Bluffs Not On Agenda, But Here’s What Was - TribPapers
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Bluffs Not On Agenda, But Here’s What Was

About 50 people stood outside the Woodfin Town Hall to protest The Bluffs development during their February meeting.

Woodfinn – While commissioners of the Town of Woodfin were meeting inside town hall, outside, more than 50 people were holding signs and voicing their opposition to a 1,500-unit project known as The Bluffs.

The Bluffs project was nowhere to be found on the meeting agenda, but several remarks were taken on the issue during public comment. For 15 minutes, emailed statements were read into the record about the project, none of which were in favor of the project. Commissioners were given all emailed comments even if they were not read out loud during the comment period.

What was on the board’s agenda was a presentation for Woodfin Police Sgt. Jonathan Ammons naming him 2020 officer of the year. Ammons was presented a plaque and then addressed the board (see story page 7). 

The first action/discussion item was a public hearing on an agreement between the town and the Town of Weaverville on a five-year annexation agreement. Commissioner Don Hensley asked how the agreement differed from the old. Town Administrator Eric Hardy said the only difference is in the duration of the agreement, five years instead of six, and the area map. Weaverville had already scheduled a vote at their next meeting. 

Next was a public hearing on a satellite annexation of 100 acres on Elk Mountain Scenic Hwy, known as Sourwood Land Holdings LLC. Hardy said the town does not have to provide any services except for zoning and code enforcement and police, since it was a commercial operation. The main reason the owner wants the annexation is for alcohol sales, as this is a venue. 

Commissioner Don Honeycutt asked about driving distance to the property and was told two miles from the town direct, but he said it was about eight minutes of driving time. He also asked if the annexation would require another police officer. 

“That’s a great question,” said Hardy. Hensley asked what the tax value on the property and was told about $2.779 million. No one spoke at the public hearing and the board voted to place the annexation question on the March 2nd budget workshop meeting.

The board then voted to make the town director the deputy town clerk and the town planner the zoning administrator/subdivision administrator. Then, they voted to create a parks and greenways advisory committee consisting of three citizens. The town is taking applications for these seats. The board then heard reports from department heads and adjourned to go into executive session.