suggested the hotel management incorporate soft-white exterior fluorescent lighting in their designs.

"Actually we want it eye-level so people can see it better," said Bartlett.

"We don't need to take any action here tonight," Moody said in adjourning the hearing. "Bring back your design for an exterior-lighted sign and we will act on it."

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