Black Mountain council reviews flood recovery and infrastructure priorities

At its Jan. 12 meeting, Black Mountain Town Council received a slate of briefings on recovery and infrastructure efforts that will shape downtown access, riverfront recreation and local flood resilience in the months ahead. The session also included formal recognition of outgoing Town Manager Josh Harrold as staff and council outlined next steps for multiple projects still in design or bidding stages.

Town staff updated council and attendees on the Stormwater Asset Mapping Infrastructure Project, a foundational effort to catalog drains, culverts and other stormwater assets that will guide prioritization of repairs and upgrades. Accurate mapping is intended to speed response after heavy rains and improve long-term planning for stormwater management that affects neighborhood flooding and road safety.

Progress on the Riverwalk Greenway Project — Phases A and B — was a central item. Those phases focus on extending public access along the Swannanoa River, linking downtown businesses and recreational routes. Council heard how the greenway work aligns with efforts to bolster economic activity downtown while providing safer pedestrian and bicycle corridors that can reduce vehicle trips.

Council also reviewed the Swannanoa Floodbenching and Constructed Wetlands Project, a nature-based approach to reduce flood impacts by restoring floodplain function and creating wetlands that slow and absorb high flows. The project reflects the town’s increasing emphasis on green infrastructure to mitigate recurring flooding, protect property, and improve aquatic habitat.

Planning for the Ninth Street Bridge replacement continues, with town staff describing design and coordination steps ahead of procurement. The bridge is a critical connector for local traffic, and replacement planning includes considerations for detours, emergency access and minimizing disruption to businesses.

A pressing local concern remains the senior center restoration and rehabilitation. Town staff reported that no contractor submittals had yet been received for the work. To move the project forward, staff are actively reaching out to area contractors to encourage interest and secure bids so repairs can begin. The delay in contractor engagement could affect timelines for restoring services and activity space used by older residents.

The meeting recording and agendas are available through the town’s meeting portal for residents who want detailed materials or to review project presentations. The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026 at Town Hall.

For residents, the updates mean continued attention to flood-prone areas, potential short-term disruptions during bridge and greenway construction, and a need to watch the senior center timeline. Town leaders say community updates will follow as contractors are secured and design milestones are reached.