Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing Summary - September 9, 2025

Thank you to those who attended the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing - September 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. 

• The meeting was held at The Landings at 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746. 

• The public was invited to attend the meeting. 

• A summary of the meeting is included here for those who could not attend. 

• These are not formal minutes, which will be included in the following month's meeting packet.

• You may download the meeting packet. 

 

I. Call to Order

 

Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order. 

 

II. Agenda Adoption

 

• The agenda was approved as posted.

 

III. Mayor’s Communication

 

Mayor Pritchett read the press release regarding the lake reopening goals.

A Path Forward: Town of Lake Lure Announces Target Dates for Reopening Lake Lure Following Hurricane Helene

Lake Lure, NC — September 9, 2025 — Nearly one year after the historic devastation of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, the Town of Lake Lure is proud to announce the anticipated timeline for the full restoration and reopening of Lake Lure. This milestone comes after an extraordinary year of collaboration, dedication, and unwavering effort by local, state, and federal partners.

Since October 2024, the Town has worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to address the immense damage left behind by the once-in-a-thousand-year storm. Under FEMA’s direction, the USACE has led restoration efforts with critical support from AshBritt Environmental and numerous local contractors, who have worked tirelessly—seven days a week, twelve hours a day—for nearly a full year.

The USACE has identified October 31, 2025 as the target date for completing their work restoring the lake basin and related shoreline. This could take a little more time, depending upon weather and other factors so this date is not firm. This pivotal milestone represents not only the near-completion of a massive engineering and environmental recovery effort, but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Lake Lure community, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Western NC.

“The Town of Lake Lure is forever grateful to FEMA, the USACE, AshBritt, and the many local contractors and crew members who made this progress possible,” said Mayor Carol Pritchett. “We could never have addressed the scale of destruction from Hurricane Helene without their remarkable support, expertise, and compassion.”

With restoration efforts nearing completion, the Town of Lake Lure is actively preparing for the next phase of recovery—refilling the lake and reopening it to the public. The goal is to welcome residents and visitors back to a fully restored Lake Lure by late spring 2026.

Before the lake can be refilled to its full pond level of 990.5 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), several critical infrastructure projects must be completed at specific lake levels. These projects are essential to ensure the long-term safety, accessibility, and resilience of Lake Lure.

Target Dates for Refilling Lake Lure:

March 1, 2026: Achieve the lake level of 978.5 MSL (12 feet below full pond), allowing regional and collegiate rowing teams to return for spring training. What an amazing way to re-establish the lake for these remarkable athletes who have been utilizing Lake Lure since it was originally opened in 1927.

May 1, 2026: Reach full pond (990.5 MSL) and officially reopen Lake Lure for public use, marking a major milestone in the community’s full recovery.

Please note that these target dates are contingent upon the completion of work by USACE, successful completion of infrastructure work at the required lake levels, and weather conditions. Note that the current lake level is approximately 968 MSL, 22.5 feet below full pond.

“Reopening Lake Lure will be more than a return to normal—it will be a symbol of resilience, unity, and the incredible power of partnership,” said Mayor Pritchett. “This achievement will help drive the full recovery of Lake Lure and the greater Hickory Nut Gorge region.”

Additional Recovery Efforts Underway: In addition to reopening the lake, Town officials will be working to restore Morse Park and nearby Town facilities.

Town Facilities: The Town is currently awaiting a FEMA determination in order to progress with plans for Town Hall, the Welcome Center, the Washburn Marina, the Marina building, and marine gas pump.

Washburn Marina: A plan is underway to rebuild docks for the Washburn Marina. This will be completed in stages and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Gas Pump: A new marine gas pump is being ordered and will be placed near the current viewing station by the path leading to the Gazebo.

Restrooms: Port-a-potties will be placed in Morse Park once it reopens.

Temporary Town Hall/Police Station: The Town has a lease at The Landings for a temporary Town Hall facility. Most Town staff, including the Police Department, have moved to The Landings at 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure NC 28746, until a more permanent plan is developed.

Welcome Center: The former Welcome Center building is owned by the Town of Lake Lure. This building will have to be removed, but Town Officials are awaiting a FEMA determination in order to proceed. Plans for a future Welcome Center is under the jurisdiction of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority.

New Playground Equipment: The Town has received a grant for a KaBOOM playground set which will be installed on 10/15/25. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be planned once Morse Park reopens.

Lake Lure Beach: The Lake Lure Beach Building water lines were destroyed by flooding associated with Hurricane Helene. Town officials have developed a plan to restore the water lines.

The Lake Lure Beach Building will be cleaned and will reopen for the summer season in 2026.

The Town of Lake Lure will continue to provide regular updates as the restoration progresses and invites the community to stay engaged and informed throughout this exciting next chapter.

For additional information and ongoing updates, please visit www.townoflakelure.com.

Media Contact:
Laura Krejci

Town of Lake Lure Communications Director
Phone: (828) 625-9983 x 103
Email: communications@townoflakelure.com

 

IV. Public Hearing

 

A. Ordinance No. 25-09-09 Amending Chapter 36, Section 5 and 36-64 (c) to Allow Limited Outside Display of Merchandise in the Commercial General Zone

i. Staff Report

• Mike Williams presented the recommended changes regarding the display of outside merchandise.

ii. Public Hearing

• Paul Brock expressed support for the ordinance.
• Tom Halladay also expressed support for the ordinance.

iii. Commission Deliberation

• Council discussed the importance of enforcing the ordinance limitations and ensuring that outside displays maintain an attractive appearance.

iv. Consideration for Adoption of Ordinance No. 25-09-09 Amending Chapter 36, Section 5 and 36-64 (c) to Allow Limited Outside Display of Merchandise in the Commercial General Zone

Town Council adopted the ordinance.

