Woodfin


Negligent landlords under microscope


By Matt Tate Woodfin staff is the midst of draft-


ing an ordinance that intends to rectify any below-standard housing for renters inside town limits. Town Administrator Jason Young


said the certificate of occupancy ordi- nance for rental units would set forth codes for minimum standards of liv- ing. Each landlord would notify the town when there was a change in oc- cupancy and town staff would inspect the unit to see if it meets basic safety and health standards. Young admitted the job would be


cumbersome and there would be a period of adjustment as landlords re- ceived notice of the new requirements. However, he felt there was a need to en- force stricter guidelines on recalcitrant landlords who do not provide adequate living conditions. When discussing young children living in sub-standard housing on der-


elict properties, he said, “Tis is when government has an incumbent duty to act and this ordinance would address that.” Te Woodfin Board of Aldermen


will likely decide on the proposal at its April meeting. Young estimated there are 1,200


rental units inside town limits, but many are contained in apartment buildings. He suggested performing an audit of several random units inside large apartment complexes to cut down on the number of inspections. He added punitive fines would be


assessed to landlords who fail to notify the town of occupancy turnover after the period of adjustment and units that fail the inspection must meet the stan- dards before they can again be rented. “Tis will let us establish that, when


the unit is rented, it meets code,” he told the aldermen. “I can promise you long-term, it will improve the health, safety and well-being of your constitu- ents.” Aldermen Debbie Giezentanner


suggested adding a provision when responsible landlords could accrue


good-faith credits with the town, thus potentially cutting down the number of inspections. In other news, the aldermen passed


an ordinance forbidding the feeding of bears. Bear sightings have increased in the area, and this ordinance will as- sess a fine of $100-$500 for individuals who blatantly feed the bears. Resident Walt Brewer asked about


whether bird feeders are included since they have a reputation of being de-facto bear feeders. Town attorney Joseph Ferikes said


the fine would only apply to obvious, purposeful feedings. Te town reduced its monthly lease


rate to the ABC Board for land the town’s ABC store sits on from $3,000 per month to $1,000 per month based on a suggestion from the state ABC Commission. Young reported the town main-


tenance crews will be looking at the drainage and various other issues at the river park brought on by the win- ter storms. He said a raised, planked boardwalk could be a possibility if the issues prove to be beyond repair.


Development cont... Continued from page 1


North Buncombe’s full service hospital


providing care for small animals and horses


Arthritis and Pets Many older dogs and some younger


ones develop pain associated with osteoarthritis. Larger dogs are most susceptible but any size or breed could be at risk. Early signs include difficulty ris- ing and a hesitancy to jump up onto the couch or bed or into the car. Dogs with these symptoms are feeling pain. Tere are many treatment options and life style changes that can both slow the progres- sion of arthritis and greatly improve your pet’s quality of life by controlling pain. If your dog is showing the signs of arthritis, please call your veterinarian to set up an examination today. Cats can also develop arthritis and may be helped with supple- ments or medication.


Weaverville, Exit 15 off I-26 Mark Forde, DVM


Sue Reinecke, DVM 645-1616


Communities said the center’s current remaining tenants, Tuesday Morning and New China, will move although future locations have yet to be secured. According to the Avl Web site, the


company offers the world’s largest range of satellite antennas for vehicle mount and flyaway applications. It is a privately held company with regional offices located in the United Kingdom and China. Planet Organic Smoothies will be


opening on the same floor as the Wood- fin YMCA in the coming months, ac- cording to Young. Groetsch said plans are currently


stagnant in regards to the new services management corporation service center


of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. NTCA and Reynolds Mountain Communities announced in late 2009 that the tele- communication company, a non-profit association representing small and rural telephone cooperatives and commercial companies, planned to move from its Asheville offices to Woodfin in 2011 but she characterized those plans as cur- rently being “on hold.” In one final Reynolds Village note,


the Town of Woodfin is looking to expand upon its offices on Elk Moun- tain Road and is currently considering purchasing space at Reynolds Village. Te town is also considering adding to the current structure or purchasing the AshCo building on Weaverville Road.


Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness Dr. Nicole Ogg and the staff at Dry Ridge Family Medicine are invit-


ing the public to walk with them on March 27 at the 2010 Colon Cancer Awareness 5k Run/Walk in Asheville. Te walk will start at 8 am. Tis is the first year for this event, which has been organized to pro-


mote the importance of colon cancer screening. March is National Col- orectal Cancer Awareness Month. All proceeds from the event go to the Mission Healthcare Foundation. For more information pick up a registration form at 104 N. Main St. or go to dryridgefamilymedicine.com/events.php.


www.weavervilletribune.com


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