2026.09.15 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Recap: September 15, 2026 Budget Worksession

The Woodfin Town Council held a comprehensive worksession on September 15, 2026, focusing heavily on the Metropolitan Sewerage District (MSD) and addressing local development and public safety concerns. This session provided valuable insight into upcoming projects, potential challenges, and the Council's ongoing efforts to improve Woodfin for its residents. The meeting included introductions of new personnel, recognition of town achievements, and appointments to key boards.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Tom Hardy, Executive Director of the MSD. The Council received an overview of the district’s history, infrastructure, and ambitious $795 million Capital Improvement Program planned over the next decade. This program will primarily focus on upgrading the regional treatment plant, ensuring Woodfin residents continue to receive reliable and efficient sewer services. Specific projects impacting Woodfin include improvements along Parkwood Avenue, Riverside Drive, Elkwood and Norman Austin Drive, Middle Beaver Dam Creek, and Elk Park Drive. Discussions also centered on the MSD’s financial stability, highlighted by a planned $120 million bond issuance in October, which reflects the district’s AAA rating. A particularly complex topic was the appraisal and potential removal of the hydroelectric dam, a project requiring close collaboration with American Rivers. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on the interceptor system if the dam is removed, and this will remain a key focus moving forward.

Beyond the MSD update, the Council addressed several development and zoning matters. A rezoning request on Weaverville Road/Baird Cove Road, seeking to change approximately half an acre from "Community Shopping" to "Commercial Zoning 2," was continued until the October meeting. This decision allows time for the applicant to respond and for residents to further voice their concerns, particularly regarding driveway placement on Silver Terrace. The Council explored potential solutions like shared driveways and the designation of a "flagpole lot," demonstrating their commitment to finding compromises that balance development with resident needs. A key point of discussion was the need for buffering between commercial and residential zones, clarifying that such requirements only apply when zoning districts are dissimilar.

Public safety was another important topic, with a resident raising concerns about the lack of sidewalks along Weaverville Highway. The Council acknowledged increased traffic congestion due to reduced speed limits and rerouted traffic, prompting a discussion about potentially prohibiting parking on Baird Cove Road. Staff was tasked with researching the feasibility of requiring sidewalk construction in future development projects along Weaverville Highway, a potential long-term solution to pedestrian safety concerns.

The Council concluded the session by recognizing Woodfin's recent achievements, including an Excellence in Management and Peak Performance Award for the treatment plant and a National Achievement Award for the incinerator emissions upgrade. Melanie Petrolo was also unanimously appointed to the Planning Board of Adjustments, adding valuable expertise to that vital board.

Looking Ahead: Several key action items emerged from the meeting: ongoing MSD capital improvement projects will continue as planned; residents seeking assistance with sewer line rehabilitation or experiencing septic tank failures should follow established procedures. The Council will continue working with American Rivers and an appraiser on the hydroelectric dam assessment, and a vote on the bond resolution is scheduled for a future meeting. Residents of Silver Terrace can expect follow-up from Council members regarding potential rezoning options, while staff will investigate sidewalk requirements for future development. Finally, the MSD is expected to provide further information regarding an unspecified individual, details of which will be shared at a later date. Residents are encouraged to attend the October Town Council meeting for updates on these ongoing matters and further discussion of the Weaverville Road/Baird Cove Road rezoning request.