Board of Commissioners Recap: Aug. 18, 2026

At its Aug. 18 regular meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved several actions aimed at expanding indoor recreation opportunities and support for Lennie’s Law. The Board conducted three public hearings for zoning amendments, state funding, and economic incentives. Commissioners also voted to support economic development for Southeastern Container’s planned expansion. Additionally, Commissioners forwarded an official Letter of Support for the Certificate of Need application filed by UNC Health West Medical Center.

Future Buncombe County Sports Park Indoor Recreation Center Design Contract Approved

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution for a design contract totaling $1,599,220 with Method Studio for a first-of-its-kind County indoor recreation facility. General Services Project Manager Ronnie Lunsford shared early design concepts for a proposed indoor recreation facility at the Buncombe County Sports Park (BCSP). The need for an indoor space was born out of the Comprehensive Facility Plan (CFP), the Parks and Recreation Master Plan feedback, and the FY27 Capital Improvement Plan. The proposed site would be near the intersection of Sand Hill School Road and Apac Drive, adjacent to the dog park and community garden.

The indoor recreation space’s proposed amenities include basketball and volleyball courts, locker rooms, a catering kitchen, multipurpose spaces suitable for hosting community events or polling sites, conference rooms, and office space for Parks & Recreation staff. This design concept could also allow for additional entrances or exits from the park, relieving some traffic burden during busy periods. With the addition of an indoor recreation space, the park could also expand its ability to support community emergency operations and response. Lunsford shared that this design concept would also adhere to the high-performance building standards including efficiency standards and solar power. The design contract scope includes programming and concept design with cost modeling, schematic design, construction documents, permitting reviews, bidding, and construction administration.

Learn more about the proposed Indoor Recreation Center.

Read the Method Studio Design Contract.

Public Hearing for CDBG-DR Community Infrastructure Project Applications

Commissioners held a public hearing on the state’s competitive Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Community Infrastructure funding application. This first funding round makes approximately $55 million available statewide, with individual projects capped at $15 million. Three potential projects aim to address unmet needs after Helene including parks recovery projects, infrastructure on the County-owned Ferry Road Affordable Housing site, and resiliency projects at critical county facilities focused on power redundancy. The Helene Recovery Plan outlined the need to recover parks, build more affordable housing, and invest in resiliency measures and preparedness. Eight residents offered comments during the public hearing.

The public comment period will remain open through Aug. 28 to gather feedback before final applications are due Sep. 16. Public comment can be shared with the Helene Recovery Office by email at [email protected], by phone at 828-250-6100, or in writing to the attention of the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Office at 200 College St., Asheville, NC 28801. Include “Community Infrastructure Comment” the email subject line. Any comments submitted are official public record.

Following state review, selected projects will enter additional phases, including environmental review and compliance steps. For more information and to follow ongoing updates, visit the Helene Recovery webpage.

Read the CDBGDR Community Infrastructure Presentation.

Economic Development Incentives Approved for Southeastern Container Expansion

After opening a public hearing, Commissioners approved an $85,000 economic development incentive and budget for local employer Southeastern Container. The manufacturer can claim $185,000 in total incentives, including the previously awarded $100,000 NC Commerce Building Reuse grant. The incentive has a six-year term and payouts are based on a pay-for-performance model based on actual job creation and investment schedule. Southeastern Container, an advanced manufacturer located in the Enka Commerce Park, announced in February that it will expand its facility with a $31 million investment and 12 new full-time jobs with an average wage of $32.90 per hour. Josh Hallingse, Buncombe County Intergovernmental Relations Director, shared how the economic incentive aligns with Buncombe County 2030 Strategic Plan goals for increasing average wages and total employment. No community members provided comment during the public hearing.

Commissioners Sign Letter of Support for UNC Health Hospital

Commissioners signaled their strong support for the Certificate of Need application filed by UNC Health West Medical Center to develop a new 92-bed acute care hospital on the western side of Asheville. The proposed site located west of the French Broad River near the interstate interchange is positioned to serve as a point of entry for patients traveling into Buncombe County from Clay, Graham, Madison, and Yancey Counties. The letter emphasizes the need for a well-distributed network of accessible emergency and inpatient care throughout Buncombe County in the aftermath of Helene.

Read the Letter of Support.

Board of Commissioners Expresses Support for Lennie’s Law

The Board of Commissioners expressed support for the Leonard Antonelli and Jacob Hill Bicycle Safety Zone Act of 2025 (“Lennie’s Law”). The proposed law was created in response to a tragic 2025 crash that killed two cyclists and injured another. The resolution highlights the region’s high rate of bicycle-related crashes and emphasizes the need for enhanced roadway safety. It supports establishing Bicycle Safety Zones, implementing traffic-calming measures, and collaborating with NC Department of Transportation, the French Broad Metropolitan Planning Organization, and local municipalities to improve safety along NC Scenic Byway 251 and other key corridors. Additionally, the resolution honors the victims and underscores the community’s commitment to preventing future tragedies. Commissioner Drew Ball read the resolution and thanked the many community members that advocated in support the law during public comment.

Read the Resolution to Support Lennie’s Law.

Zoning Map Amendment KOA Campground on US 70

The Board voted to approve a zoning text amendment for the Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) properties at the KOA campground on US 70 in Swannanoa, moving the zoning from Commercial to R-3 Residential. The property is currently used as a recreation vehicle park with cottages and camping available with a vacant commercial space. This zoning change would allow for more residential uses like mobile homes and RV parks. Buncombe County Planner Shannon Capezzali explained how the zoning change is consistent with the Buncombe County 2043 Comprehensive Plan. During the public hearing, one community member offered comment on the rezoning proposal.

See the Zoning Amendment Presentation.

Good News: Elevate Buncombe Awards Honor 13 County Employees

Buncombe County’s new employee recognition program designed to celebrate the incredible contributions our employees make every day. Built with feedback from departments across the County, the program aims to strengthen the County’s commitment to living the core values while creating more ways to highlight exceptional work throughout the year. Elevate Buncombe is designed with a two-tiered structure, featuring both quarterly awards and a distinguished annual award. Fifty-nine nominations were received, and 13 employee winners were recognized including Rocio Borghini (Human Resources), Tom Braine (Information Technology), Robert Brown (General Services), Lauren Couch (Health & Human Services), Matt Evans (Finance), Tracie Franklin (Health & Human Services), Sergeant Bryan Freeborn (Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office), Kelly Houston (Risk & Compliance), Neggy Rodriguez-Fox (Election Services), Felissa Vazquez (Health & Human Services), Jen Waite (Libraries), Conner White (Recreation Services), and Jack Wright (General Services).

Strategic Partnership Grants Committee Members Share Annual Update

Members of the Strategic Partnership Grants Committee shared an overview of the work of the board and their mission to grant funding to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with Buncombe County’s Strategic Plan and Helene recovery priorities. The board oversees a budget of $1 million in projects and each project can apply for up to $85,000 in funding. Sixteen projects received funding in environmental, community health, education, and economic development focus areas. The Strategic Partnership Grants Committee has current vacancies and is currently accepting applications.

View the Strategic Partnership Grants Committee presentation.

To view agenda items, presentations, and more, go to www.buncombenc.gov/commissioners. All meetings of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are streamed live at www.facebook.com/buncombegov. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on Sept. 1, 2026.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.