A proposal for 288 multifamily units along Upward Road near Interstate 26 is raising questions from nearby residents about what it would take to build part of the property in a floodplain and how traffic could be impacted along an already busy corridor.

The development would cover nearly 27 acres.

The developer is seeking city approval to rezone the property for the project, however, building in part of a floodplain comes with limitations. Hendersonville Community Development Director Lew Holloway said the property is considered a greenfield site, meaning the city’s ordinance allows no more than 10% of the floodplain to be filled for development.

Development within the floodplain would also require a Floodplain Development Permit and at least two feet of freeboard, meaning it must sit two feet above the 100-year flood elevation, Holloway said.

Hendersonville resident Tommy Johnston said this isn't quite enough to convince him the development suits the area.

“I don’t care how high they elevate it,” Johnston said. “Water is water. It’s going to find its way somewhere.”

Traffic is another question surrounding the proposal. A traffic impact analysis will examine whether changes would be needed at nearby intersections, such as the stoplight at Upward Road and Commercial Boulevard to accommodate more traffic.

Johnston said the amount of cars already traveling through the area is noticeable.

“I know when I’m driving, it is a lot of traffic out here,” Johnston said.

The proposal comes as Hendersonville works to expand housing options. The city’s Strategic Housing Plan, adopted in December 2025, cites a housing needs assessment that found demand for 10,000 additional units across Henderson County over five years.

Still, Holloway said the city will review this specific proposal against its ordinance requirements and the city's broader goals.

“We’ll be looking at whether or not what they’re proposing aligns with what our comprehensive plan says,” Holloway said. “What is our future vision for the community, and does this align with that?”

Residents will have an opportunity to raise those issues directly with the applicant and city staff during a Neighborhood Compatibility Meeting at 2 p.m. today (Sept. 29) at Hendersonville City Hall.

The developer is expected to finalize an application in early October. The proposal would then continue through the city’s review process. People can also provide input online here.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS.