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Chip Parton for Woodfin

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BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER

Woodfin, North Carolina, is a town of 8,000 residents living in both rural and developed neighborhoods, from mobile homes to high-end houses. The French Broad River flows right through its middle. I am committed to serving all of our neighbors on both sides of the river.

Clean water and mountainsides are our most important assets and must be protected.

New families. Vibrant economy. Putting down roots.

As a member of Woodfin Town Council, I pledge transparency, honesty, and integrity.

— Chip
More about Chip Parton >

Contents

WOODFIN DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE HEALTHY NOT HEFTY

  • What does a modern, sustainable Woodfin look like? I believe it begins with owning a home. The key here is to attract buyers, especially first-time home buyers — new families — to put down roots in Woodfin.
  • What can we do as a community to encourage new owners, especially first-time home buyers? Let’s build homes that cost less, can grow as families grow, and maintain a green space befitting of Woodfin’s natural beauty.
  • The future of Woodfin is in its longterm community.
  • The first step is to balance lot sizes and home sizes. Let’s ensure new lots have enough room to allow for structural expansion while maintaining a healthy yard or green area on the property.
  • The Altura project off Goodman Rd. is a prime example for revision. A modest home with a smaller footprint on a larger lot will be more affordable. It will reduce the total number of homes in a given area and ease overcrowding and traffic.
  • By constructing homes with future expansion in mind, homeowners can maintain their equity, expand their homes as their families grow, and put down roots as part of a vibrant economic community in Woodfin.
  • Let’s promote healthy infill of new housing by building homes on single lots in existing neighborhoods.
  • If you establish a longterm community, economic opportunities will follow.
  • Require Short Term Rentals (STRs) to maintain an owner or manager to be on-site within 60 minutes to address property issues.

THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER

  • Clean water is one of our most important assets and must be protected.
  • Ensure the safety of the French Broad River from E. coli by tackling the largest cause of contamination: failed septic systems.
  • Establish a Woodfin-based liasion or ombudsman between residents and Buncombe County Environmental Health, as part of Woodfin Expanded Services (WES). Our goal will be to provide residents with answers: on whom to call when issues arise; when, where, and how is water quality testing conducted; and what resources and funding are available to repair failing septic systems, an often neglected issue.
  • Continue and monitor the robust removal of organic and human-made debris from Hurricane Helene.
  • Minimize runoff debris and erosion by fortifying the riverbanks of the French Broad River and the streambanks that flow into it. Let’s prepare our waterways for future hurricanes.

Energy & Environment: If the world knows Woodfin is ready to change, they will help us make those changes

  • Reducing our carbon footprint begins with the Town of Woodfin itself. I will propose ongoing workshop sessions and small talks to keep our council and staff informed of current climate issues. We’ll discuss ideas on how to address those issues, from a mindful approach of our personal actions to looking into bigger ideas such as protecting our tree canopies and replacing petroleum-based vehicles with electric and hybrid. An empowered staff can then share our knowledge with the public. These efforts can attract state, federal, and non-profit funding. If the world knows we are ready to change, they will help us make those changes.
  • I support solar panels and farms especially on government buildings and property. Additionally, in light of Hurricane Helene, let’s establish a Woodfin Plan of Action (WPA) to incorporate portable solar and backup battery systems to provide power during those crucial gaps of outages.
  • Let’s establish a plan to replace petroleum-based vehicles with electric and hybrid vehicles moving forward. I would also love to see an implementation of biodiesel in all public work vehicles and ensure all new diesel equipment has a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system which reduces greenhouse gases.
  • Woodfin’s facilities need modernization, not just a simple cosmetic or functional face-lift. Efficient windows, vapor barriers, insulation, heat pump HVAC system, and high efficiency water heaters such as heat pump electric or condensing gas tankless unit are vital in reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Additionally, let’s install light-colored metal roofing to reduce heat absorption and increase efficiency of indoor climate systems.

WOODFIN EXPANDED SERVICES (WES)

  • Let’s establish expanded in-house services for Woodfin so that residents have a one-stop shop to answer all of their questions.
  • Services include water quality and septic issues, building inspections, plan review, and future development.
  • Currently new development requires review by Woodfin Planning and Zoning followed by another review by Buncombe County. Let’s streamline the system and reduce costs by establishing our own building inspection and permitting process.
  • Establish a Woodfin-based liasion or ombudsman between residents and Buncombe County Environmental Health to address failing septic systems.
  • Our goal will be to provide residents with answers: on whom to call when issues arise; when, where, and how issues can be resolved; and what resources and funding are available.
  • Can it be done? The Town of Black Mountain already has similar services in place.

