Restoration House of WNC is buying Calhoun House Hotel on Everett Street with plans to have 18 spots for long-term, workforce housing in the building.
Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Before Restoration House WNC formally announced plans to have workforce housing at the Historic Calhoun House, local business owners and members of the public took to social media to share their opinions and speculations about the plan, with many taking issue with the location—the center of Everett Street, the heart of the town’s tourism area.
Several turned out to speak on the topic before Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Parker Chatham, RH director, spoke first, and said the Restoration House WNC will be taking over Calhoun House next month with a plan to offer long-term workforce, or supportive housing, for individuals, couples or families with 18 units available.
Rentals will cost $750 a month, and require residents are working and sober. Residents will be linked to supportive programs, such as Healthy Opportunities Program and WestBridge’s Bridge to Work Program, according to a flyer. The house will be staffed.
“The key point here is we are trying to increase the housing stock here in Swain County,” he said.
There was a disconnect between who Chatham said would be living in the house and people suggesting the residents would bring drug abuse and crime to Everett Street—potentially deterring tourists and impacting local businesses.
“It’s not a treatment program, these are regular people who are staying there,” Chatham said, adding that the families he is initially speaking with as potential residents are those displaced by Hurricane Helene. The program has received support from Nantahala Health Foundation and Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation to serve that population.
Town board member Heidi Ramsey-Woodard asked what happens if someone doesn’t pass a drug test, to which Chatham said RH would direct that individual to go to detox and that they would be asked to move out immediately.
Amanda Bradley, a peer support specialist and RH board member, reiterated that they will not be housing active drug users. As someone from Swain County, she said it’s a great opportunity for people in recovery to be able to stay in their own community.
She called it a halfway house but stepped back that language.
Town board member Chad Smith was the first to express skepticism.
“It’s a great idea. My concern is the location, and it has the capability to be very dangerous, especially for pedestrians,” he said.
Bradley said the walkability of the location is a benefit for residents since some would not have their own vehicles.
Smith used the example of the previous Giving Spoon meals and drug paraphernalia left behind, but Chatham countered that this program requires sobriety.
It was then the public’s turn to weigh in.
Garrett Lagan, LCSW/LCAS, said there is a lack of evidence that crime in the area would increase, citing national data.
“The main concern I’ve heard is about crime and safety. There’s no evidence to support that fear,” he said.
He said supportive housing serves people with disabilities and others who need support and is the best way to get ahead of some of the problems people are concerned about.
Lagan said he’s also volunteered at a warming center in town.
“My experience has been when people are welcomed and expectations are set, they live up to them,” he said.
Wrong location
The remainder of those who spoke expressed concerns about Restoration House’s plans and that it could negatively impact safety and business in town.
Stan Arthur, a resident on Hospital Hill, shared some footage of an attempted break-in at his home and his communication with the police, who said the person was a known individual and troublemaker.
He said opening a halfway house is a “very noble thing to do,” something he has familiarity with but is concerned about putting it in town.
“It’s very hard to live in the city in and around people who don’t have the knowledge to deal with people like that… I’m very apprehensive about this,” he said.
Edward Mercer, too, was concerned, and said this “doesn’t need to be in the center of our business district.”
“I have issues and concerns that it’s not going to be what they think,” he said.
Courtney Dills, said she is also recovered, and “walked through the depths of hell,” adding that “tough love” and “accountability” were key to her recovery.
She was concerned the house will be a deterrent for visitors.
Kent Maxey wondered why RH is just now seeking public input if they have been working on plans for more than a year. He suggested there might be a better use for the Calhoun House, such as turning it into a hostel to raise funds to support RH’s services.
Mike Shakar, who owns Everett Street diner across the street from Calhoun House, said he was skeptical and that it could lower property values and impact business.
“I’ve also heard it’s a 1-year lease, so it is really a done deal?” he asked.
Mike Drinkwater, local developer, said he “was hopeful this would be a housing solution for people working in town,” but is less confident about it now.
“If you run an apartment complex, you don’t need trained counselors,” he said. “The reality is there’s nothing wrong with an asphalt plant, but we don’t want one on Everett Street.”
He called it a great program but said it’s a horrible location.
Ross Ensley echoed similar concerns about negatively impacting business and asked the board, “What do you have in mind in keeping town safe?”
He also asked about an upcoming Unified Development Ordinance the town planning board has been instrumental in developing that the aldermen will soon take up discussion on. Ensley wondered if that were adopted, would it impact Restoration House’s plans.
Mayor Tom Sutton said, no, the ordinance would only impact new or changing development.
In response to maintaining safety, Sutton said the town has a good police department.
Chatham said Restoration House will have an Open House event and more opportunities for input.