[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6268341,"mediaKeyId","3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7","parentId",3055945,"title","Votes at a glance: Highlands Town Board, April 17, 2025","audioSeconds",87,"startMs",3500000,"endMs",3587000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7&start=3500&end=3587","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7/thumbnail_3500000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268341/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Highlands-Town-Board-April-17-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268341-0764b67e3bea4df25609b7e8ab56d526/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150190&Signature=k-I0xFYLbzYsixrTfoESN03NAohNFTIaj3crDGtfaYNLJ4kuSgtAZgdMe2NF~EKPF~8RYur5S-ttmjlw9yxyMoHOXh66ejyOZrYNO~iLNOW4BGSJ7-UQVLkkTO3E4kqEktjU7z5tZQw8-MViEchhknH1ChyqKrka2WZS17B4rsZbRRolS0s5GikZgbZ0EXN0tP8BW93kbgCVSw3gcxcyBmjvviW2DjfMFiV524-fIOCln9XVIAoVN3YjPnrk0IdrVMhsAfmVSnU6SHB8U4oxQm4c0Ws7sFVK~1chgtP3t0brP91rlwLWNhouy~DJ~hez4hrQeb56fsUxQXb1BsBtyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Highlands, NC","date","2025-04-19T00:46:01.717Z","article","The Highlands Town Board took several formal actions at its April 17 meeting. The board voted by voice on the following items (no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript):

- Winship Partners, LLLP subdivision (651 Holt Circle): Approved the preliminary and final plat to subdivide a 5.42‑acre parcel into two lots (1.57 acres and 3.85 acres). Staff and the planning board recommended approval after environmental health and septic field confirmations. Motion to approve passed by voice vote.

- Mirror Lake dredging (Option 2A): Approved moving forward with final design and permitting for Option 2A (open‑water dredging with Mill Creek channel improvements) using the previously secured $5,000,000 state appropriation. Work will proceed with final design and permitting; construction bidding will follow design and permit approvals.

- Mountaintop Arts & Crafts 'Sip and Stroll' pilot: Approved a limited wine/beer sales pilot in a defined area of Founders Park on Saturdays (3–6 p.m.) during the June and August shows, conditional on ABC permitting, off‑duty police coverage and entrance signage/volunteer monitoring.

- Playhouse asbestos assessment: Approved a budget amendment to contract with Alpha Environmental (per staff recommendation) to conduct an asbestos assessment of the Playhouse building so the town can evaluate demo options; motion to approve passed by voice vote.

- Planning Board appointments: Approved the slate of candidates recommended in staff materials; several applicants were declared ineligible per the current residency/property ownership criteria and the approved list was ratified by vote.

- Consent agenda and meeting minutes: The board approved the consent agenda and multiple sets of minutes from March and April meetings as presented.

Notes: Where the transcript recorded a voice vote with ‘all in favor’ and no roll call or counts, the board outcome is recorded as “approved.” Any motion language quoted in minutes reflects the language used by movers during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Highlands Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal board actions taken April 17: approval of subdivision at 651 Holt Circle; approval of design work for Mirror Lake Option 2A; approval of Mountaintop arts 'Sip and Stroll'; approval of Playhouse asbestos assessment budget amendment; approval of planning board appointments; consent agenda and meeting minutes approved.","taxTitle","Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina","taxId",54262,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268346,"Highlands board asks staff to ask DOT to reassess South Fourth parking striping after merchants warn of lost spaces",457,5575000,6032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7&start=5575&end=6032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7/thumbnail_5575000.jpg","/articles/6268346/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Highlands-board-asks-staff-to-ask-DOT-to-reassess-South-Fourth-parking-striping-after-merchants-warn-of-lost-spaces","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268346-e3f179b11bc891a8fe7e72350c734990/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150190&Signature=C3LMwyjoTIuJ4OnXL9Sw3LpVC1DInTxMAl1d9~Rq1NcElmHoPx4scFbTy98CNyTiLPsXE7tY7f1pNzivnalB~deqf3ItJtAKM5Ls73VzQzJG729igBV0zYqiCAZoCLo50EOvEHa~gH1mz-Ika3rz6r4kSUV7PHQ0h8zTObY5w3jyMyCC6f2rAivqDSYmCPJacRQkPjaoYlpklFi8K10rHZUOsdOfgcyUswYIvlP~6ZBo7BWzxFizK8kw4TNj~x1upRLYEl6U9oeB91w-QdfcLw7qP2gbaU-HocLdJej5As5v9WOAxtICo6vYUXRwdQQIIIGJEYHzvjixGIhv5dSksw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highlands Town Board on April 17 directed town staff to ask the North Carolina Department of Transportation to reassess the striping on South Fourth Street after a presentation showed angled‑to‑parallel conversion could reduce available parking from 16 spaces to eight in a narrow segment.

