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County to plan for 'Smart Growth'

Local historians hope to update county history

By Lisa Majors-Duff
Looking toward the future, Jackson County's commissioners last week (Aug. 17) endorsed Gov. Jim Hunt's concept for "Smart Growth" and resolved to get the people involved.

In his presentation prior to the board's regular meeting, Economic Development Commission Chairman Tom McClure said the county's plan for smart growth would include citizen involvement from the earliest stages. Meetings would be held in the communities, and residents would be asked two questions: "What do you not want to see changed?" and "What would you like to see changed?"

"This is a golden opportunity to get the pulse of the county by going into the communities," said Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver, a member of the county's Smart Growth committee.

Jackson County's four incorporated towns adopted the resolution prior to the county's 3-1 approval. Commissioner Roberta Crawford, who echoed concerns voiced by Mark Jamison of Cullowhee during the meeting's informal comments portion, said she supported the Smart Growth effort but preferred that the resolution be clearer in its intent to involve the public. Commissioner Franz Whitmire was not present for the vote.

"I would like to support the resolution if it were worded differently," Crawford said before casting her "no" vote.

Board Chairman Jay Denton said he felt the resolution was sound, pointing out that it says: "...increase in development warrants a structured and citizen-directed plan for future development of the county for the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and efficient growth..."

Smart Growth was first discussed by county leaders during a joint session in March' At that time all involved supported the governor's concept and a committee was appointed to work on accomplishing his goals for North Carolina's future development.

In other business to come before the board, members of the Jackson County Historical Association requested funds to update and republish "The History of Jackson County" in time for the county's sesquicentennial in 2001. The book, said its editor, Max Williams of Cullowhee, is considered by many to be "the best county history in North Carolina."

The three-year effort to produce the book combined the work of 14 authors, two compilers, several photographers and scores of Jackson County residents, said Williams, retired professor of history Western Carolina University. The book's first printing produced 2,500 copies, with a second printing of 1,000 copies. The book is currently out of print, but demand for it continues, he said.

The next chapter, which will be written by Richard Starnes, will bring "The History of Jackson County" into the new millennium, Williams said. A new index will be included in addition to the approximately 30 extra pages.

Cost to print 1,500 copies is estimated at $25,000, said Williams. The association requested the county fund $15,000, with the additional money coming from advanced sales and other sources.

"This is something that needs to be done," Williams said. "We should all take pride in our history because it helps us know who we are."

Continuing last month's discussion on allowing county employees to telework, Department of Social Services Director Bob Cochran again requested that three of his staffers be allowed to work from home. The majority consensus of the board was to allow the DSS director to start a pilot program and form a recommendation based on its results.

Allowing an employee to work from home could be used as a drawing card for applicants and a way to keep current employees happy in their jobs, Cochran said. The program would be assessed by setting goals and evaluating their success rate, he said.

In her report to the board, tax collector Beverly Buchanan said some $300,000 in back taxes had been collected since her office began an aggressive campaign targeted toward delinquent taxpayers. She thanked board members for their support of her efforts.

Commissioners approved a contract with Mel Wittekind of Cullowhee to oversee and inspect the jail addition at the Justice Center at a rate of $40 a hour. Negotiations with Miller Construction to serve as expeditor on the project proved to be cost prohibitive, finance officer Darlene Fox said.

Also approved were the appointments of Rick Parris as county fire marshal and Rick Buchanan as assistant fire marshal.

The next meeting of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Justice Center in Sylva.

Back to Archive: 08/24/00.