2022.07.19 BOC Meeting

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap: July 19, 2022

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners (BOC) convened an earlier-than-usual meeting on July 19, 2022, focused primarily on addressing a backlog of items and laying the groundwork for future planning initiatives. The meeting began with a moment of silence wishing Commissioner Thornton a speedy recovery, setting a tone of progress and forward-thinking despite the circumstances. The board approved both the meeting agenda and a consent agenda, streamlining routine approvals like minutes and budget amendments.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on discussions surrounding affordable housing and open space conservation, highlighted by a presentation from the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust (ABCLT). Anna Zayaskaya and Mark Hunt detailed the ABCLT's innovative ground lease system for permanently affordable housing and presented information on the upcoming November bond referendum, "Better with Bonds." This referendum promises potential benefits for Woodfin residents through investments in both affordable housing and open space preservation. Following these presentations, the board dedicated considerable time to reviewing feedback gathered from a July 28th town hall-style listening session, which provided valuable insights into community priorities.

The July 28th town hall revealed several key themes resonating with residents, including a desire for a new town hall and exploring options for a centralized "town center" that prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle access, housing opportunities, and community spaces. Residents also emphasized the need for a stronger town identity through improved signage and branding, alongside support for local businesses. Concerns about growth management, environmental protection, and the impact of short-term rentals were also prominent themes. The board discussed proposed policies designed to standardize meeting minutes (making them more action-oriented and accessible through video recordings), establish clear rental facility guidelines, and clarify procedures for handling short-term rental issues – all aimed at improving transparency and responsiveness to community needs. While no formal votes were taken during this meeting, the discussions provided a clear direction for future action.

Community input was limited to the feedback received from the July 28th town hall, which served as a valuable source of information for the board. No members of the public chose to speak during the designated comment period. The Board acknowledged challenges in enforcing short-term rental regulations, recognizing the need for a balanced approach that respects residents while addressing concerns.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The board will continue to support a feasibility study exploring options for a new town hall and potential town center development. Staff will also investigate possibilities for improved signage, branding initiatives, and business association support to strengthen Woodfin’s identity. Ongoing work on zoning studies and development ordinances will continue to address growth management and environmental concerns. Finally, the board plans to consider a resolution in August supporting the November bond referendum and endorsing the "Better with Bonds" campaign, encouraging residents to participate in this important vote. The proposed policies regarding meeting minutes and rental facility guidelines will be brought forward for a formal vote at a future meeting. This proactive approach demonstrates the Board's commitment to addressing community priorities and shaping a vibrant, sustainable future for Buncombe County.