May 13 2026 - Hendersonville City Council Meeting

Hendersonville City Council Meeting Recap: May 13, 2026

On May 13th, 2026, the Hendersonville City Council convened for a comprehensive meeting addressing key priorities for our community. The agenda was packed, covering everything from improvements to our transit system and celebrating local history to laying the groundwork for Hendersonville’s future through a new strategic plan. This recap summarizes the key outcomes and what they mean for you, our residents.

Significant Decisions & Approvals: The Council made several important decisions during the meeting, including approving street paving bids (funded by a recent city bond), implementing parking charges for downtown surface lots, and affirming the existing zoning that prevents residential development on the Sam’s Club property. A public hearing concluded without objection, formally closing out the 2021 CDBG project that revitalized sidewalks and homes along 7th Avenue – a testament to the positive impact of community investment. Finally, the Council unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda items, streamlining routine city business.

Transit System Concerns & Strategic Planning: A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Apple Country Transit System. Resident Ken Fitch delivered a passionate plea, highlighting concerns about service reliability, communication during disruptions (like the recent incident on Spartanburg Highway), and accessibility for all riders. The Council acknowledged these concerns and will be reviewing the system’s performance, particularly focusing on schedule updates and improved communication. Simultaneously, discussions centered around the finalized draft of a comprehensive Strategic Plan for fiscal years 27-29. This plan outlines key goals including streamlining the development review process, establishing a downtown hospitality district, and setting boundaries for future growth. The Council will finalize action items and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the plan, with a presentation scheduled for the June meeting.

Celebrating Our History & Addressing Community Needs: The Hendersonville Preservation Commission presented their annual report, detailing the “Neighborhood History Project.” This initiative aims to document underrepresented histories within seven newly identified historic neighborhoods through oral history collection and efforts to nominate three neighborhoods for the National Register of Historic Places. Residents can look forward to expanded Halloween and Holiday events at Oakdale Cemetery and other local landmarks, as well as continued realtor training courses. In response to community feedback, the city will also host a Housing Summit later this month to debut its new housing plan and video.

What's Next & How You Can Stay Informed: Several action items emerged from the meeting, keeping our city moving forward. The Council will address transit system concerns, while the Preservation Commission continues its vital work documenting local history. The city will also contribute to a Mud Creek Watershed study in partnership with Conserve Carolina, and join the C-PACE program to support green infrastructure projects. Be sure to check the city website for updates on the Strategic Plan, Housing Summit details, and information regarding the Main Street fountain improvements. Your voice matters – we encourage you to participate in future council meetings and share your thoughts on shaping the future of Hendersonville.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to addressing current challenges and proactively planning for a thriving future in Hendersonville.