They're planning a beautiful town
NCSU architects bring new landscaping ideas to Hayesville
By: Brenda Kay Ledford

Sentinel photo Frank Bradley Jim Padgett, a retired architect and former Clay County native discusses some of the proposals made by North Carolina State University architectural students during a charette held in Hayesville last week-end.

How will Hayesville look in the future? What are the proposed plan to revitalize our town?

A team of landscape architecture students and professors from the College of Design, North Carolina State University- Raleigh, proposed plans for Hayesville, Saturday at Truett Memorial Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

The team garnered concerns from the community regarding the future design of Hayesville Thursday evening at Truett Church. The students and professors studied the layout of Hayesville, its corridors, and gave their findings based on issues expressed by the public.

The following charts and blueprints were displayed in the fellowship hall: gateways and entryways to Hayesville; proposed pedestrian linkages; plans for the museum; Moss Memorial Library expansion; town square design; hillside park and shops; the Peacock Playhouse; and specific community issues.

Sentinel photo Frank Bradley Professor Jay Tomlinson takes suggestions and ideas from a large assembly of Clay County residents concerning ways to improve the architectural landscape of Hayesville and approaches to it.

Emily Blackwell and Karen Creech addressed issues concerning the Highway 64 and 69 corridors. They suggested making the view more attractive by putting power lines underground and removing clutter along the road. A permanent signage system with appropriate signs would enhance finding a business and not block the view of the mountains. Better signage would make Hayesville more visible and help drivers navigate through town.

Historical character would extend to the corridors by adding brick to the front of metal buildings. Soften the architectural features with trees, greenery and make the mountains feel closer to the businesses. The goal of preserving the corridors is to draw visitors to downtown Hayesville. A scenic gateway entrance on Myers Chapel Road would encourage people to take the scenic route.

Submitted photo Brenda Kay Ledford Commissioner Harry Jarrett examines a Hayesville Regional Elevation Map.

The team also proposed erecting a sign to the visitor center before the round-about and plant flowers in its center. Simplify the cluster of signs entering Hayesville. Involve the community by painting a mural such as tractors to include our culture and catch the attention of folks entering our town.

Additionally, a group proposed linking downtown with sidewalks. The loop would include the school, heritage center, recreation center, Peacock Playhouse, courthouse, on a building and use symbols library, post office and shops. Pedestrians could safely stroll on the walkway wide enough for bikers.

Trees and plants along the walkway would provide shade and a green way. The pedestrian linkage would increase the visibility and quantity of vehicular and pedestrian signage, showcase local artwork in a gallery and studio, put shops in the courthouse, and preserve our history and heritage.

The plans for a Heritage Village adjacent the Clay County Historical and Arts Council Museum would tell a story of Hayesville's heritage and history through a living museum and educational center. Donated heritage buildings would fit on the site. A garden might include native plants, a picnic table and benches.

A Cherokee area was proposed for the Heritage Village. A Native American summer and winter house, an outdoor classroom, demonstrations of crafts, and a council circle could preserve our heritage.

According to Myra Moses, Associate Director of Center for Excellence in Curricular Engagement at NC State University, "We look at your community like a patchwork quilt. You have a rich Native American and Scots-Irish heritage. You leave your legacy for the future."

She and her group gave a power point presentation on proposed plans for Moss Memorial Library. The goal is to design the library to meet the needs of the community. More space is needed for children programs and to extend the library collection. A walking route would connect with the courthouse. The plan included the following objectives:

· Incorporate outdoor space

· Make a children's reading garden

· Improve vehicular circulation

· Remove Anderson Street for library expansion

· Pedestrian circulation

· Enhance view of the mountains

· Connect to greenways

· Enhance economy through local art

· Not enough parking at the library

· Build a new post office in town

Lastly, a presentation on the Peacock Playhouse stressed cultural arts. We need to

Expand for rehearsal space, connect the playhouse to downtown with a walkway, celebrate the heritage of the Cherokee and our mountains.

"You need to edify the soul of the playhouse," said Assistant Professor KofiBoone. "The culture of the place is represented on the outside with the silhouette of the mountains. We learn from the tradition of the Cherokee represented by a basket where people met and came together."

The team of landscape architecture students and professors will return to Hayesville in two months for a final presentation of their findings. The meeting will be announced in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel.

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