Agenda Review Meeting March 9, 2026

Fletcher Agenda Review Meeting Recap – March 9, 2026

On March 9, 2026, the Fletcher Town Council held its Agenda Review Meeting, focusing primarily on potential development opportunities and future planning for the community. The meeting began with standard procedural items, including unanimous approval of prior meeting minutes and a consent agenda addressing routine administrative matters. A moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance were also observed to open the session.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on a potential partnership with Blue Ridge ABC (Henderson County) to establish a new retail location within Fletcher. Representatives from Blue Ridge ABC outlined their plan to lease space on property owned by the Ingles family, aiming to test market demand in a location co-located with an Ingles grocery store. This proposal hinges on annexing the property into the town of Fletcher, a process facilitated by the Ingles family's willingness to voluntarily annex. While considering alternative locations (near Butler Bridge, where Mills River declined a similar proposal), the council overwhelmingly expressed support for the annexation and potential ABC store, agreeing to sign a letter of general support before formal annexation proceedings begin. The town will now work with Blue Ridge ABC to secure placement on the state commission's agenda, marking a potential expansion of retail options for Fletcher residents.

Beyond the ABC store discussion, council members engaged in a preliminary conversation regarding the town's current fund balance. Recognizing that the town’s reserves currently exceed policy requirements, options were explored for utilizing excess funds, including debt reduction, Greenway extension project investment, and completion of a sewer project on Westfeld, North Hudson, and Dogwood Terrace. However, the discussion was largely overshadowed by a promising opportunity to partner with Buncombe County on a new, expanded library facility within Fletcher. Recognizing the potential benefits for residents, the council decided to table the fund balance discussion and prioritize exploring this library partnership with Buncombe County.

The council also addressed emerging regulatory considerations, specifically concerning data centers. Acknowledging the growing prevalence of these facilities, council members directed town staff to develop proposed text amendments to the town’s code. These regulations would mirror existing guidelines for cryptocurrency mining, requiring review by the Planning Board and subsequent council vote. This proactive step aims to ensure responsible development within Fletcher as new industries emerge.

Finally, updates were provided on ongoing projects. Discussions with Lewis Real Estate regarding the Town Center development continue, involving meetings with potential investors and feasibility analysis. The town is also collaborating with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to address traffic concerns related to this potential development. A new proposal for a 115-unit affordable housing development on Underwood Road was also presented, requiring a special use permit and conditional rezoning. Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming quasi-judicial hearing where they can share their input on this project. The town is also actively pursuing state and federal funding for various projects, including the sewer project and Greenway extension.

What’s Next?

• The town will work with Blue Ridge ABC to get the proposed ABC store project on the state commission's agenda.
• Staff will begin developing text amendments to regulate data centers, with review by the Planning Board and a future council vote.
• The town will focus on exploring a potential partnership with Buncombe County to build a new library facility.
• Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming quasi-judicial hearing regarding the proposed affordable housing development on Underwood Road.

This meeting highlighted Fletcher's focus on proactive planning and exploring opportunities for growth, potentially impacting residents through expanded retail options, improved community resources (like a new library), and thoughtful regulation of emerging industries.