2024.03.19 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: March 19, 2024 – Focusing on Infrastructure, Community, and Affordability

The Woodfin Town Council convened on March 19th for a productive meeting addressing key priorities for the community. The agenda included discussions on stormwater management, affordable housing initiatives, a proposed community garden, and ongoing town projects. The meeting demonstrated the council's commitment to improving infrastructure, supporting local organizations, and enhancing quality of life for Woodfin residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring ways to improve stormwater management within Woodfin. Council Member Edgerton presented a resolution urging state legislators to amend existing laws regarding stormwater utility fees. Currently, Woodfin collects these fees separately, which can impact collection rates. The proposed change would allow the town to include the fee on property tax bills, potentially leading to a more efficient collection process and even a possible 15% reduction in the stormwater fee for residents. The council unanimously approved Resolution 2024-03, signaling their support for this effort.

Beyond infrastructure, the council heard a compelling presentation from B-Love Asheville, an organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and community support. They highlighted their work on the Appalachian Way Village, a new deeply affordable housing village in East Asheville built using a community-driven model. Their presentation underscored the importance of equitable solutions to address housing challenges within the broader Asheville area, a topic that resonated with council members.

The meeting also featured an exciting proposal from Lily and Katie, who presented a plan to transform Geneva Mani Park into a vibrant community garden. Their vision includes communal plots, rentable garden beds, educational opportunities focused on native plants, and a space for residents to connect. The council expressed strong support for the initiative, directing Town Manager Shannon Tuck to negotiate a lease agreement with the Woodfin Community Garden Committee – paving the way for a new green space and community resource.

During her report, Town Manager Tuck provided updates on several ongoing projects impacting residents. These included approvals for park maintenance and engineering services, progress in the budget season (with a second work session scheduled next week), website updates, and continued efforts to recruit police officers. Notably, she announced the significant achievement of receiving CLOMAR (Community Rating System) approval for the Riverside Park/Taylor’s Wave project, a crucial step forward in flood mitigation efforts. The town is now awaiting bid results for the project and will continue pursuing grant opportunities to maximize its impact.

While there were no public comments during the meeting, organizers of the Woodfin Community Market shared their plans to relocate to New Bridge Baptist Church, a positive development that will ensure the market continues to thrive.

What Happens Next?

The council has several key action items moving forward:

• State Advocacy: The town will actively encourage state legislators to support legislation amending stormwater utility fee statutes.
• Budget Discussions: The council will continue budget discussions in a second work session next week.
• Community Garden: Town Manager Tuck will finalize the lease agreement with the Woodfin Community Garden Committee.
• Police Recruitment: Efforts to recruit police officers will continue.
• Riverside Park/Taylor’s Wave: The town awaits bid results and continues pursuing grant funding.

This meeting showcased the Woodfin Town Council's proactive approach to addressing community needs and investing in a brighter future for all residents. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing initiatives by visiting the town's website and attending future council meetings.