Montreat MRA lodge hearing postponed, no arguments heard Nov 17

The Montreat Board of Adjustment meeting continuing the hearing for the Mountain Retreat Association's new lodge proposal scheduled for Nov. 17 was postponed because one of the party's attorneys is unavailable.

"Due to circumstances outside his control, one of the party’s attorneys is unable to attend," a statement from the town reads. 

Priscilla Hayner, one of the parties involved in the hearing whose residence sits adjacent to the site of the proposed lodge, said the hearing was postponed due to "one of the lawyers being ill." 

According to Alex Carmichael, the Montreat town administrator, the Board of Adjustment met on the morning of Nov. 17 without any of the attorneys present and voted to continue the hearing Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. in Graham Chapel on the Montreat College campus. 

The proposal for the new lodge requires the removal of three of the original structures on the MRA's property: Galax House, Chestnut Lodge and Lord Apartments. In addition to the buildings, the plan also would require 60 trees to be removed with the intention of replanting 80. 

The lodge would be built between Assembly Drive and Georgia Terrace and include 40 guest rooms with private baths, a 30 space parking garage and an outdoor courtyard. Including the lodge, the parking garage and half basement, the total comes out to 40,000 square feet.