Public testimony and business owners at the meeting warned that losing multiple downtown street parking spaces could harm merchants. One shop owner, who represents a group of local artists, said eight lost spots could threaten her business’s viability and the market for roughly 25 local artists who rely on foot traffic. Another resident and former business owner cited safety concerns with parallel parking on the curve and argued that diagonal spaces keep drivers and exits farther from moving lanes.

Town staff presented measurements showing the narrow section near Spring Street is constrained by the traffic lane and a double yellow line; the town’s street‑geometry measurements showed the current diagonal spaces fall short of standard 45‑degree space depths and that converting to parallel parking would leave narrower travel lanes. Commissioners said the section has been in its current configuration for many years, but DOT review is appropriate.

Board direction and next steps: The board asked town manager and public works staff to contact DOT to discuss whether stripe adjustments, placement of designated compact‑car spaces or curb modifications could retain more spaces without compromising safety. Staff were asked to return to the board with DOT feedback and potential restriping or design alternatives.

Ending: Commissioners emphasized they were not prepared to remove parking citing concern for local businesses, and they instructed staff to research alternatives and pursue a DOT conversation before bringing a proposal back to the board for formal action.","Commissioners heard that changing diagonal angled spaces to parallel parking on South Fourth Street would remove eight spaces in the narrowest stretch; staff will ask the state Department of Transportation to re‑evaluate striping and consider compact‑car designations and other mitigations before the board returns with options.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268351,"Hotwire reports near‑1,000 customers in Highlands, outlines expansion and easement challenges",567,899000,1466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7&start=899&end=1466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7/thumbnail_899000.jpg","/articles/6268351/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Hotwire-reports-near1000-customers-in-Highlands-outlines-expansion-and-easement-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268351-8576a77a4cd6bc9e3a4ef870c1ad82de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150190&Signature=GHN~JZyjb0aK8YUViBqGGtctjMtx8cqFUkewNUp4Mh7cPRKHkmMvpAn9kIjRt8D0cZz9RX1zP4qftARUljfs5PeXQIIMY8oLbblk1MnKVPZZNH-fQqArYnxW6bakLvmQnUughDkhX7xGbDdyvajjawdhofhnGuLkRcUrPYmL-yqsUE1OlInDeZ4N44uxAZTNOW3vYOzB8F4XUhBm3faLuBJB4XgqGcVaBJ3IS-7xlGlIuFDblzIMY2fKmLu4HC-eiP~L8oN-YFndTqtoLZg6QqvebtjHQKOM5NZLvcWdBae1tR6wzd~G1CWpGnJxsHPbdT~9xulnjtH-Idwwdf21Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hotwire, Highlands’ fiber broadband contractor, updated the Town Board April 17 on service buildout, customer counts and operational challenges.

Mike Hall of Hotwire told the board the company is close to 1,000 customers and operates a local, Highlands‑based team of nine full‑time employees. Hotwire said it provides symmetrical fiber to the home and has prioritized areas inside its committed footprint. Hall said the company will upgrade Wi‑Fi access in Founders Park to support large events and is evaluating ways to bring fiber and access points to Main Street storefronts; the physical fiber is in utility corridors behind Main Street buildings, and the company must secure access and power at building owners’ permission to place outdoor access points.

Hall listed installation challenges that slow household drops: missing owner contact information for seasonal properties; uncooperative homeowners’ associations and undeliverable easements; rocky terrain that increases construction difficulty and cost; and utility pole conflicts that can trigger ‘make‑ready’ costs. He said some neighborhoods remain blocked by easement or HOA refusals despite customer orders waiting.

Town manager Josh Ward added operational updates in his report: the Dog Mountain waterline replacement project has secured DEQ/DWI approvals and the town expects to issue bids soon, with a May 22 bid opening and a June board agenda item to award the low bid. Ward also said a third electric feed project (a Southeastern project) will begin work around April 30 and continue through about Sept. 1; work will use an 8‑on/6‑off schedule and may affect traffic on U.S. 64 in the Sherwood Forest corridor.

