FROM THE BLACK MOUNTAIN TOWN SQUARE STEERING COMMITTEE
The Black Mountain Town Square Steering Committee turn the first shovel and cut the ribbon on Friday, March 23, at 3 p.m. for the official ground breaking of its Town Square Project — changes that will redefine the center of town and create a new page in the hamlet’s history.
In 2009 the Black Mountain Board of Aldermen purchased 1.4 acres in the middle of the town business district. The old gas station, parking lot, convenience store and Town Hall, will be transformed into a green space for town gatherings, public parking, an open structure for a market place and rest rooms. In February 2012, the aldermen approved the conceptual design of the Town Square developed by landscape architect, Randy Burroughs, and invited the community to help make it a reality by offering financial support.
Some key features of the plan: The view of the Seven Sisters will be preserved as an important part of the character of Black Mountain. Throughout the square, landscaping and architecture will reflect Black Mountain’s native character through the generous use of boulders and rocks, native plants, stone walls and timber framing. Environmental quality will be maintained through rain gardens, pervious surfaces and solar energy use. The square will be entirely ADA handicap-accessible.
The event will be held from 3 till 5 p.m. on Friday, March 23, at the corner of Montreat Road and State Street. Mayor Carl Bartlett and aldermen will be present as Jamie Matthews, director of Public Works, and his crew actually start preparation of a part of the space for planting a lawn that both locals and visitors will enjoy.
For more information about the development of Black Mountain Town Square, please see the website at http://blackmountaintownsquare.com.
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