Hendersonville council initiates $10M transportation bond and asks DOT to lower speeds near Acousta Trail

The Hendersonville City Council on Oct. 2 approved initial steps to pursue a $10 million general obligation bond referendum to fund transportation projects including sidewalks, ADA upgrades, curbs, drainage, complete‑streets work and street repairs.

City staff said the action begins a multi‑step process: publish notice of intent Oct. 7, file an application with the Local Government Commission in mid‑October, introduce the bond order in November, hold a public hearing Dec. 4 and set the referendum for March 3, 2026. Staff emphasized that adopting the resolutions does not issue debt but begins the formal approval process.

In related transportation business, staff asked council to adopt a resolution requesting NCDOT reduce the posted speed limit through sections of Church Street and King Street near the Acousta Trail crossings from 35 to 20 mph, to replace signs, and to correct DOT mapping records that show inconsistent speed designations. Public works staff described upcoming striping, flexible delineators and pavement markings intended to slow drivers at trail crossings but said coordination with DOT paving schedules has delayed some striping work.

Council voted to approve the bond steps and to send the speed‑limit request to DOT. Staff also reported that DOT offered $443,250 for an Honor Air Park parcel on South Main as part of a roundabout/road‑widening project and will convey two remnant parcels to the city at no cost; council adopted a resolution to accept the contingent offer and discussed using proceeds and parcels to support South Main improvements and potential grant match opportunities.