Why it matters: Broadband availability affects residents, seasonal property owners and business recovery; Hotwire’s growth and proposed Main Street upgrades speak to downtown connectivity goals but depend on property‑owner access and infrastructure work.

Ending: Hotwire requested help from the town to resolve easement and building‑owner access issues and said it will continue coordination with the Chamber and town staff on Wi‑Fi upgrades and marketing to seasonal residents.","Hotwire told the Highlands board it has nearly 1,000 residential and commercial customers, is upgrading park Wi‑Fi and aims to extend Main Street coverage; the company flagged easement, terrain and seasonal‑resident contact challenges that limit drop‑to‑home installs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268357,"Town approves ‘Sip and Stroll’ trial for Mountaintop Arts & Crafts show with restrictions",1511,3688000,5199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7&start=3688&end=5199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7/thumbnail_3688000.jpg","/articles/6268357/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Town-approves-Sip-and-Stroll-trial-for-Mountaintop-Arts-Crafts-show-with-restrictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268357-7c8d206ce4a5a49bd98c6532db7f3506/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150190&Signature=J~UYJo8w1O8V5Eo5aIzKdCJAqgZx22tZ38KYt683XdXgH17ICNMwTc-96ZXbap6pdH8EJT9HbMNPVklthI3x2m2fYT7MobTj53~k8Dl7mqyz7Zp8JM-nGGcj56QiDO8DJPRbW0Gdm~bXbccQ3iB7219XRss05eB5p3R-bTPasxUm6x-EJXuLSD6EMYXRfJ8dn~BEbydsNXJTHYJZKcO58BWaXr0HfEuKOomoK9CykKhUgXxV7k2lnlvtsfq0y8QeOlnrgsRSrZigpiMQoz5ckRtiD67wnKhm~J04HPLZS3Hrtkq-gS34v4fSrmJEfHo7IrUQPw4dYlsGXkz7-8kpaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highlands Town Board voted April 17 to allow a pilot “Sip and Stroll” element at the Mountaintop Arts & Crafts show: for two annual show dates (June and August), Rotary organizers may sell beer, wine and small food items in a defined area of Founders Park on Saturday afternoons for a limited period.

Mountain Top Rotary President Kath Connolly Hudson presented the proposal and said the activity would be limited to a 55‑foot cordoned area off Pine Street and operate Saturday only from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the two show weekends. She said vendors would be licensed through the North Carolina ABC Commission, Rotary would apply for a single‑event nonprofit ABC permit, and off‑duty police officers would be hired for the event. Rotary also said it has liability insurance that covers alcohol at events and that volunteers would staff park entrances with signs reading “no alcohol beyond this point.”

Why it matters: The board and staff framed the request as a narrowly tailored fundraising tool designed to increase revenue for local charities while keeping the arts‑and‑crafts event free and open to the public. Commissioners raised precedent concerns — noting that approving alcohol in the park for one event could influence future park use requests — and asked the organizers to maintain crowd control and cleanup standards.

Conditions discussed at the meeting: Organizers said the sip‑and‑stroll area would not close the park to the public, that art vendors could remain open through the extended hour, and that the marina‑style approach used at the town’s shrimp boil (ticketed drinks redeemed inside a tent) would be replicated. Chief Holland (police) confirmed that off‑duty officers would be used as required and that staffing levels would be set based on crowd size. Public works staff said Rotary maintains a volunteer cleanup crew and that staff would monitor trash post‑event; the board asked staff and Rotary to consider a deposit or other cleanup arrangements for future events if needed.

The motion to approve passed after board discussion; the vote was by voice with no roll‑call recorded in the meeting minutes.

