2025.10.08 Town of Woodfin PACE Committee Meeting

Woodfin PACE Committee Meeting Recap: October 8, 2025 – Focusing on Community Growth and Future Planning

The Woodfin PACE Committee convened on October 8, 2025, with all members present. The meeting provided updates on several ongoing projects and initiated discussions about the future of Woodfin’s civic infrastructure. The primary focus was on celebrating recent successes, reviewing a key feasibility study, and outlining next steps for community development.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to celebrating the thriving Woodfin Community Garden. Committee members were delighted by Katie's update, which highlighted a successful open house attracting new visitors, a well-attended volunteer celebration, and positive developments like improved drainage and wildlife sightings – including monarch butterflies! The garden’s preparation for fall planting, with planned tree-planting days in partnership with the French Broad River Academy, was also met with enthusiasm.

Beyond current successes, a major topic of discussion revolved around the 2023 Town Hall Feasibility Study. Adrian presented a review outlining goals for a new civic hub, emphasizing design elements like visibility from Elk Mountain Road and pedestrian-friendly communal spaces. The study ultimately favored the current Town Hall site due to its accessibility and proximity to Riverside Park. While no immediate decisions were made, the committee agreed on the need for continued information gathering and discussion regarding this significant project. Future conversations are planned for later in the winter, with a focus on community engagement to ensure resident priorities are considered.

The committee also received an update from Adrian regarding Buncombe County’s Long-Term Recovery Plan following Hurricane Helene, noting that Woodfin has 17 identified projects within the plan. Updates were also provided on several other ongoing initiatives, including debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene, redesign plans for Silver Lawn Park (with bids expected at the end of October), construction of a WAVE structure in Riverside Park, and repairs to Roy Pope Park. Finally, the committee received an update on the Woodfin to Weaverville Feasibility Study.

Key Decisions & Votes: The committee unanimously approved both the meeting agenda and the minutes from July 9, 2025.

What's Next? (Action Items & Future Focus) Following the meeting, several key action items were identified. Adrian will follow up with debris contractors regarding potential hazards related to cabling near the wave structure in the river. The town will continue collaborating with Asheville Greenworks on river cleanup efforts, pursuing a Community Partner Grant. Most importantly, the town will explore various community engagement strategies to gather feedback on priorities and potential projects related to the Town Hall Feasibility Study. Updates on the Woodfin Greenways project will be provided at future meetings.

Why This Matters to You: The discussions surrounding the Town Hall Feasibility Study and ongoing community projects like Silver Lawn Park and Riverside Park demonstrate Woodfin’s commitment to long-term planning and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The success of the Community Garden serves as a testament to the power of community involvement and sustainable initiatives. As these projects move forward, residents can expect opportunities to provide input and shape the future of their town. The committee emphasized a commitment to balancing priorities and funding constraints, ensuring responsible investment in Woodfin's future.