MAYOR PETER O’LEARY UPDATE | APRIL 19, 2025

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Happy Easter to all of you. Flowers are blooming and the forests surrounding Chimney Rock Village are turning green. Last night when letting Bubba out for his evening routine, I saw a mama bear and two cubs up the hill observing us with their eyes reflecting the flashlight’s beam. Spring is near, and it is welcome.

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Significant progress continues in the Village. The NCDOT announced the location of the replacement Chimney Rock Park Main Entrance bridge. The bridge will be situated on the site of the recently demolished Old Rock Café. The bridge will integrate with Main Street via a traffic circle, which should significantly improve the traffic flow on Main Street. Additionally, NCDOT will relocate the entrance to the Village’s Main parking lot, aiding in reducing congestion and confusion in the Village Center.

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The sewer replacement project on Main Street is progressing well. The crew is working east along Main Street in front of the Geneva Motel and will soon connect to Lake Lure’s system. The water system is also in place, and both systems will soon service Main Street customers.

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Main Street merchants are preparing to open in “early summer”.  Although Memorial Day weekend was considered as a target date, it is challenging to specify an exact date for business readiness. However, everyone is diligently working to prepare for customers. The Village comprises entirely small businesses that need to reopen as soon as possible. Spokes of Hope, volunteers, business owners, and all the contractors are dedicatedly working towards this goal.

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Chimney Rock State Park is planning to reopen soon with a new on-line reservation system, I’m told. This should help to assist during the initial limited early access phase and subsequently during busy periods. NCDOT is making substantial progress on the temporary State Park access bridge at the former Southside Drive bridge site. It is anticipated to be ready within a few weeks.

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The Chimney Rock Village Task force has been actively planning for the Village’s reopening and compiling data and research for the Master Plan to rebuild the Village. They heard a presentation from a river restoration company, which provided valuable suggestions on how to restore the Rocky Broad River and create a new asset for the Village.

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As we catalog and study our resources, it reminds us of how magnificent Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock Village are. The opportunities are present, interest is being awakened, resources are available, the slate has been cleared, and the time is now. The Task force is aware of this, and I believe we will receive a challenging, exciting, and inspiring Master Plan to guide our development efforts.

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It is the time of year when we witness the renewal of our fields, the awakening of our forests, and the resurrection of our Lord. This is appropriate as we seek to renew and resurrect our cherished Village. Keep faith, enjoy your Easter and Spring, and plan to visit us frequently this summer as we embark on the journey to the future of Chimney Rock Village.

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