Energy & Environment: Fire Hydrants and Water Lines

  • Natural disaster from fire and flooding — as seen during Hurricane Helene — are very real, destructive threats to our natural landscapes and private property.
  • In my area, which is largely rural, fire hydrants are rare to non-existent. Some parts of the system are almost a century old. As climate change creates longer and drier conditions, will our fire departments and water system be able to address major fires quickly and safely?
  • In the age of increased threats of wildfires, let’s expand our fire hydrants and water system.
  • Let’s work with Woodfin Water District and secure state and federal grants to install and expand our water lines and fire hydrants.
  • Let’s establish a new Woodfin EMS, fire, police, and community outpost on the western side of the town.
  • Improving our infrastructure will also improve our fire department safety ratings reducing our commercial insurance rates, saving money for our town, and incentivizing economic investment.
  • I am proud to serve on the Town of Woodfin Water Infrastructure Taskforce to address the needs of residents without access to public water utilities.

A living wage

  • I pledge to support a living wage.
  • Public sector workers are critical to the success of government, handling both day-to-day functions and the on-the-ground implementation of policy. Yet their contributions go either unnoticed or unappreciated as seen by their low, often stagnating salaries.
  • At this time of skyrocketing housing costs and inflationary pressures, many employees are now facing the difficult decision between serving their communities or shifting to the private sector to afford being able to live.
  • A full-time working person should — at a minimum — be able to afford a basic standard of living within their own community without experiencing personal financial fragility and the mental and physical health impacts that come along with it.
  • Local governments must lead by their values in working to solve this critical problem.

Town of Woodfin Water Infrastructure Taskforce

  • I am proud to serve on the Town of Woodfin Water Infrastructure Taskforce to address the needs of residents without access to public water utilities.
  • Our goal is to conduct and complete an up-to-date survey of Woodfin’s western residents without access to Woodfin Water District nor Asheville’s Water Resources Department. These residents typically must utilize wells as their only option.
  • The survey will be used to secure grants and funding to expand our water system.

Energy & Environment: Development

  • Environmental issues have always been a part of my life. The conservation of our verdant spaces is important to me. Woodfin is my home. I was born and raised here. I’ve spent my entire life immersing myself in the natural beauty of Western North Carolina.
  • As a plumber and small business owner in the construction industry, with direct experience with both responsible and irresponsible development, I believe I am uniquely qualified in making the right choices for Woodfin’s future.
  • For decades, Woodfin was a playground for excessive development resulting in irresponsible growth, extreme proposals such as the Bluffs, and ridiculous mountaintop Airbnbs. I am in favor of the current zoning and development parameters, the Woodfin Together plan, and steep slope ordinances, and would like to examine a pathway to sustainable, long-lasting, well-built, affordable housing benefitting our economy.
  • Many of our roads are maintained by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Excessive development can cause traffic congestion, a greater number of accidents, and increased wear and tear to our infrastructure. Minimizing runoff debris by enacting better retention and erosion methods will reduce damage to our roads. Proposals by developers must include up-to-date impact studies by independent third parties.
  • Woodfin can improve water quality by tackling the largest cause of contamination: failed septic systems. Let’s establish a more robust development services in Woodfin, including a liasion or ombudsman between residents and Buncombe County Environmental Health.
  • Our goal should be to provide residents with answers: on whom to call when issues arise; when, where, and how is water quality testing conducted; and what resources and funding are available to repair failing septic systems, an often neglected issue. Let’s establish an in-house approach — a one-stop shop for Woodfin — to address water quality, building inspections, plan review, and future development.
  • Retention and passive drainage are critical components of modern development. The burden of mitigating runoff should be placed on developers. Developers should plan for the first 1.5” inches of rainfall in any new construction. I would also like to see active soil retention in high risk areas, as well as on non-paved driveways. I support the application of systems like GeoGrid, an erosion mitigation tool.
  • This will also assist with the Department of Transportation (DOT) maintenance of Woodfin’s roads by minimizing runoff debris. High risk areas may also need case-by-case scrutiny to ensure proper drainage and erosion control, including exploring financial retainage options to ensure things remain in working order for a minimum amount of time after the last house is sold and the developer no longer has a financial interest in the property.

