Helene Recovery Funds, KOA Rezoning and Economic Development Top Buncombe County Agenda

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Buncombe County commissioners are set to consider several issues Tuesday that could have an impact on disaster recovery, future development, economic growth and recreation in the county.

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, with several public hearings and new business items on the agenda.

Helene Recovery Funding

One of the biggest items involves disaster-recovery funding following Hurricane Helene.

Commissioners will hold the first of two required public hearings regarding the county's application process for Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for community infrastructure.

The county has not yet identified specific infrastructure projects it plans to pursue with the funding, making Tuesday's public hearing an opportunity for residents to learn more and provide input.

KOA Requests Rezoning Along U.S. 70

Commissioners will also hear a rezoning request from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) involving approximately 6.77 acres along U.S. 70.

KOA is asking the county to change the zoning from CS Commercial to R-3 Residential. County planning staff and the Planning Board have recommended approval, saying the request is consistent with the county's long-term comprehensive plan.

The proposed change would not increase the maximum residential density, which remains at 12 dwelling units per acre. However, it would change the types of development that could take place on the property.

Under the proposed residential zoning, uses could include manufactured homes, manufactured home parks, travel trailers and travel trailer parks. Several commercial uses currently allowed under the existing zoning would no longer be permitted.

The proposed zoning would also reduce the maximum building height from 50 feet to 35 feet.

Commissioners can approve the request, approve part of it or deny it.

Southeastern Container Plans $31.3 Million Expansion

Another major economic-development item involves Southeastern Container, which is planning a $31.3 million expansion at its existing Enka facility.

According to county documents, the project is expected to create 12 full-time jobs, with an average wage of approximately $32.90 per hour.

The county is considering up to $85,000 in local incentives, while a state Building Reuse grant could bring the total combined state and county incentives to as much as $185,000.

The incentives would be tied to the company's investment and job-creation goals.

$1.6 Million Indoor Recreation Center Design Contract

Commissioners are also being asked to approve a nearly $1.6 million design contract for a new indoor recreation center at the Buncombe County Sports Park.

The proposed $1.599 million contract with Method Studio would cover everything from initial space planning and design through construction documents, cost estimates, bidding and construction administration.

County officials say the contract falls within the project's existing budget and does not require additional funding.

Bicycle Safety Legislation Also on Agenda

Commissioner Drew Ball is sponsoring a resolution supporting the Leonard Antonelli and Jacob Hill Bicycle Safety Zone Act of 2025, also known as Lennie's Law.

The legislation was created following a 2025 crash that killed two cyclists and injured another.

The county resolution supports bicycle safety zones, traffic-calming measures and coordination with NCDOT and local governments to improve bicycle safety along N.C. 251 and other major corridors.

Fireworks Displays

Commissioners will also consider approval of pyrotechnics experts for three upcoming fireworks displays:

• Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain — Oct. 3

• Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain — Oct. 10

• Biltmore Estate in Asheville — Oct. 24

The county fire marshal has reviewed the applications and determined they meet state requirements.

Public Input Tuesday

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. Several items on the agenda include public hearings, giving residents an opportunity to comment before commissioners take action.

The Helene recovery funding process, KOA rezoning request and Southeastern Container expansion are among the items likely to receive the most attention because of their potential impact on disaster recovery, future development and economic investment in Buncombe County.