Canton faces about $1.5 million revenue shortfall after mill closure; resident urges caution over potential buyer

Mayor Zeb Smathers told the Town of Canton board at its Sept. 12 meeting that the town faces an approximate $1.5 million loss in tax revenue following the closure of a local mill, and a resident urged the board to take a cautious approach to any proposed sale of the mill property.

Howard Knepper, who owns a motel and restaurant on Asheville Highway, asked the board to address what he called an "eyesore" of trailers parked on a lot across from his business and asked whether the town would consider opening a welcome center if the trailers were removed. Knepper said he had spoken with a potential buyer of the mill property, Eric Spirtas, and urged the board to be "careful and be strong" in any dealings with the buyer to protect the community and those who came before it.

Mayor Smathers responded that, because of the mill closure, the town is facing an estimated $1.5 million reduction in tax revenue and that establishing a welcome center at the site would not be feasible under current finances. He said the town would continue to act cautiously in negotiations over the mill property.

The finance officer, Walker, reported other routine items in the managers9 report including three bids received for the Camp Hope project and an upcoming Papermaker Park dedication scheduled for Sept. 20 at 11:00 a.m., but the board took no formal action at the Sept. 12 meeting on the mill property itself.

The board did not announce any immediate plan for the Asheville Highway lot; Knepper said he had attempted to contact the property owner directly about removing the trailers.