April 1, 2026 Special Called Town Council Meeting- 5:30 p.m. at Black Mountain Town Hall.

Black Mountain Town Council Addresses Data Center Concerns and Golf Course Future at Special Called Meeting

On April 1, 2026, the Black Mountain Town Council convened a Special Called Meeting at Town Hall to address several pressing issues facing the community. The meeting, attended by all council members, focused primarily on concerns surrounding a proposed data center, the future of the Black Mountain Golf Course, and routine administrative matters. This recap provides a comprehensive overview for residents seeking to understand the discussions and decisions made during this important session.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on anxieties regarding a potential data center development within Black Mountain. Several residents, including Gail Young, Richard Hudson, Eddie Frizzell and Mary Merritt, voiced concerns about the impact on local water resources, electrical infrastructure, and overall quality of life. Drawing parallels to challenges experienced by other towns like Walnut Cove, residents urged the council to proactively plan and implement regulations to mitigate potential negative consequences. In response, Russell and Anne presented a plan to update the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to specifically address these concerns, including considerations for height limits, separation distances, and noise restrictions. The Planning Board has already recommended text amendment language related to data processing facilities, and the council will review this in April with a potential public hearing scheduled for May.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the council also dedicated considerable time to discussing the future of the Black Mountain Golf Course. Operations Manager Brent presented five options, ranging from maintaining the current nine-hole setup to a full 18-hole restoration. He highlighted declining revenue and increased competition, emphasizing the need for investment to ensure the course’s long-term viability. Resident Richard Hudson underscored the golf course's value as a community asset and economic driver, citing its positive impact on tourism and property values. The council acknowledged the importance of community input and directed Brent to continue gathering data, potentially presenting a detailed rate structure in May. A decision on the golf course’s future, including potential investment strategies, will be a key priority for the council moving forward.

The meeting also included a consent agenda which was unanimously approved by the council. This encompassed routine administrative items such as designating the Town Manager to submit disbursement request forms for a water infrastructure project, authorizing an application with the USDA for funding to replace equipment lost due to a previous storm, and amending an audit contract. Additionally, the council directed staff to conduct a survey to establish the base flood elevation for the Lakeview site and explore potential FEMA funding opportunities to address gaps in equipment replacement costs. Finally, staff was instructed to pursue a grant from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to support golf course improvements, potentially securing a one-to-one match for investment.

The Black Mountain Town Council demonstrated a commitment to proactive planning and community engagement throughout the meeting. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming public hearings regarding UDO amendments and future discussions surrounding the Black Mountain Golf Course. The council's focus on addressing data center concerns and securing a sustainable future for the golf course reflects their dedication to preserving Black Mountain’s unique character and ensuring its long-term prosperity.