 

B. Ordinance No. 25-09-09-A Amending Section 36, Article XI Sign Regulations

i. Staff Report

• Community Development Director Mike Williams presented the recommended changes to the sign ordinance, reflecting updates to state regulations.

ii. Public Hearing

• There were no participants in the public hearing.

iii. Commission Deliberation

iv. Consideration for Adoption of Ordinance No. 25-09-09A Amending Section 36, Article XI Sign Regulations

• Town Council adopted the ordinance.

 

V. Town Manager's Communication

 

A. Monthly Report: Town Manager Olivia Stewman provided the following updates.

1. Cell Tower

• Contractors broke ground last Tuesday, 9/2/25.
• There were some delays this week but crews will be back on site next week.

2. Replacement Dam Project

• Schnabel Engineering is finalizing the field investigation project for the replacement dam. This project was funded with a FEMA HHPD Grant. 
• After this project is closed out, we anticipate receiving another FEMA HHPD grant for the 30% design of the project. 

3. DEQ is still reviewing proposed upcoming phases for the sewer replacement project

4.  NC DOT Bridge over the Lake Lure Dam

• Town officials are working with NCDOT to explore options for dam bridge replacement.   With current unknowns related to dam replacement, they are looking at downstream options

5. Congratulations:

• Ms. Stewman recognized firefighters Trevor Johnson and Gabe Karabelski who graduated from the Cleveland County Community College Fire Academy

6. Upcoming events:

• Commemoration of Hurricane Helene – 9/27 at 11:00AM at the Gazebo in Morse Park
• Cycle NC – 10/4 through 10/5
• KaBOOM Playground Building Project volunteer opportunities – 10/13 through 10/15, Ribbon Cutting 10/15/25 at 2:30 PM
• Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival – 10/18 through 10/19

 

VI. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

 

• ABC Board: Commissioner Doster reported that ABC store is doing well.

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner DiOrio met and had one case involving setback issues. 

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor reported that the Parks and Rec Board has had lengthy discussions on the playground equipment schedules to be built October 13, 14, 15.  The Board is interested in being a big part of the planning for future park plans.

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised that the Short Term Rental Board is working on applications and working to bring in more revenue. One priority is cleaning up rentals and meeting with the county to verify information.

• Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Doster that not much to update from the Zoning and Planning Board,  They met and recommended the changes that have already been presented.

 

VII. Consent Agenda

 

A. Approval of August 2025 Minutes VIII. Unfinished Business

• The Consent Agenda was approved.

 

IX. New Business

 

A. Resolution No. 25-09-09 Adopting Sewer Capacity Allocation Policy

 

• Ms. Stewman advised that the Town has been under a sewer moratorium since 2022 and previously required DEQ approval for all new sewer connections, except for single-family residential connections.
• In April 2025, DEQ granted the Town an allotment of 84,000 Gallons Per Day (GPD) to use at the Town’s discretion.
• Town staff recommended a policy to govern allocation of this capacity, focusing on efficiency, equitability, and giving priority to residents and development within municipal limits.
• If adopted, the policy will remain in effect until the moratorium is lifted, which will occur once sewer system inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues are resolved.
• Council reviewed the draft policy during the July and August work sessions.
• Council approved of the presented policy.

B. Resolution No. 25-09-09A Approving Disaster Recovery memorandum of Agreement with North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM)

• The General assembly appropriate funds for the NCLM to provide technical assistance to municipalities impacted by Helene
• NCLM has engaged Parker Poe to provide legal services at no cost to impacted local governments.
• Services may include:
  • Drafting or reviewing ordinances and policies
  • Contracting and procurement guidance
  • Support with interlocal agreement
• Council adopted the Resolution.

C. Request for Town Council Approval to Re-Send the Existing Private Beach Located at 259 North Shore Drive X. Storm Recovery Updates

• Mr. Williams explained that Dr. Hartmann of 259 North Shore Drive, (Feather Beach), has made a written request for approval from Town Council to re-sand the existing beach by pulling sand back up from the lakebed where it has been washed out from that North Shore Drive shore.
• Council approved the request

XI. Public Comment

 

The public is invited to speak. Mayor Pritchett reminded citizens to please keep comments limited to three minutes or less.  Comments may also be submitted in writing to the town clerk, kmartin@townoflakelure.com at least one hour prior to the meeting.

• Kimberly Sayles (122 Harris Road and Grafton Lodge).  Mrs. Sayles thanked the Commissioners and Mayor.
  • She shared that her business has been struggling and discussed her experience with the road closure on 64/74, noting that she now feels comfortable navigating the area.
  • Mrs. Sayles expressed concern that restrictions are becoming tighter and mentioned that she has written letters to the Governor, NCDOT, and other officials requesting that the road closure restrictions be eased.
  • She emphasized that local businesses need the road to be open during September and October.
  • Additionally, she plans to reach out to the Hendersonville Town Council and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office seeking support.
  • Mayor Pritchett explained that the road closure is not within the Town’s purview.

• Chris Trusz (owner of 828 at 3100 Memorial Highway) Mr. Trusz, spoke about his efforts to restore an old garage and convert it into a new business. 

  • He noted that the project is nearing completion but emphasized that he is in urgent need of sewer and water connections, with sewer being the immediate priority.  
  • Public Services Director Dean Lindsey reported that he was working on this and waiting on NC DOT approval before he can move forward. Once the manhole is in place they will be able to connect onto it immediately.

XII. Closed Session

 

Town Council went into a closed session in accordance with G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) for the purpose of discussing property acquisition and G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) for attorney=client privilege. 

 

XIII. Adjournment