Is it true that the Town has placed cameras around the lake... and what is the reason for this?
Yes. The Lake Operations Department has deployed some motion-activated cameras at a few points around the lake where we've had reports of no-wake violations. Boat operators that are pictured at wake-generating speed are sent a warning letter reminding them of the idle speed requirement in coves and within 75 feet of shore. The Marine Commission and Lake Advisory Board support this program as a means of improving the safety and enjoyment of the lake.
I've often heard that the town is trying to get rid of motorcycles
For every occasion that the Town hears this rumor or deals with this assertion, we receive the same amount of feedback asserting that the town can't or won't do anything about motorcycle noise.
It’s ironic how many rumors are two sides of the same coin. The truth is usually found in the middle. The Town has strengthened its noise ordinance and enforcement, particularly targeting loud, illegal motorcycle mufflers. These represent a small percentage of all of our visiting motorcyclists and they spoil both the tranquility of the area and the reputation of the overall motorcycle community, that is indeed courteous and respectful of others. The Town welcomes motorcyclists as valued visitors, but our officers will strictly enforce as unwelcome the loud mufflers that disturb the peace. This is true of all other sources of excessive noise that interferes with the right of all citizens and all visitors to enjoy their surroundings, free of overly loud interference.
I heard there was the possibility of a new YMCA around the proposed Lake Lure Classical Academy site of their future school. When is Lake Lure Classical School starting construction?
In Lake Lure's land use plans, the area from Island Creek Road to Highway 9 near Ingles has been identified as a strategic community hub, intended to house the K-12 school campus, athletic fields and community recreation areas and a future new home for the library. It is our vision that an indoor recreation center will be established as well. The YMCA organization has explored the opportunity to build a facility at the corner of the intersection, but at this time they do not see enough year-round membership population to sustain it. However, they are very interested to see how we grow as a community. Our school is certainly growing, having doubled in size over the first two years.
The school has hired a general contractor and is working to finalize designs, permits and financing for their first permanent building. Construction is targeted to start in late 2012.