Ending: Organizers said they will secure ABC permits and coordinate with police and public works on staffing and cleanup. The board approved the event with the expectation the organizers will follow the conditions outlined at the meeting.","The board approved a pilot ‘Sip and Stroll’ at the Mountaintop Arts & Crafts show allowing limited on‑site beer and wine sales during a restricted Saturday window, subject to ABC permits, off‑duty police and event signage to keep alcohol inside the park.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268361,"Highlands board asks attorney to study legal options for Chamber building after heated lease debate",1416,2056000,3472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7&start=2056&end=3472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7/thumbnail_2056000.jpg","/articles/6268361/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Highlands-board-asks-attorney-to-study-legal-options-for-Chamber-building-after-heated-lease-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268361-0a057992d9807d3461896a4a4bc71a56/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150190&Signature=Kv0ihd3K3eyePgV0naN26CtiShKvU02NAVjR1OI~GT4figmIAaaXxG30xkGLJYtq925B1GKZIwfDpae4CRaS4tc2tjTMfl3VjfkPkjheeJ7l69d06PuXBFUIVYkYKB~kxF66GfbQI7c9R4Z8wZCMr2xQQ79SMnQYz7jt4LI-63XEtJOMccV2bPjT6X4Rnk95wCjj3CTnyI3dulldz-jYqQsC8Qt65dE~1bTPF-Ta5MO0NOcRg8GX2bmGNAz7JthBszdz3M4EM-Vm39r6CxlGonM947TyVUSLpbowjkgJqxNYbO~V6poriBp5zbbQSpJGxEDFHl~yxCjK1ZPCxbfjXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners on April 17 directed the town attorney to research legal options for the building that currently houses the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and visitor center after a lengthy public presentation and debate over rent, donor intent and town authority.

Kaye (Chamber representative) asked the board to renew a 10‑year triple‑net lease at $1 per year, citing the donor intent of Jane Woodruff and the Lords’ discounted 2012 sale. Kaye presented a history of the donation and maintenance investments: she said Jane Woodruff donated $700,000 toward the purchase in 2012 and that the sellers accepted a $1,172,000 sales price that effectively reduced the town’s cost. Kaye said the Chamber and Visit Highlands NC have invested $488,481.01 in building renovations and listed recent community contributions and support she attributed to the visitor center operations.

Town officials and several commissioners voiced support for preserving the donors’ intent but said they must operate within applicable statutes and legal advice. Several commissioners offered alternatives discussed in meeting comment: renewing a $1 lease, conveying the property with a reversionary clause, or pursuing county legislative changes to allow tourism‑related expenditures to cover building costs. Town Attorney Nick Kostka told the board that North Carolina law allows conveyance of public property for a public purpose if the conveyance includes a reversionary interest that returns the property to the town should it cease to serve the public purpose.

Why it matters: The building was purchased and donated with documented donor intent to house visitor‑services functions, and the Chamber argues continued low rent recognizes that intent and the Chamber’s on‑going financial contributions and stewardship. The town’s legal options could alter the town’s liabilities and the building’s ownership and affect how the Chamber funds visitor programming.

Board direction: The board asked Attorney Nick Kostka to research and develop a legal approach that could: (a) permit a conveyance or a sale with a reversionary clause that preserves the building’s use as a visitor center; (b) evaluate whether the Chamber’s organizational status (a membership nonprofit rather than a 501(c)(3)) affects litigation or conveyance options; and (c) provide model language or alternatives (including lease terms) that would protect donor intent. Commissioners also discussed whether the town could request the county to modify county-level statutes that govern tourism expenditures.

Kaye’s presentation details: Kaye read two letters into the record that she said corroborate the donor’s intent (one from a long‑time local contact, David Wilkes, and a letter from the sellers, Gus and Jan Lard). She also provided a line‑item list of community investments she said totaled about $682,000 over five years in locally beneficial projects (fireworks, holiday lights, Founders Park items, contributed playground funding and other items). Kaye requested renewal of a $1 per year triple net lease for 10 years in keeping with the 2012 arrangement.

Ending: The board made no final decision on the lease or conveyance and instead asked the town attorney to research legal options and return to the board with findings; the board also agreed to further discussion about whether county legislative changes could clarify allowable uses of tourism funds.","The Highlands Chamber of Commerce asked the board to renew a $1-per-year triple‑net lease or transfer the building; the board asked the town attorney to research legal pathways including conveyance with reversionary clause and to evaluate implications under state law cited by staff.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268366,"Highlands board approves engineering and permitting for Mirror Lake dredging plan",2812,6188000,9000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7&start=6188&end=9000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055945-96cf046bd178131e8379fcdb840f41e7/thumbnail_6188000.jpg","/articles/6268366/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Highlands-board-approves-engineering-and-permitting-for-Mirror-Lake-dredging-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268366-b988d17bbc7c7d8938f1f2bcfd1fee12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150190&Signature=lJhRxDvefV6crVjjcyLMoE8~~vEKBvT2WrZj~0XvsnEzAPM1XbGqjr6gwUdx5gxNceV5rbeu-ye2oUdxv2G9RaO-tn6rqs44m51Yj06~5fdEtA3OFF~CkTpKn2ttjCYcLvOfCqkQwSnNrNb6q41ksNiWts9oBCmO5lGOqcGWfs5qxyhvABNxzwEOyTO10TttmY~BPPgPX27uSu~ajLSfV94M8Yy-cBlbiZkKNzx-080Pf-0flS~J00pL~I3u1aXqD8rOfLjWaiEGxLSOoQGRYqYtZCdq~YSjTavRiE8VzWIVHZqR5oBOYKryIDDh-L3G1Q3i3fQzj-uvzj2h4LqkPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners voted April 17 to proceed with final engineering and permitting for a phased dredging plan for Mirror Lake, directing the town’s consultant to begin design work that will allow the town to bid Phase 2 work later this year.

