September 25, 2024 - Hendersonville City Council Meeting

Hendersonville City Council Meeting Recap - September 25, 2024

The Hendersonville City Council convened on September 25th for a meeting addressing several key issues impacting the community, ranging from grant funding and park planning to emergency preparedness and local business concerns. The meeting included updates on ongoing projects, discussions of potential new initiatives, and preparations for an approaching hurricane. All council members were present.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a revised grant proposal from Dogwood Health Trust, seeking $1 million for land acquisition and infrastructure support, $300,000 for mental health/substance abuse programming, and $200,000 for crisis intervention/housing navigator services. Following a detailed briefing on existing funding sources and the proposal's alignment with ongoing initiatives, the Council unanimously approved moving forward with developing a revised application. A preliminary discussion was also initiated regarding potentially transferring grant funds into a housing land trust to maximize interest earnings, a matter that will be revisited once the grant application is finalized. This decision signals a strong commitment to addressing housing and community development needs within Hendersonville.

Beyond grant funding, the Council also addressed revisions to the Parks Master Plan, currently open for public comment. A key change approved was renaming the "Equity" chapter to “Inclusiveness,” aiming for broader community support. The revised plan will be presented to the Council in October following consideration of public feedback. Additionally, discussions centered on a proposal for a columbarium at Oakdale Cemetery to address the cemetery's nearing capacity and generate revenue for maintenance. The Council voiced support for exploring this feasibility, including obtaining cost estimates and design plans – a move that could provide long-term financial stability for cemetery upkeep.

The ongoing Seventh Avenue Streetscape Project was another major topic, with updates provided on progress despite challenges like unexpected underground utilities and road closures. While significant concrete work has been completed, discussions focused on alleviating traffic congestion by temporarily opening Maple Street to ease access. Staff will investigate the feasibility of this option, and efforts are underway to support businesses impacted by the construction through marketing assistance and bridge loan opportunities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about project updates via the city website (https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/).

Recognizing the imminent threat of Hurricane Helene, the Council received an update on preparation efforts. A state of emergency will be declared tomorrow morning, with the Emergency Operations Center operating 24/7. All special event permits have been revoked, and city staff are coordinating with partner agencies to ensure the safety of all residents, including those experiencing homelessness.

Finally, concerns were raised regarding a newly proposed vape shop near Hendersonville High School. While current zoning ordinances do not prohibit such businesses, the Council discussed exploring potential proximity restrictions for similar establishments and potentially extending these regulations to protest activities near schools. City staff will investigate the feasibility of such changes, demonstrating a commitment to addressing community concerns related to youth well-being.

Looking Ahead:

Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• Staff will finalize and submit a revised Dogwood Grant application.
• The Parks Master Plan will be presented to the Council in October after incorporating public feedback.
• Feasibility studies and cost estimates for a columbarium at Oakdale Cemetery will be explored.
• Staff will investigate the possibility of temporarily opening Maple Street to alleviate traffic congestion during the Seventh Avenue Streetscape Project.
• The city will continue preparations for Hurricane Helene, with a focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
• City staff will research potential zoning regulations related to vape shops and protest activities near schools.

Citizens are encouraged to monitor the city website for updates on Hurricane Helene preparations and progress reports on the Seventh Avenue Streetscape Project.