ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
MILLS RIVER TOWN COUNCIL
Mayor Chae Davis
Mayor Pro Tem Brian Caskey
Councilman Roger Snyder
Councilman Randy Austin
Councilman Brian Kimball
MAKING MILLS RIVER STEERING COMMITTEE
Brian Caskey
Chae Davis
Jim Foster
Elizabeth Jackson
Bob Kramer
Whit Lanning
Bert Lemkes
Ryan Perry
Susan Semrod
Nicole Sweat
Stacy Taylor
MILLS RIVER PLANNING BOARD
James Cantrell
Wayne Carland
Jim Foster
Sherri Hill
Cheryl Janoski
Jeff Moore
Mary Ann Osby
Ryan Perry
Heath Wiggins
MILLS RIVER PROJECT MANAGER
Daniel Cobb, Town Manager
CONSULTANT
Alan Steinbeck, PSG
May 27, 2021
Dear Citizens, Stakeholders, and Elected Officials:
The Town of Mills River incorporated on June 24, 2003. Since this time much has changed in Mills River. From the loss of traditional agricultural producers to the expansion of industry and job growth, to the addition of several large residential subdivisions. The Mills River of today is not the same as the Mills River of 2003.
While change has generally been positive, it has not been without its challenges. With the country poised to move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to set the path for the next generation of Mills River residents.
This Plan – Making Mills River – is the result of two years of public input, stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and technical analysis. All this was made possible with support from the Town’s elected and appointed boards. The purpose of this Plan is to ensure Mills River grows in a way which protects the community while encouraging appropriate development in Town.
The goals of this plan outline the community’s priorities of protecting and preserving agriculture and open space as well as investment in the community through infrastructure development and the creation of programs and initiatives to achieve specific outcomes.
With the continued support of elected officials and partnerships with community leaders and service providers, the Mills River of 2040 will be a place everyone will be proud of and will continue its tradition of high quality of life and community preservation.
Sincerely,
Daniel Cobb, Town Manager