The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) brought Hendersonville’s mayoral candidates together Sept. 29 for a conversation about housing affordability, infrastructure, and the future of growth in the community.
Held at Oklawaha Brewing Company in downtown Hendersonville, the town hall featured City Council member Jennifer Hensley and former City Council member Jerry Smith. Questions focused on how the city can create more housing opportunities while protecting farmland, maintaining neighborhood character, and keeping public services in step with growth.
“Housing affordability is shaped by a lot of decisions, from what zoning allows to how long approvals take and where infrastructure is available,” said Megan Carroll, BABRM Executive Officer. “This forum gave our members an opportunity to hear how each candidate would approach those decisions and plan for Hendersonville’s future.”
Both candidates recognized the need for more housing and discussed ways to accommodate growth within the city. Smith emphasized the value of greater density in supporting a vibrant community and reducing sprawl. Hensley highlighted the value of building where water, sewer, and other infrastructure already exist, while considering how outward expansion could affect surrounding farmland.
The questions also addressed recent zoning changes allowing more housing options, including accessory dwelling units and homes on adjoining “flag” lots. Candidates were asked to consider what additional changes could help create more homes for sale at attainable prices.
Other topics included:
- The cost of building: Which regulations, permitting requirements, fees, and approval processes could be reviewed to help reduce housing costs?
- Infrastructure and funding: How can the city meet growing demand for public services and fund improvements without increasing property taxes?
- Growth beyond city limits: What role should Hendersonville play in extending water and sewer service or facilitating development in surrounding areas?
- Farmland preservation: How can the city and county balance the need for housing with the protection of farmland and open spaces?
- Regional collaboration: Where can city, county, and regional partners work together on housing, transportation, and economic development?
- Helene recovery: What should Hendersonville prioritize as the community continues its long-term recovery?
Candidates also discussed the city’s data center moratorium and the principles that would guide their decisions when affordability, property rights, infrastructure, and community character present competing priorities.
“Our members see how these decisions affect the homes that get built and the people who can afford them,” Carroll said. “We appreciate both candidates taking the time to discuss how Hendersonville can meet its housing needs while preserving the qualities that make it a place people want to call home.”
The Hendersonville event followed BABRM’s Sept. 16 mayoral town hall in Asheville, continuing the association’s efforts to encourage informed conversations about housing across Western North Carolina.
