Cullowhee residents want better relationship with WCU, to preserve 'community of communities'

By Rose Hooper

At the evening's end, commission Chairman Jay Denton and Commissioners Stacy Buchanan and Roberta Crawford said much of Cullowhee's comments resonated the same concerns as other communities.

In answering the question, "What is good about Jackson County that should be preserved in the future?" Cullowhee folks' top choices were preserving the peace and quiet of their neighborhoods, preserving the water quality of the rivers and streams and protecting the beauty of the mountains.

Because of its proximity to Western Carolina University, these residents, including many students, spoke strongly for fostering better relationships between the university and the community. Several, like Mark Jamison, said the new Millennium Campus was designed without input from "the locals. While this will be a regional campus, how many local people will actually use it?" they wondered.

Odell Thompson said he liked the small-town feel of Jackson County "where everybody knows you," and he hoped that could be preserved.

Right in line, Larry Hammer said what should be preserved is Jackson County's "community of communities." Howard Hill likes living here because of the "peaceful, safe community."

Events that bring the community together, like Greening Up the Mountains, should be continued, according to Lynn Johnson. Farmlands should be protected, said George Rector, since they are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Ralph Montee voiced his appreciation for the county's recycling efforts, which should be strengthened and continued, he said. "We need to a adopt a county solid waste ordinance, and part of that could be a pay-as-you-throw policy."

"People helping people, as evidenced by our non-profits, is a real strength we need to preserve," said Irene Hooper. Preserving the quality of the work force is important, according to Lorna Barnett, who especially emphasized the county agencies.

Preserve and support locally-owned businesses, said Becky Kornegay. Preserve, continue and expand services for the elderly, proposed Harriet Parker.

Local culture and traditions should be preserved, said Jamison. Kitty Edwards added older, historic buildings, while Richard Iobst opted to preserve historic site, like Civil War sites. Many spoke of protecting the area's natural beauties, like Paradise Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Keep out the chip mills and asphalt plants, said Joan Byrd.

Jonathan Bentley said one of Cullowhee's assets was that "you can see the stars at night." The county and community leaders need to come together with the university to make to a better place for both sides, the Cullowhee contingency collectivey said as the question changed to what improvements are needed for the future. To protect future growth, land-use planning should be adopted. That issue ranked side-by-side with protecting private property protection. When road issues were mention, Reuben Moore said that before a road thoroughfare is built, a land-use plan needs to be in place.

Josie Bewsey called for more funding for the high schools.

"Clean up the litter," said Carolyn Manware. Parker added, "Require covers on trucks going to the staffed recycling centers." Implement a junk car ordinance, added Iobst.

"We need to stop terracing our mountains with trailer parks," said one person, while Elizabeth Worley called for "attractive, low-income housing."

High-quality, affordable child care was a need mentioned by several parents. Develop a community land trust to preserve areas like farmland, suggested Rector.

Jim Mincey would like to encourage WCU law enforcement to patrol fraternity houses within a 1-mile radius of campus.

Supporting Montee's earlier suggestion, Charles Moore said the county needs "a long-range plan for solid waste."

Mert Cregger said most issues are concerned with population density. Calling tourism "a double-edge sword," he further said the county needs a tourism development plan.

Many wells are drying up because of overdevelopment, and Ian Pritchard pointed out the drinking water and sewer needs in the county.

Talking about air pollution, Burt Kornegay said something needs to be done about the Great "Smoggy" Mountains.

Ron Stephens would like to see countywide wireless communication, while Tom Bommer called for public transportation.

Mary Ann Budahl said the county needs housing units for senior citizens, and Parker said a teen center is also needed.

Delia Temple and Pat Montee supported the countywide Greenways Project, with special emphasis on bike trails.

William Manware said he appreciated "access to county commissioners" made possible by the Smart Growth meetings.

Commissioner Crawford said the real challenge now is "how to get the message to those in the coves who will be impacted by all this, but who don't come out for meetings."

Back to Archive: 03/01/01.