Connecting Communities in Burke County, NC
Connecting Communities in Burke County, NC
In January 2023, Beth Heile submitted a Feasibility Study Grant application to NCDOT for assistance in clarifying the route between Long View and Hildebran. The direct path of using Hwy 70A was uncertain due to the 100-foot railroad right of…
BRTA is about connecting communities — and we have been in contact with NCDOT for two years about making the bridge that connects the two sides of Rhodhiss (Burke and Caldwell) safe for walkers and bikers. We are thrilled to…
Connecting communities with pedestrian trail is just one focus of Burke River Trail Association (BTRA). The organization also works to strengthen communities through economic development. That includes pursuing housing opportunities uncovered while advancing the trail.
Thanks to Burke County Public Schools, Town of Valdese, Rep Hugh Blackwell and volunteers, a new section of Burke River Trail will open on August 2. Officials will cut the ribbon at 10:00 am for the 0.6 mile natural surface…
Opportunity Appalachia announced the selection of 29 projects to participate in its program aimed at increasing job growth,business support, and investment in Central Appalachia. The Old Glory Mill project in Rhodhiss, submitted by Burke River Trail, one of 94 applicants,…
Around 125 people took part in the Glen Alpine in the Street Committee’s first event – Pickin’ in the Streets including Senator Warren Daniel and wife Lydia. Aldermen Reid Scott and Luke Boone continue to be supportive of advancements in…
Burke River Trail Association has three Focus Areas:
A tree along the railroad tracks that looked like a turkey tail, gave the Town of Glen Alpine its original name in 1868 – Turkey Tail. Now residents wanting to revitalize downtown and strengthen community pride, are leaning into that…
The Glen Alpine Downtown Park Public Input meeting was held Thursday, April 11 at 6pm – with a horrible rainstorm 5:50-6:10pm – we still had 24 in attendance for the 50-minute meeting. There was a 24×36 inch poster of the…
Burke River Trail Association submitted an Opportunity Appalachia Grant application for technical assistance in creating a financial pro forma development analysis for Old Glory Mill. The report will show how much income will be generated by mixed use development that…
While much has come and gone in Drexel over the years, the Drexel Barber Shop has remained a constant. Lawrence Anthony started it across the railroad tracks in 1949. Most of us older folks can remember sitting in that tiny…
As part of the Burke County Chamber Litter Sweep, Burke River Trail Association held trash pickups in all the towns along the Burke River Trail route during the week of March 20-27. 65 bags of trash were collected in 9…
Burke River Trail Association was granted $2500 from Mountain BizWorks for pre-development work to show how the Burke River Trail will flow between the Old Glory Mill and the Catawba River. David Harmon Architecture was selected to create four renderings…
Though Catawba River is prominent in the nonprofit’s name, Catawba Riverkeeper advocates for all waters of the Catawba River Basin Because of their involvement with our waterways and our work of making connections along the river and creeks, we meet…
Our Trail Towns could also be Rail Towns! In December 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration selected the Salisbury to Asheville rail route as part of the Corridor Identification and Development Program. The route is one of seven NC corridors receiving…
There was an incredible turnout for the Rhodhiss Trail Workshop. Business owners, landowners, aldermen and residents met at the Scout Building to share ideas. Shelly Gref who owns the Copper Penny Grill – Lake Hickory said she would will allow…
A community park has been on Glen Alpine’s wish list for a long time. Burke River Trail Association Executive Director Beth Heile shared with Glen Alpine Town Aldermen that thanks to a directed state grant from Rep Blackwell, the park…
BRTA Executive Director Beth Heile shared the story of the economic development opportunities found along the Burke River Trail route with The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Community Investment Training participants to help others spot worthy projects in their community.…
Mayor Ronnie Thompson has included the Morganton Greenway Extension in his State of the City talks to civic groups to start off 2024. This extension to the east is the Burke River Trail. Picking up at Rocky Ford Access (where…
Lindy’s Discount Furniture was the perfect place for sharing ideas on what sites should be highlighted along trails in Town of Connelly Springs, NC. Some suggestions included the old hotel and spring, a second hotel and spring, Israel Chapel, Hudson…