SHAWNEEHAW CREEK RESTORATION

The Town of Banner Elk is pleased to announce that it is in the final stages of securing a grant with the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The grant will be for $367,000 for stream restoration, enhancement and stabilization. This project will provide for a vegetated riparian buffer that will improve water quality and return the creek to a more natural state. This project will also improve drainage in the surrounding area, while providing a new managed wetland for wildlife and run-off control. This project is taking place with the help of NC State extension office, local property owners and the Town of Banner Elk. Construction should begin in the fall of 2008. The project site consists of 1,400 linear feet of the Shawnee Hall Creek between Dogwood St. and the Bank of America (330 Main Street East). The project site runs along Highway 194, which is Banner Elk’s Main Street. The project runs from the bridge at Dogwood Street through the Crooked Creek development into the Tate-Evans Park. While the portion of the stream that is in the park is only a percent of the project, principles from the restoration efforts will be duplicated throughout the park.

 

NC DOT BICYCLE AND PEDSTRIAN GRANT

Banner Elk is very excited to receive a planning grant from the NCDOT to create a Master Plan for Bicycles and Pedestrians. This grant is for nearly $30,000 to help the Town develop a comprehensive plan for pathways and greenways throughout the Town. This process is heavily dependant on community involvement, and the Town is eager to get your feedback! A steering committee is currently being formed as part of this process. This committee will help select the consultant group and help decide priorities for the Town’s overall Master Plan. Any interested parties should see the Town Manager or email him at jmejaski@townofbannerelk.org | See the plan here

 

MASTER PLAN FOR RECREATION

Running parallel to the bicycle and pedestrian planning process for pathways is a Recreation Master Plan. The High Country Council is undertaking this for the dual purpose of providing direction to the Town of Banner Elks parks department and putting the town in a better position for PARTF grants. A survey has recently been developed and is scheduled for a direct mail after the 4th of July. Copies are also available at Town Hall. Citizen feedback is a critical component in positioning the Town to receive a PART F grant. Your feedback will also help better direct your tax dollars and influence programming of recreational space. The survey will guide the Town of Banner Elk in vital area such as how best to utilize the Town’s Park, how to work with Lees-McRae College, Wildcat Lake, and new opportunities with the new Banner Elk School as well as the old Banner Elk School building.

 

THE TOWN'S GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Town Council and staff have been holding planning retreats to examine its overall Vision and Mission. They have also been working on values that the Town feels are important and that will help guide the Council in its decision-making. Goals and objectives to help staff direct their energy will be finalized over the summer and then will be posted on this site.