We are constantly trying to improve our application review process and to make the process as clear and seamless as possible. All input is welcome and can be directed to the Town Manager.

Utilities

Lees-McRae Institute introduced electricity to Banner Elk in 1912. The institute provided Banner Elk with power until 1940 when the TVA Electric Company began producing power at Wildcat Lake.
Mountain Electric Cooperatives, Inc. has provided power to Banner Elk since 1947.
Banner Elk first obtained telephone services in 1916.
Fred Von Canon initially provided local service for residents.
Lees-McRae Junior College became responsible for local service in 1940 and Skyline Membership Company presently provides telephone service to the community.

Transportation

Two state highways pass through Banner Elk, and both highways follow old trails. The alignment of NC194 follows a trail made in about 1895 between Tennessee and North Carolina. The alignment of NC 184 follows a trail that led from Banner Elk to the Linville River Railroad. The Linville River Railroad alignment, which now is the location of NC 105, was built in 1894 and linked Banner Elk to Johnston City Tennessee. The East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad acquired the line in 1917. Railroad services were discontinued in 1940 when floods destroyed major portions of the tracks.

Health and Child Care Facilities

Health care facilities date back to 1908 when Reverand Edgar Tufts recruited Dr. Charles Reed to the Banner Elk area. Grace Hospital opened in 1908. Edgar Tufts also founded the Grandfather Orphan's Home to provide a caring and home-like atmosphere for orphaned children of the mountains (Neal, 1983). Grace Hospital was replaced by the Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in 1962. Then in 2000 Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital of Banner Elk and Crossnore Memorial Hospital of Crossnore merged as one new facility in a central location in Linville. The new hospital still carries the name of Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital with the doctor's offices referred to as the Sloop Medical Office Plaza. The Sloop Medical Office Plaza bears the name of the founders of the Crossnore Memorial Hospital in honor of the founders. Grandfather Home for Children is a home for abused youth that evolved from the orphanage. The original orphanage began as a converted farmhouse belonging to Lees McRae Institute in 1914(Banner Elk Development Plan, 1967). Today, Grandfather Home for Children Inc. is a private agency affilitated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Affordable Housing

Rural Development is financing Nock Point Apartments in Banner Elk targeting low to moderate income tenants that are elderly (62 and over or Persons with Disabilities). The rental rates for the 1 bed room apartments range from $0.00 to $504.00, bassed on applicant's income. Rental Assistance and units for persons with disabilities are available.

The complex is located at 148 Watauga Street in Banner Elk. The office phone is 828-898-6052. The office hours as posted are Monday and Wednesday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. If you have trouble contacting anyone on site, please contact GEM Management Inc. directly at (704) 357-6000 or TDD/TTY (800) 735-2962.

"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agricultre policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).

To file a conplaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)"

The Town of Banner Elk is not affiliated with this service, but you can address the Town Council in a letter or during any regular meeting if you feel that affordable housing options in Banner Elk are inadequate and need to be addressed.

Statistical Data

Banner Elk Public Utility Accounts 2004-2007 (Need Data)

[Zoning Permits Issued 2004-2007]