February 5, 2026 - Hendersonville City Council Meeting

Hendersonville City Council Meeting Recap: February 5, 2026

The Hendersonville City Council convened on February 5, 2026, for a meeting focused on recognizing departing leadership and addressing key infrastructure needs within the city. The session was marked by heartfelt tributes, important votes on development projects, and discussions aimed at enhancing community engagement. This recap provides a clear overview of the meeting’s key outcomes and what they mean for Hendersonville residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring Fire Chief James Miller, who is retiring after 35 years of dedicated service. Council members, along with representatives from Senator Budd’s office (delivered by Kai Lauder), shared stories and accolades recognizing Chief Miller's leadership, particularly his handling of Hurricane Helene. In a touching ceremony, he was presented with a plaque and the council unanimously approved a resolution renaming one of the fire station’s training rooms as "Chief D James Miller Emergency Operations Center." Following this tribute, Deputy Chief Justin Ward was officially sworn in as the new Fire Chief.

Beyond honoring departing leadership, the council addressed several critical city matters. A key decision involved approving a budget amendment to accommodate rising costs associated with the purchase of a new quint fire apparatus, designed to replace Engine 5. Chief Ward and City Manager Connett presented a compelling case for the upgrade, highlighting its versatility and potential to improve the city's ISO ratings. The council also approved a zoning text amendment that reduces setback requirements in the C-2 (Secondary Business) district, aligning with the city’s downtown master plan and aiming to promote walkable urban development.

A public hearing was held regarding a conditional rezoning request at 1207 Canuga Road, proposing a change from R-15 to C-4 to allow for a small office and four townhomes. While the rezoning was ultimately approved, it came with a condition requiring exploration of alternative compliance for tree preservation. Resident Ken Fitch voiced concerns during the hearing about potential gentrification and strains on infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of preserving historic stonework in the area. The council acknowledged these concerns and directed staff to consider them moving forward.

Looking ahead, the "Build Hendersonville" participatory budgeting process remains underway, with voting closing on February 20th. The council will also be reviewing applications for the “Core of the City Academy,” a citizen education program. Furthermore, city staff will continue their work on the Downtown Streets Modernization Project ("Above the Mud") and are preparing a revised application for the U.S. DOT Build Grant. Discussions surrounding sidewalk construction and potential fee-in-lieu implementation, stemming from the Canuga Road rezoning discussion, will also continue.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to both honoring dedicated public servants and proactively addressing the city’s evolving needs. Residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing "Build Hendersonville" voting process and stay informed about future council meetings, which will be announced on the city's official website.

This recap aims to provide a clear and accessible overview of the Hendersonville City Council meeting for all residents.