August 27, 2025 - Hendersonville City Council Meeting

Hendersonville City Council Recap: Addressing Vacancies, Supporting Seniors, and Planning for the Future – August 27, 2025

The Hendersonville City Council convened on August 27, 2025, for a meeting focused on addressing key community challenges and laying the groundwork for future growth. The council approved both the agenda and a consent agenda without discussion, setting the stage for presentations and discussions on commercial vacancies, senior activities, and vital utility infrastructure.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around the issue of commercial vacancies within Hendersonville, particularly downtown. Stephanie Sweeney, an MPA candidate from Western Carolina University, presented research highlighting over 120 vacant commercial properties within city limits – a concerning 10% vacancy rate downtown. Sweeney’s presentation emphasized the negative impacts of these vacancies, including lost tax revenue and increased code enforcement demands. Rather than pursuing a “vacancy registry,” which has proven ineffective in similar cities, Sweeney recommended a more proactive approach. This includes creating a comprehensive list of commercial buildings utilizing existing data (fire inspections, water usage, code enforcement records), strengthening enforcement of current building maintenance codes for vacant properties, and hosting a community conversation to inform property owners about these changes. Sweeney stressed the importance of measuring progress and avoiding any perception of shaming property owners, citing specific examples like a Main Street building vacant for 12 years.

The council also heard from Jay Fitzpatrick, President of the Hendersonville Shuffleboard Club, who passionately advocated for continued support of this long-standing senior activity center. Fitzpatrick highlighted the club’s 50+ year history, its role in providing social and recreational opportunities for seniors, and its contribution to the local economy through national shuffleboard tournaments. He emphasized Hendersonville’s reputation as a senior-friendly community and proposed rebuilding the Whitmer building to accommodate both the Shuffleboard Club and the Bridge Club.

A crucial discussion revolved around Senate Bill 69, a legislative measure concerning city utility systems and growth. While the bill ultimately didn't pass, it prompted important conversations between the City Council and County Commission. In response, City Manager John Conant presented a phased action plan to address related concerns. The Council is poised to formally consider and potentially adopt this proposal at their next meeting, which includes establishing a joint Water & Sewer Commission composed of four City Council members, four County Commissioners, and a rotating chair. This commission will focus on annexation standards, land use regulations, contracts with rural fire departments for annexed areas, comprehensive water and sewer planning involving multiple jurisdictions, and gradually equalizing water and sewer rates (by 2030 for water, 2036 for sewer).

What Happens Next? (Action Items & Timeline)

• Water & Sewer Commission Charter: City staff will draft a charter for the new commission.
• Commission Recruitment: The city will begin recruiting members between October and November, with appointments expected in December.
• Community Conversation on Code Enforcement: A community conversation will be scheduled to discuss code enforcement changes related to commercial properties, as recommended by Sweeney’s presentation.
• Ongoing Discussions: The City Council will continue discussions with the County Commission regarding annexation and land use regulations.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to addressing pressing issues facing Hendersonville residents, from revitalizing the downtown area and supporting senior programs to proactively planning for the future of the city’s vital water and sewer infrastructure. The decisions made, and actions planned, will directly impact the community's economic vitality, quality of life for senior citizens, and long-term sustainability.