Editorials - 02/28/02

TWSA's relocation to Duke/Nantahala should benefit all

We applaud this decision by TWSA's board members and wish the authority success in its new location.

Those of us in The Herald's newsroom have witnessed first-hand the frustration TWSA has experienced since its 1998 decision to move from rented space in the old Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at the corner of Business 23 and N.C. 107.

Because TWSA bylaws require it to maintain its headquarters within the Sylva city limits, the authority first struck a deal for a parcel of land on Savannah Drive. That effort was thwarted when Sylva board members heeded the objections of surrounding residential property owners and did not rezone the property to accommodate TWSA.

The authority then found what it considered an ideal location in Webster's business district only to have Sylva leaders refuse to OK the necessary change in the bylaws that would allow TWSA to relocate to N.C. 116.

TWSA leaders thought they finally had the problem solved last August when they made a deal to purchase a portion of the Lois Morris property that fronts Chipper Curve Road/Skyland Drive near Southern Lumber. Objections from nearby property owners were even more forceful that time, and Morris's heirs withdrew their rezoning request before town officials could take action on it.

But, as they say, all's well that ends well, and this story certainly seems to have a happy ending as one utility moves into space soon to be vacated by another. Duke Power announced last year its intent to close its Sylva office and establish a pay agency within another local business.

We have to hand it to TWSA officials, who were unfailingly courteous and affable throughout a frustrating ordeal. Director Jerry King was always ready to talk to us, and he never dodged the questions we asked as we attempted to keep the public informed at every juncture.

In the end, TWSA landed a convenient location inside the city limits complete with a modern, spacious building and plenty of room to expand. The facility has ample room for equipment and vehicles and is convenient to the authority's sewage treatment plant between Dillsboro and Webster.

With its move to Duke's soon-to-be vacated location, TWSA will become part of a thriving and expanding business district where it can continue to serve the people of Jackson County for many years to come.

Congratulations to TWSA officials, who persevered long enough in their quest for a new home to provide a satisfactory ending to this three-year saga.

Back to Archive: 02/28/02.