2026.01.14 Woodfin PACE Committee Meeting

Woodfin PACE Committee Meeting Recap: January 14, 2026 – Focusing on Bear Safety, Walkability & Waste Management

The Woodfin PACE (Parks, Arts, Conservation and Environment) Committee convened on January 14th, 2026, to discuss a range of topics impacting our community. This meeting focused heavily on enhancing resident safety, improving walkability within Woodfin, and addressing ongoing concerns regarding solid waste management. The meeting included a presentation from Bear Wise, updates from various subcommittees, and open discussion among committee members.

A key focus of the meeting was bear safety and coexistence. Ashley Hobbs from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission presented on the "BearWise" program, encouraging Woodfin to consider adopting ordinances similar to those in Buncombe County regarding wildlife feeding and trash management. This initiative aims to proactively reduce bear-human conflicts, keeping our bears wild and ensuring the safety of residents. The committee expressed a general consensus to explore these options, recognizing the increasing presence of bears in our area. A plan for community education and outreach regarding bear safety is now underway, potentially including social media campaigns and informational flyers.

Beyond wildlife concerns, the committee continued discussions surrounding the "Walk by Woodfin" plan. Updates were provided from both the Policy & Project and Education & Outreach subcommittees, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure. The Policy & Project subcommittee is prioritizing a review of traffic calming measures, like speed bumps and crosswalks, on town-maintained streets. They aim to develop a traffic calming policy by the March meeting, drawing inspiration from Asheville's existing policies. The Education & Outreach subcommittee is exploring improvements to signage around the bridge over 26 and enhancements to sidewalks and bike facilities on Elkwood Avenue. Collaboration between these subcommittees is crucial for ensuring any policy changes are accompanied by effective public outreach and education.

Concerns about solid waste management were also raised, particularly regarding illegal dumping of bulky items and the effectiveness of current enforcement. Committee members voiced frustration with these ongoing issues, highlighting a need for more robust solutions to address the problem. Staff was tasked with investigating options for bear-resistant trash straps and exploring potential cost-sharing programs to alleviate the financial burden on residents.

What's Next & Why It Matters:

Several key action items emerged from the meeting, directly impacting Woodfin residents:

• Bear Safety Initiatives: Expect to see increased information and potential policy changes related to wildlife feeding and trash management in the coming months.
• Improved Walkability: The "Walk by Woodfin" plan is progressing, with a focus on traffic calming measures and pedestrian infrastructure improvements. Residents can anticipate further discussions and potential changes to street design in the near future.
• Waste Management Solutions: Staff will be researching options to combat illegal dumping and improve the overall effectiveness of our solid waste management system.
• Park Programming: The committee will explore options for park programming, potentially including events like fishing derbies, adding vibrancy and engagement to our community spaces.

The next PACE Committee meeting will focus on developing a draft plan for the community education and outreach program related to bear safety. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing initiatives, as they directly contribute to a safer, more walkable, and environmentally conscious Woodfin.

This recap aims to provide residents with a clear understanding of the discussions, decisions, and next steps stemming from the January 14th PACE Committee meeting.