2023.09.13 Woodfin PGAC Meeting

Woodfin PGAC Meeting Recap: September 13, 2023 – Parks, Waterfront Development & Community Initiatives

The Woodfin Planning & Growth Advisory Committee (PGAC) convened on September 13, 2023, to discuss a wide range of projects and initiatives impacting Woodfin’s development and community spaces. The meeting, attended by committee members and town staff, focused on progress updates for ongoing projects, explored potential partnerships, and addressed community concerns.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the ongoing Waterfront Access & Venue Enhancement (WAVE) project, which aims to revitalize Woodfin’s waterfront area. The WAVE Management Task Force is diligently developing policies and regulations for events, user management, and risk mitigation at the waterfront. Several members are currently attending a conference in Columbus, Georgia to learn from other communities with similar waterfront development projects. Demolition at Riverside Park is proceeding as planned, and key permits have been approved. A crucial update was the revised timeline for construction of the wave feature, now slated to begin in June/July 2024 to coincide with optimal river flow conditions. Invitations for bids on wave construction will be sent out October 10th, with a deadline of November 28th.

Beyond the WAVE project, discussions highlighted progress on Silver Line Park. The committee approved Equinox’s selection to design restroom and potential pickleball court improvements, marking a step forward in enhancing this popular community space. The committee also considered a proposal for a community garden, with Geneva Maney Park identified as the most promising location. However, concerns were raised about ensuring accessibility and securing a long-term commitment from the organizers before moving forward. Staff will be contacting the community garden group to discuss their plans and present a proposal for further consideration.

The meeting wasn’t solely focused on large-scale projects; the committee also explored a potential partnership with French Broad River Academy for Girls, where students could build duck boxes, bluebird boxes, or renovate little free libraries as part of an elective class. Finally, a discussion was initiated regarding recognizing the valuable contributions of Walt Brewer to Woodfin. Plans are underway to create a short video showcasing messages from board members and community partners, demonstrating the town's appreciation for his dedication.

Key Decisions & Votes: The agenda and minutes from previous meetings (June and August) were approved without dissent. Crucially, the committee unanimously selected Equinox to design improvements at Silver Line Park.

Community Input & Concerns: While no public comments were received during the designated time, discussions surrounding the community garden proposal incorporated feedback gathered from a recent neighborhood survey. A recurring concern raised throughout the meeting was pedestrian safety, particularly regarding crossing Riverside Drive near Silver Line Park. The committee agreed to explore options for improving pedestrian safety, potentially by contacting the Department of Transportation.

What's Next? (Action Items): Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• Anne will follow up with AmeriCorps regarding the promising candidate for an AmeriCorps member to support volunteer efforts.
• Shannon will engage with the community garden organizers and present a detailed proposal to the committee.
• Town staff will coordinate efforts to create a recognition video honoring Walt Brewer's contributions.

This meeting demonstrated Woodfin’s commitment to ongoing development and community engagement. Residents can expect further updates on the WAVE project, Silver Line Park improvements, and potential developments regarding a community garden in the coming months. The committee's focus on addressing pedestrian safety concerns reflects their dedication to ensuring a safe and vibrant community for all.