Keep Dillsboro's 'sense of community,' residents say, along with initiate planning

By Rose Hooper

Tuesday night's Smart Growth meeting representing the Dillsboro community drew about 20 people to the Justice Center. As a group they ranked preserving trees, forest land, mountains, rivers, water supply and air quality top priorities.

They were the combined suggestions of citizens like David Snell, Jason Kimenker, Lera Chitwood and Joan Stillwell.

As for changes, the Dillsboro group voted for land-use planning and controlled development, especially along the rivers and main thoroughfares. They said they would also like to see increased job opportunities for young people, especially those just graduating.

Emma Wertenberger said Dillsboro's strength was its "sense of community," which should be preserved, along with its rich heritage and traditions. As part of that, historic structures, both public and private, should be preserved, she said.

The community also has a "moral integrity," which should be preserved. That means keeping out "undesirable businesses" like adult book stores, said Ellen Boyd.

Boyd encouraged maintaining the family and small-town atmosphere with festivals like Greening Up the Mountains.

The serenity and peacefulness of the area is "a plus," according to Claire Marsh.

"We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful rural area and still have access to good services and amenities like medical, educational and cultural," she said.

What we need to maintain, Boyd added, is a balance between commercial development and preserving the natural beauty.

The rural atmosphere, open spaces and large tracts of old family lands and farm lands should be preserved, according to Jason Kimenker.

Karin Kimenker would like to see the diverse population of many types of people preserved in this area.

She also said, "Preserve our educated youth; keep them here so they don't have to move away to find good jobs."

"We are exporting our best natural resource ­ our youth," said Mildred Sutton.

Chitwood called for "continued support for small business" as one way to combat that exportation.

Switching to the second question ­ what needs to be changed ­ several citizens spoke in favor of land-use planning and long-range planning.

Marsh said she would like to see better access from U.S. 74-23 from Dillsboro to Cullowhee, while others suggested county commissioners work with the Department of Transportation on several other traffic problems.

Boyd suggested reversing the trend of consolidation by creating smaller schools and smaller classrooms. She said she would also like the sign ordinance strengthened and the large billboard in Dillsboro removed.

"We need to protect our visual integrity, and that includes restricting the number of stories on a condominium," she said.

More recreational opportunities are needed, according to folks like Wertenberger and Sutton. Stillwell said an agricultural center and fairgrounds is also needed.

David Snell said high-tech jobs and affordable housing are needed to keep young people in the area. Ray Gorton said he would like to see apprenticeships in vocational opportunities, as well as more programs for senior citizens.

Tuesday's meeting was the 12th Smart Growth meeting in the county. The next is scheduled 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Glenville Community Building.

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