Event Recap
Meeting Overview The Woodfin Town Council held its regular meeting on March 19, 2024. The session focused on legislative advocacy, community partnerships, and several public hearings regarding zoning and housing. The council approved the agenda and a consent agenda, which included the minutes from the February 20, 2024, regular meeting and the March 5, 2024, Budget Work Session, as well as the Tax Collection Report for the period ending January 31, 2024.
Key Decisions The council voted unanimously (6-0) on all major motions presented. Council Member Edgerton moved to approve Resolution 2024-03, which requests that Woodfin’s local delegation to the NC General Assembly support a bill amending state statutes regarding stormwater utility fee collection; this resolution was approved as part of the consent agenda. The council also unanimously approved a two-year lease agreement with the Friends-Montessori School for the Woodfin Community Center, authorizing the town manager to enter into the lease. Additionally, the council approved an agreement with the Woodfin Community Garden Committee, authorizing the town manager, in consultation with the town attorney, to negotiate and enter into a one-year agreement with options for two additional one-year terms.
In the realm of zoning and ordinances, the council passed four ordinances by unanimous vote (6-0). Vice Mayor Ervin moved to approve Ordinance #2024-04, which amends Chapters 6 and 22 to remove criminal penalties associated with certain non-public safety related violations. The council also approved Ordinance #2024-05, conditionally rezoning 12.42 acres at 74 Washington Avenue from the R-10 Residential District to the Community Shopping - Conditional Zone. Furthermore, Council Member Edgerton moved to approve Ordinance #2024-08, conditionally rezoning 7.84 acres at 99999 Reynolds Mountain Blvd from the Community Shopping District to the Community Shopping 2 – Conditional Zone. Finally, the council approved Ordinance #2024-06, which includes text amendments to Chapter 54 of the Town Code to clarify definitions and development standards for Manufactured Housing, and Ordinance #2024-07, which applies the Manufactured Housing Overlay to specific areas.
Discussion Highlights Town Manager Shannon Tuch provided a report highlighting several administrative and project updates. She announced that the town received CLOMAR approval for the Riverside Park/Taylor’s Wave project, a significant step forward for flood mitigation, with bids scheduled to open on March 21. Tuch also reported on contract approvals for park maintenance and engineering work, as well as progress on the town’s budget season, noting that a second work session was scheduled for the following week.
Council Member Edgerton presented Resolution 2024-03, emphasizing that amending state statutes to allow stormwater utility fees to be added to property tax bills is expected to significantly improve collection rates. He noted that this change could potentially lead to a 15% reduction in the stormwater fee itself.
Representatives from Beloved Asheville, co-directors Amy Cantrell and Ponkho Bermejo, presented on their organization’s work in affordable housing. They highlighted the construction of a new deeply affordable housing village in East Asheville, emphasizing their model of community-driven development, the use of over 1,000 volunteers, and sustainable practices.
Katie Cox and Lily Dancy-Jones presented a proposal to establish a community garden at Geneva Maney Park. They outlined plans for communal plots, rented beds, and educational opportunities, requesting town assistance with site preparation, including grading, drainage, and water access. The proposal noted that grant funding would cover the installation budget, estimated between $3,500 and $7,250, while the town would cover water costs, provide a portable toilet from April to October, and handle trash and recycling services.
Community Input During the public hearings for the manufactured housing ordinances, a representative from the Emma Neighborhood Council spoke in favor of Ordinance #2024-06 and Ordinance #2024-07. No other public comments were recorded during the meeting.
Follow-ups The Town Manager agreed to work toward finalizing the lease agreement with the Woodfin Community Garden Committee. The council stated it will continue budget discussions, with a second work session scheduled for the following week. Additionally, the town will proceed with the rezoning process for the Appalachian Way Village and continue efforts to recruit police officers.
Impact These decisions impact residents through improved stormwater fee collection mechanisms, expanded affordable housing options via the manufactured housing ordinances, and new community amenities. The approval of the Friends-Montessori lease provides the school with a stable location in the Community Center, while the community garden agreement establishes a new green space and educational resource at Geneva Maney Park. The removal of criminal penalties for minor, non-public safety violations shifts the town’s approach to code enforcement for specific infractions.