Maggie’s board unanimously decided to enter into a contract with JM Teague Engineering of Waynesville. Over the course of the next year the firm, in addition to third-party consultants, will guide the town through the planning process, helping to design a town center.

Throughout the planning process, the engineering firm will be aiming to address economic, transportation and land-use issues. The firm will work closely with town officials, as well as the community, in order to realize the master plan. 

According to the contract approved by Maggie Valley’s board, the planning process consists of three key elements. First, the community will be engaged. Second, an effort will be made to ensure that varying aspects of planning realities, such as economics and land-use factors, jive well together. Third, a “viable public space plan” will be fashioned to showcase the town center.

The planning process begins this month, with the engineering firm meeting with town officials to get a better feel for where the process will go from here. It wraps up in November 2015 with the presentation of a master plan. In the interim are a series of public meetings, presentations and revisions. 

JM Teague beat out six other firms to land Maggie’ master plan job. The firm will be paid $24,650 to handle the process. 

Also involved in the planning process will be consultants brought in by JM Teague. Chipley Consulting will handle the public facilitation component of the project. And planner Don Kostelec is being tapped to take on components dealing with urban planning and bike-pedestrian planning, while McGill Engineering will focus on landscaping issues and Martin-McGill will provide market analysis and branding development assistance. 

Following the town board’s approval of JM Teague’s contract, Clark said he was excited about embarking on Maggie’s planning journey. 

“I think the climate is right to do it now,” he said, “and I think it’s the first step of many towards offering a truer sense of place.”

— By Jeremy Morrison