Town Council Regular Meeting - Mar 23 2026

Weaverville Town Council Meeting Recap - March 23, 2026

On March 23, 2026, the Weaverville Town Council convened its regular meeting, addressing a range of topics impacting our community. The meeting began with some informal conversation before diving into the agenda, which was amended to include discussions on the pedestrian bridge over Merriman Avenue and a closed session regarding real property purchase contract terms. All council members confirmed they had no conflicts of interest related to the agenda items.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial matters, with a unanimous approval of the consent agenda. This included acknowledging approximately 98% collection of property taxes, approving a generous donation from Walmart to the Cops for Kids program, and authorizing a $4 million grant from the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for system improvements. The council also approved cost-saving change orders for ongoing projects like the water treatment resiliency project and the 2025 street paving, which will now include improvements to Lakeshore Drive and Main Street. Importantly, the council scheduled public hearings for an updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan and a text amendment concerning crypto mining/data centers – opportunities for residents to provide input on these crucial planning matters.

Beyond financial approvals, a key discussion centered around the historic Coleman Footbridge. Residents voiced strong concerns about potential demolition and passionately advocated for its preservation as a landmark, citing its historical significance. The council responded by agreeing to engage a structural engineer to assess the bridge’s condition and forming a working group to explore options like ownership transfer or an intergovernmental agreement with the state. This demonstrates a commitment to exploring all avenues for preserving this valued community asset. Another notable discussion involved the proposed development of the Ball Crank factory into a family-friendly public market and pickleball sports facility. The town is being asked to partner in funding the outdoor pickleball courts, which would be available for free resident use – a prospect that drew enthusiastic support from resident Darla Letourneau, who highlighted the potential economic and recreational benefits.

The council also received a presentation from Buncombe County IT regarding the Public Safety Interoperability Partnership (PSIP) and Centralized Data Entry (CDE) programs, designed to enhance communication and data sharing for law enforcement and emergency responders. Councilman Root raised concerns about the program costs and requested greater transparency in billing practices, a point echoed by resident Al Root. Throughout the meeting, Councilman Root emphasized the importance of long-term planning and adequately funding town infrastructure and staffing needs during upcoming budget discussions, a sentiment shared by Mayor Lawrence who stressed the need for strategic investments in our town’s future.

What's Next?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• A structural engineer will soon assess the condition of the Coleman Footbridge.
• A working group will be formed to explore preservation options for the bridge.
• The town will support an application to Explore Asheville for funding the pickleball courts at Ball Crank.
• Public hearings are scheduled for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and crypto mining/data center text amendment.
• A budget workshop is planned for April 13th, providing a crucial opportunity to shape the town's financial priorities.

The Weaverville Town Council continues its commitment to addressing community needs and planning for a vibrant future. Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming public hearings and budget discussions to ensure their voices are heard.