HURRICANE HELENE

  • During Hurricane Helene, I was on the ground clearing roads and fallen trees, and assisted with emergency relief to provide water, supplies, and propane for generators. I helped maintain communication between the town and its residents, and worked with the Family Assistance Center at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds.
  • Establish a new Woodfin EMS, fire, police, and community outpost on the western side of the town. The outpost will be equipped with 24/7 high speed internet for public use with backup generators and batteries, solar, and satellite access, and dedicated GMRS mobile radios and repeaters for direct communication with Woodfin Town Hall and Buncombe Co. Emergency Services.
  • Additionally the new outpost will house community resources: as a pickup and dropoff point for emergency supplies, food, water, and first aid; and composting, trash, and recycling bins.
  • Establish a network of resiliency hubs with emergency supplies and resources at Woodfin facilities, fire stations, outposts, and churches.
  • Utilize a Meshtastic network of small devices to maintain communication of updates and sensor data. This network relies on low-powered radio signals and does not need internet nor phone lines to operate.
  • Let’s establish a Woodfin Plan of Action (WPA) to prepare ourselves for the next hurricane.

WOODFIN PLAN OF ACTION (WPA)

  • Establish a rapid response, comprehensive emergency plan of action for natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene.
  • Establish resiliency hubs with 24/7 high speed internet at Woodfin facilities, fire stations, outposts, and churches, with backup generators and batteries, solar, and satellite access in case of outages and natural disaster.
  • Utilize dedicated GMRS mobile radios and repeaters for locations throughout Woodfin to establish direct communication with Woodfin Town Hall and Buncombe Co. Emergency Services.
  • Utilize a Meshtastic network of small devices to maintain communication of updates and sensor data. This network relies on low-powered radio signals and does not need internet nor phone lines to operate.
  • Establish a network of emergency supplies, food, water, and first aid within close proximity to every Woodfin resident.
  • Publish an up-to-date list of resiliency hubs and resources for Woodfin residents.
  • Codify a system of alerts and warnings ahead of natural disasters.
  • Connect to county and state emergency resources.

WOODFIN ON WHEELS (WOW)

  • Establish a low-cost rideshare program using electric or hybrid vehicles. Woodfin residents will be able to order rides through a website or by phone.
  • Residents can order rides to main thoroughfares such as New Leicester Hwy. and Merrimon Ave., and shopping destinations like Ingles and CVS.
  • Residents will be able to connect to Ashevile bus and transit to extend their destinations such as the airport.
  • Can it be done? The City of Wilson, North Carolina, has established a successful on-demand, micro transit service.

CRAGGY BRIDGE

  • Decades ago, a main water pipe burst under the Craggy Bridge and was never repaired. This pipe connected our reservoir water from Reems Creek to residents on the western side of the French Broad River. This pipe is maintained by the Woodfin Water District, an entity separate of the Town of Woodfin.
  • Since then, Woodfin residents on the western side of the river must purchase water from the City of Asheville through the Woodfin Water District. Those residents pay a premium for this water.
  • There are essentially two water rates for Woodfin: those that receive water from our reservoir in Reems Creek and those that receive water from Asheville.
  • The Craggy Bridge is set to be rebuilt by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT is mandated to replace infrastructure as it exists today. If we reconnect the broken water pipe, the DOT must build a new bridge with a new pipe and bring everything up to modern standards.
  • We have an opportunity to reconnect our water to Woodfin’s western residents.
  • Let’s work with the Woodfin Water District to explore our options so that all of Woodfin’s residents — on both sides of the river — benefit from clean, affordable water.
  • Additionally, let’s explore a roundabout, or traffic circle, to improve traffic congestion at Craggy Bridge and Riverside Dr. especially during morning and afternoon rush hour.

BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER: ADDRESSING ANNEXATION

  • All of our neighbors, from rural to developed neighborhoods, from mobile homes to high-end houses, deserve a voice at the table, and I am committed to serving all of our neighbors on both sides of the river.
  • Let’s explore public and private partnerships, and state and federal funding, to modernize Woodfin and expand services to both sides of the river.

“Much of the town’s west side has neither [water nor sewer services], instead relying on private wells and septic systems.”

BPR News
March 6, 2024

https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-03-06/hundreds-of-woodfins-west-side-residents-seek-to-de-annex-from-the-town

THE SIERRA CLUB OF WNC

Logo of the Sierra Club Endorsement Seal
Chip Parton looks to the side on his farm in Woodfin. Chip's issues include healthy not hefty development, respecting our environment, and services for all people on both sides of the French Broad River.

The Missing Mile

  • It's time to finish the Wilma Dykeman Greenway between Woodfin and Asheville, connecting Reynolds Mountain to the River Arts District.

1Gbps High Speed Internet Town

  • Access to the internet is a crucial part of our workforce economy and daily life.
  • Let’s encourage access to high speed internet through existing infrastructure, and explore fiber and satellite options with a goal of 1Gbps for all of Woodfin.
  • Establish resiliency hubs with 24/7 high speed internet at Woodfin facilities, fire stations, outposts, and churches, with backup generators, solar, and satellite access in case of outages and natural disaster.