Town Council Regular Meeting - Apr 27 2026

Weaverville Town Council Meeting Recap - April 27, 2026

On April 27, 2026, the Weaverville Town Council convened its regular meeting, addressing a range of topics impacting our community. The meeting included approval of standard agenda items like past minutes and financial reports, but the bulk of the discussion centered on significant decisions regarding infrastructure, local business support, and healthcare access. This recap will outline the key outcomes of the meeting and what they mean for Weaverville residents.

A major point of contention during the meeting was the future of the historic Coleman Pedestrian Bridge, deemed unsafe by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and slated for removal. After considerable discussion, the Council ultimately decided against taking ownership of the bridge due to concerns about financial responsibility and potential liability. However, recognizing the bridge’s historical significance, they directed town staff to collaborate with the Weaverville Enhancement and Development Advisory Committee (WEDAC) on exploring fundraising opportunities and options for salvaging portions of the bridge for historical display. This aims to preserve a tangible connection to our town’s past rather than see the bridge demolished entirely.

Beyond infrastructure, the Council took action to regulate emerging industries within Weaverville. An ordinance amendment was approved adding crypto mining and data centers to the list of “noxious uses” requiring conditional district approval in industrial zoning. This change will provide greater oversight and ensure that these operations, which can have significant impacts on our community, adhere to specific standards before being established. The Council also reaffirmed its support for AdventHealth’s appeal regarding the allocation of hospital beds, a decision reflecting ongoing concerns about healthcare access and quality within our region.

The meeting also included discussions on internal town operations, including a proposal to convert a half-time stormwater management position to full-time. The Council approved a plan allowing Ecoforesters to conduct a salvage logging operation on the town’s watershed property, aiming to mitigate fire hazards and potentially generate revenue. Finally, a discussion regarding the Weaverville Business Association (WBA) concluded with an agreement to cap town services provided to them at $50,000.

Several residents shared their perspectives during the public comment period. Elizabeth Nagel passionately advocated for preserving the Coleman Bridge, while Judy Craig highlighted the Dry Ridge Historical Museum’s activities and upcoming events. Chuck Barton raised concerns about the costs associated with bridge removal, and Jennifer Jackson addressed the increasing demands on town staff supporting community events. These comments underscored a shared desire to balance progress with preserving our town’s unique character and supporting local initiatives.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Town staff will be communicating the Council's decision regarding the Coleman bridge to NCDOT, and WEDAC is tasked with exploring fundraising options for preserving elements of the historic bridge. The Council will continue reviewing budget proposals, including potential tax increases and funding for various organizations, at upcoming workshops. Finally, staff will continue working on the implementation of code amendments related to crypto mining and data centers. Residents can stay informed about these developments and future Council meetings by visiting the Town of Weaverville website at https://www.weavervillenc.gov/.