It was a year full of activity in Highlands as 2022 saw a resolution to the short term rental debate, the construction of multiple major capital projects, and the return of many popular events following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is a look at the year’s top stories:
STR ordinance approved – After more than a year of wrangling over how to regulate short term rentals in Highlands limits, the board of commissioners passed an ordinance in September that stops new STR’s from opening in residentially zoned areas of town. The ordinance allows STR’s operating prior to the ordinance’s passing to continue doing business. The measure was seen as a compromise between community groups on opposite sides of the STR regulation debate. One group wanted the town to ban STR’s all together, and the other advocated against any STR regulations, citing property owners’ right to rent their residences.
Events return to normal – Following two years of COVID-19 related cancellations, closures, and postponements, many of Highlands’ biggest events returned to a normal schedule in 2022. From a record setting Highlands Motoring Festival, to an absolutely packed Fourth of July celebration, to another sold out Highlands Food and Wine Festival, it was a banner year for events on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. With COVID-19 restrictions rescinded and gatherings allowed, record crowds made their presence felt throughout the summer and fall.
New fire station completed – The Highlands Board of Commissioners got its first look at the town’s newest addition on Thursday, Nov. 17 when Highlands Fire Chief Ryan Gearhart threw open the doors at the new fire station on Franklin Road. The $8 million facility is close to move-in ready. Technology, efficiency and elbow room were all major focuses during the planning and construction phase. The new station will have room for 12 trucks in the truck bay, along with sleeping quarters, meeting space, a commercial kitchen and an exercise room.
Local elections – The Republican Party had a big night on Nov. 8 as the party notched a clean sweep of Macon County Commission seats. Republican John Shearl claimed a victory in District 1, which covers Highlands. Incumbent Republican Gary Shields retained his post in District 2 and will be joined by board newcomer and fellow Republican Danny Antoine, who unseated Democrat Ronnie Beale. On the state level, NC Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) retained his seat in District 50. NC Rep. Karl Gillespie (R-Macon) was unopposed and thus earned another term.
PAC expansion opens – A new era began at the Highlands Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Sept. 18. As a red ribbon floated to the ground, the PAC officially opened its new and improved facility on Chestnut Street. Donors, board members and arts enthusiasts seized the opportunity to get their first look inside the new performing arts center theater. The roughly $13 million facility features a state-of-the-art sound system, modern production equipment, upgraded theater seats and all the amenities associated with a new box office and concession area.
School projects take shape – The future of expanded Pre-K classes in Highlands and the potential replacement of Franklin High School emerged as the top two projects for the Board of Education in 2022. An approximately $8 million project to expand Highlands School and add Pre-K classrooms was proposed to the Macon County Board of Commissioners over the summer. The possibility of replacing FHS, at an estimated cost of $120 million, has also been discussed although no final decision has been made regarding funding for either project.
Incarnation opens new sanctuary – It was a historic Palm Sunday for the Church of Incarnation as parishioners flooded the new sanctuary. Since Nov. 2020, through a pandemic sweeping the nation and putting construction on hold numerous times, the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation completed a complete remodeling and expansion of the sanctuary. The historic church, on the corner of Main and 5th Streets, welcomed the public for Easter services and to get a first look at the new facility.
Revaluation shows property value boom – It should come as no surprise that property values are on the rise in Highlands. During the August board of commissioners meeting Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor pointed out just how much property value Macon County, and the Highlands area, have gained since the last countywide revaluation in 2019. The total property tax value of Macon County has increased from $8 billion in 2018 to $12 billion in 2022. Properties in the Town of Highlands and Highlands township will generate approximately 45 percent Macon County’s property tax revenue following the completion of the revaluation in 2023.