2026.04.21 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Recap: Focus on Storm Recovery, Road Safety & Future Planning (April 21, 2026)

The Woodfin Town Council convened on April 21st for a budget work session, dedicating significant time to addressing the ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and laying groundwork for future community initiatives. The meeting, attended by all council members, centered on updates related to storm recovery efforts, discussions about a proposed bicycle safety law ("Lenny's Law"), and preliminary budget considerations.

A major highlight of the meeting was positive news regarding FEMA funding for infrastructure and park projects impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. The council secured approval for all four FEMA extensions, granting the town an extended timeframe of 18-24 months to complete necessary repairs and improvements. While the town is nearing full reimbursement for debris removal, with approximately $1.2 million still expected from FEMA, the Town Manager, Shannon Tuck, is proactively exploring alternative funding avenues like the CDBG Disaster Relief Grant Program. Residents should be aware that utilizing this program will require increased reporting, a trade-off for potential additional support. Restoration contracts have been approved for Silver Line Park and Riverside Park, with a construction meeting planned to finalize details. Progress is also being made on road infrastructure applications, suggesting potential improvements to roadways within Woodfin. Looking ahead, the town is planning a stakeholder meeting followed by a larger community forum in June to address natural hazards like floods, wildfires, and landslides as part of the Climate Smart Communities Initiative.

Beyond storm recovery, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to "Lenny's Law," a resident-led initiative born from the tragic loss of two cyclists, Leonard Antonelli and Jacob Hill. Presented by Maddie Barondo, Griffin Tishner, and Adam Smith, the proposed law aims to establish "bicycle safety zones" on popular cycling routes, mirroring school zone safety measures with stricter speed enforcement and increased penalties. In a unanimous vote, the Town Council approved a resolution supporting the concept of Lenny’s Law and encouraging state legislators to adopt similar legislation statewide. Furthermore, the council agreed to explore designating a bicycle safety zone within Woodfin itself, with Riverside Drive being considered as a potential location. This demonstrates the council's commitment to improving road safety and prioritizing cyclist well-being within the community.

The meeting also touched upon other ongoing initiatives, including discussions surrounding the new town hall project and progress on the Town’s code update. The Police Department is preparing for upcoming community events like the Woodfin Elementary School 5K and refining evidence disposal procedures. Finally, council members are actively engaged in preliminary budget discussions, with a dedicated work session scheduled for May 5th. Residents are encouraged to participate in these ongoing conversations as the town shapes its financial priorities for the coming year.

What's Next?

• Town Manager (Shannon Tuck): Will continue to manage FEMA reimbursement processes, investigate CDBG funding options, and oversee the restoration projects.
• Parks & Community Enrichment Committee (PACE): Will focus on identifying a suitable location for a bicycle safety zone within Woodfin.
• Town Council: Will continue budget discussions and advocate for the adoption of Lenny’s Law at the state level.
• Community: Residents are invited to attend the upcoming community meeting in June regarding natural hazard strategies and to stay informed about budget discussions.

This meeting underscored the town’s commitment to both recovering from recent challenges and proactively planning for a safer, more resilient future. The support for Lenny’s Law represents a significant step towards prioritizing cyclist safety, while ongoing efforts to secure FEMA funding demonstrate the town's dedication to rebuilding and strengthening its infrastructure.