2026.06.16 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

The Woodfin Town Council convened on June 16, 2026, to address a diverse array of municipal issues, including community safety, infrastructure recovery, economic development, and land use planning. The meeting focused on finalizing specific regulatory changes, approving financial partnerships, and advancing long-term planning initiatives. Key decisions included the unanimous approval of a comprehensive plan amendment regarding the Craggy Correctional Facility property and the approval of specific audit contracts, while other matters, such as the fiscal year 2027 budget, were postponed to a later date.

Regarding community safety and neighborhood improvements, the council addressed concerns raised by resident Joyce Roberts regarding large trucks using Elkwood Avenue as a shortcut. The council agreed to discuss potential solutions with Ms. Roberts after the meeting. The body also highlighted a successful compassionate code enforcement pilot program in partnership with New Bridge Baptist Church and initiated a new policy for traffic calming measures, which requires petitions signed by 75% of property owners. Additionally, Officer Logan Banks was recognized for graduating from the Western North Carolina Law Enforcement Leadership Academy, and the department announced plans to implement a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) self-defense course for residents.

In terms of infrastructure and storm recovery, the town reported receiving $1.4 million in FEMA funding for stormwater repairs, which will be bundled with other improvements for cost efficiency. The town is pursuing a hazard mitigation grant application for Weaverville Road, having received a positive "Request for Information" from the state. Updates on the wave project indicated it remains on track for late summer or early fall completion, while work at Riverside Park was noted as temporarily paused pending repairs by the Metropolitan Sewerage District.

Economic development and financial matters were also central to the discussion. The council discussed strategies to support mixed beverage establishments and reviewed the financial performance of the Woodfin ABC Board, which plans to reinvest in the store and continue supporting the town. The council approved Ray Baumgarner and Kings Hill as auditors. However, the vote on the FY27 budget ordinance and tax rate was postponed until June 30th due to uncertainty surrounding Senate Bill 889 and its potential impact on property valuations. The council will continue monitoring SB 889 and SB 474, which exempts hurricane-ravaged areas.

On land use and future planning, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, changing the designation for approximately 286 acres of land currently occupied by the Craggy Correctional Facility from Heavy Industrial to Cluster Residential. This change aligns with current land use and signals the town's vision for future development, though it does not guarantee specific outcomes. The council also approved a rezoning request for 1.68 acres at 7 & 23 Second Avenue, allowing an existing mobile home park to be officially recognized and potentially expanded.

Looking ahead, the council established several follow-up actions. A special meeting is scheduled for June 30th to finalize the budget ordinance and tax rate. Town staff are tasked with responding to the Hazard Mitigation Grant RFI within a week, advertising for a Public Works Department vacancy, and scheduling a broader community meeting for the Climate Smart Communities Initiative. Staff will also research cost-sharing practices for traffic calming measures and meet individually with council members to discuss land use designations for the Craggy property. The compassionate code enforcement program will continue, with efforts to explore further partnerships with local organizations.