2026.07.08 PACE Committee Meeting

Woodfin PACE Committee Meeting Recap: July 8, 2026

On July 8th, 2026, the Woodfin PACE Committee convened to discuss a wide range of community improvement projects and policy updates. The meeting, attended by existing committee members with ongoing efforts to fill two remaining positions on the seven-member board, covered topics from local gardening initiatives to regional bicycle safety and stormwater management. This recap provides a clear overview of the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for Woodfin residents.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on ongoing projects and initiatives. The Community Garden continues to thrive, with Saturday workdays proving popular and potential partnerships being explored with the YMCA's mobile market to donate cut flowers. Discussions surrounding "Lenny’s Law," a bicycle safety initiative, highlighted the committee's commitment to advocating for similar resolutions in neighboring towns like Weaverville and exploring interim signage solutions. The committee also received updates on the Silverland Park construction, currently slated for completion in late August/early September, and the Taylor’s Wave development, which is facing safety concerns regarding construction materials in the riverbed. Addressing these concerns, Riley will return on Monday to discuss a plan for removing materials from the riverbed. Finally, preliminary plans for Riverside Park improvements were discussed in conjunction with upcoming NCDOT bridge replacement work, aiming to incorporate Cherokee language and cultural elements into signage.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The committee unanimously approved both the agenda and minutes from their previous meeting on May 13th, demonstrating a commitment to efficient governance. Regarding policy updates, the Special Events Policy was confirmed as passed by Town Council, and revisions to the Traffic Calming policy are underway based on feedback received. A notable discussion centered around the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer) program, requiring community engagement efforts to comply with state and federal regulations. The committee agreed on a plan that includes participation in the Woodfin 5K, organizing a park and river bank cleanup day along the French Broad, and exploring volunteer opportunities for creek restoration and invasive species removal.

While no formal public comments were received, residents did engage in brief discussions about neighborhood kudzu management and shared memories of the Elk Mountain Road community space. A resident also voiced concerns about safety at Taylor’s Wave due to construction materials in the riverbed, prompting a commitment from Riley to address the issue.

Looking ahead, several key action items will shape Woodfin’s progress in the coming months. The committee will continue its recruitment efforts to fill the remaining board positions, with Town Council scheduled to conduct interviews at their next meeting. Staff will continue refining the Traffic Calming policy, and efforts to advocate for Lenny’s Law in neighboring communities will continue. Residents interested in learning more about the Community Garden are encouraged to inquire about scheduling a tour for all committee members. Finally, residents can expect to see increased community engagement activities related to stormwater management, including opportunities to volunteer in creek cleanups and invasive species removal projects.

This meeting demonstrated the Woodfin PACE Committee's dedication to improving quality of life for residents through proactive planning, community engagement, and advocacy. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing initiatives and participate in upcoming opportunities to contribute to Woodfin's continued growth and development.