Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hendersonville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues in general
Board and Committee Appointments
The board debated compensating members of decision-making boards that require state-mandated training, such as the Board of Zoning Appeals, ultimately withdrawing the ordinance after amending it to tie payments strictly to training rather than monthly stipends.
Creekwood Marina Property Quick Claim Deed
Two small tracts near Creekwood Marina have unclear ownership dating back decades — possibly predating the city. The quitclaim deed simply states the city doesn't own them so a private sale can close.
Limb Collection Service Improvements
Staff proposed bigger bins, single-operator trucks, and surge tools to speed up and make consistent the city's limb pickup — the top complaint aldermen hear from residents. It costs about $55,000 a year more over five years.
Codes Enforcement and Property Maintenance
Hendersonville is developing a pilot program that offers incentives and waived fees to property owners willing to tear down vacant, blighted buildings after allowing police and fire crews to use them for tactical training.
Data Center Zoning Regulations
Planning Commission members and residents urged the board to strengthen proposed data center zoning by expanding property setbacks and establishing strict noise decibel limits.
Retiree Health Benefits
City employees hired before June 30, 2008, receive subsidized retiree healthcare, while those hired after do not. A retiring employee spoke out about significant premium spikes upon retirement, prompting a committee discussion on the city's OPEB liability exceeding $2 million.
Infrastructure Litigation
Hendersonville is suing a local developer to force them to finish fixing roads and utilities at the Eagle View subdivision. It's all about making sure builders—not local taxpayers—pay to finish incomplete neighborhoods.
Bradford-Berry House Restoration and Preservation Partnership
The city is partnering with the Bradford-Berry Preservation Society and adding informational signs to help residents learn more about the historic home behind Jim 'N Nicks.
City Drainage Issues and Engineering Compliance
Residents from Trucord Drive and Vulco Drive spoke about severe flooding and requested city help to clear blocked drainage ditches. Public Works staff agreed to inspect the area and report back.
Urban Deer Management and Annual Survey
The Deer Committee presented its annual aerial survey results, showing stabilizing deer populations on major peninsulas while Country Hills remains a high-density hotspot, and announced an upcoming educational workshop.
State of the City address
Mayor Jamie Clary is dropping Hendersonville's 2026 State of the City address on May 5, where he'll lay out the city's upcoming game plan and future priorities. Tune in to see what's next for our town's growth and local projects.
Burn Ban
Hendersonville just slapped an immediate ban on all outdoor burning because it's too dry out, so hold off on those backyard fires. Until Mother Nature brings some rain, you'll have to put your fire pit plans on hold.
Infrastructure Protection
Elon Musk's Boring Company is partnering with Hendersonville to tunnel underground and protect local power lines, which means you might see some construction in your neighborhood soon. This futuristic fix aims to keep the lights on by moving vulnerable utility lines safely beneath the surface.
Landlord Registry
Hendersonville is throwing its support behind a new state bill that would allow the city to launch a local landlord registry. If it passes, local officials will finally have a way to track rental housing and keep landlords accountable for property conditions.
Establishment of Residential Impact Fees
The city adopted residential impact fees for roads and parks at $6,000 for single-family homes and $5,500 for multifamily units to help fund infrastructure growth. Developers and builders voiced concerns over housing affordability, while supporters argued new development should help cover its impact on public infrastructure.
City Attorney Appointment
Hendersonville just officially locked in Lance Wray as the city's permanent top lawyer. He'll be steering the legal ship for all city operations moving forward.
Short-term Rentals
Hendersonville is dealing with a surge of illegal short-term rentals and city leaders are scrambling to figure out how to shut them down. If you live next door to an unregulated party house, you know the headache—now the city wants to put a stop to it.
Recycling Program Cancellation
Hendersonville is officially canning its two-year recycling pilot program, meaning residents will need to figure out alternative ways to ditch their paper and plastics. If you've been relying on the city's pilot pickup, you'll now have to sort out private hauling or local drop-off options.