The vote followed a lengthy presentation and public discussion about the lake’s history, water‑quality goals and the grant funding that made the project possible. The town received a $5,000,000 appropriation for Mirror Lake dredging; board members and consultants emphasized that state grant funds cover part of the work and that more extensive restoration would require additional permitting and substantially more money.

Why it matters: Mirror Lake is part of Highlands’ drinking‑water watershed. Town leaders said dredging is intended primarily to improve water quality and water‑supply reliability, not to reopen the lake for broad new recreational uses. The board’s action authorizes designers to pursue permits and prepare bid documents for the engineered portions of Phase 2 (deep‑water dredging) and to start the permitting process that would be needed for Mill Creek corridor work (sometimes described as Phase 3).

The board heard a technical briefing from Mike McGill of McGill Associates, the town’s engineering consultant, who presented options examined in the firm’s preliminary study. McGill said Option 2A — the plan the board approved moving forward with — shifts some dredge material from deep open‑water areas toward the Mill Creek channel so canoes can navigate the arm more easily while minimizing wetland impacts. McGill said some fringe wetland impacts are likely and would trigger mitigation requirements.

Pat Gleason of the Mirror Lake Improvement Association and other residents urged careful sequencing and emphasized the lake’s long history of local fundraising and volunteer work. Mayor (speaker identified in the transcript as the meeting chair) and commissioners described prior efforts — from local erosion control to sewering and road paving in parts of the watershed — and said those efforts remain integral to preventing future re‑siltation.

Costs and permits: Town materials and speakers described a wide gap between the grant amount and the cost of a full restoration that would remove and mitigate all wetland impacts. McGill’s materials estimate that complete removal and mitigation of all wetland areas in the study footprint could exceed $12 million; mitigation-only scenarios for partial wetland impacts were estimated in the hundreds of thousands to low millions. McGill cautioned that mitigation ratios and costs depend on permitting agency determinations and that agency review timelines can extend the schedule.

Board direction and next steps: By motion, the board authorized staff and McGill Associates to proceed with final design and permitting for Option 2A, with the understanding that: the town will advertise and bid work only after design and permitting are complete; wetland impacts will be minimized where feasible; and the consultant will provide written responses to a list of stakeholder questions the town has received. McGill said permitting and design for the approved scope will likely take five to six months, not counting the time agencies may require for review.

The board asked the consultant to prepare a written response to stakeholder questions and to return estimated bid costs once design is further along. Commissioners emphasized that any work affecting wetlands will require individual permits and that mitigation costs would be evaluated before the town commits to additional wetland removal.

\"This is a water‑quality initiative,\" said a commissioner during debate, adding that recreation is a secondary benefit. \"The grant itself says nothing about recreation,\" one speaker noted, and the board repeatedly tied the project’s justification to drinking‑water protection.

Ending: With design and permitting now under way, town officials said they will keep residents informed and that private donors or partner contributions could be sought for work beyond what the state grant covers.","The Town of Highlands directed engineers to proceed with design and permitting for a phased dredging plan focused on open-water dredging and Mill Creek channel work, using a $5 million state grant; further wetland work and full restoration would require additional permitting and funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Highlands Town Board, April 17, 2025

Highlands board asks staff to ask DOT to reassess South Fourth parking striping after merchants warn of lost spaces

Hotwire reports near‑1,000 customers in Highlands, outlines expansion and easement challenges

Town approves ‘Sip and Stroll’ trial for Mountaintop Arts & Crafts show with restrictions

Highlands board asks attorney to study legal options for Chamber building after heated lease debate

Highlands board approves engineering and permitting for Mirror Lake dredging plan