Lake Lure Launches Comprehensive Plan Survey to Guide Future Development

Residents encouraged to share input through survey and upcoming public meetings

The Town of Lake Lure is inviting residents, property owners, and business leaders to take part in shaping the community’s long-term vision through its new Comprehensive Plan, developed in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission. The plan will guide town decisions on housing, parks and recreation, transportation, and responsible growth for years to come.

As part of this initiative, the town has launched the Lake Lure Comprehensive Plan Survey, a detailed questionnaire designed to capture community opinions on what matters most to those who live and work in Lake Lure.

The survey begins by asking participants what they value most about the town — including options such as community appearance, sense of community, recreation, tourism, and the lake itself — and which attributes are most important moving forward, such as locally owned restaurants, scenic views, walkability, and parks.

Respondents are also asked to identify top priorities for the next decade, ranging from housing and infrastructure to environmental protection and economic development. Other sections cover:

• Parks & Recreation: Residents can select which facilities and programs they’d like prioritized, from hiking trails and green spaces to pickleball courts, amphitheaters, and youth programming.

• Development & Housing: Participants weigh in on what types of new housing and non-residential developments are most needed, including retail, restaurants, medical facilities, or cottage homes and mixed-use spaces.

• Town Appearance & Infrastructure: Questions address satisfaction with the town’s appearance, needed improvements such as sidewalks, landscaping, and economic opportunities, and views on minimum housing standards.

• Transportation: Residents are invited to identify problem intersections and rank the need for improvements for walking, biking, driving, or public transit.

• Demographics: The survey collects basic demographic information, helping planners ensure a balanced view of community input.

  
  

The survey closes December 1, 2025, and can be completed online.

In addition to the survey, residents are encouraged to attend two public input sessions:

• Tuesday, October 28, 4–6 PM – Virtual Public Input Session via Microsoft Teams

• Wednesday, November 5, 4–7 PM – In-person Public Input Session at The Landings, 920 Buffalo Creek Rd, Lake Lure, NC

“These conversations and surveys are crucial,” town officials said. “Every response helps shape the vision for Lake Lure’s future — from how we grow to how we preserve what makes our town unique.”

The Town of Lake Lure’s Comprehensive Planning Process is a year-long effort to create a visionary and actionable roadmap for the town’s physical, economic, environmental, and social development. The plan will serve as a foundation for local policies, guide land use and growth, support zoning enforcement, and strengthen the town’s ability to secure grant funding. By incorporating community input, current trends, and best practices, the plan aims to set realistic, implementable goals that enhance the town’s resilience and quality of life, especially as Lake Lure continues to recover from Hurricane Helene.

The Lake Lure Comprehensive Plan steering committee includes Olivia Stewman, Town Manager; Carol Pritchett, Mayor; Jim Proctor, Commissioner and Parks & Recreation Board Council Liaison; Mike Williams, Community Development Director and Zoning Board Staff Liaison; Dustin Waycaster, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director; Laura Krejci, Communications Director; Keaton Nickelsen, Partner at Ridgeline (Lake Lure Inn / Lake Lure Tours); Scott Martin, Assistant General Manager at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure; Spence Romine, Owner of Lodge on Lake Lure and TDA Board Member; Pat Buede, Lake Lure Resident; and Dan Bragdon, Executive Director of Camp Lurecrest. 

They are tasked with guiding the process, helping promote community engagement, reviewing draft materials, and advising town leadership. After collecting public input through surveys and meetings, the Town and the Foothills Regional Commission will draft the Comprehensive Plan for review and formal adoption by the Zoning and Planning Board and the Town Council.