Story originally published at The Sylva Herald, Sept. 9
The leaders of the Village of Forest Hills met Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, for the monthly Council Session.
Discussion opened with the subject of Land Use and an in-progress grant. The grant involves land development in total of $33,000. Forest Hills has already secured $10,000 from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and their Partners for Green Growth Program. They need $23,000 to finalize the grant.
Going further into detail, Mayor Ron Mau clarified fund allocations.
“The Village is updating our future land use map (FLUM) and this grant plays a role in that process. A key aspect will be a conservation development. Funding of the update will be a combination of the grant, Village funds, and documented volunteer time from Village personnel and residents,” Mau explained in an email.
FLUM and its developer application remain in progress, as an incomplete application was submitted to the council.
After discussing grants and applications, the subject transitioned to community events for 2026- 27. Event budgeting isn’t set in stone but will likely remain close to last year’s proceeding budget of $4,500.
The Sweep Rite Contract for road maintenance and landscaping also remains in progress, as the council awaits a signature on the contract.
Towards the end the council discussed the usage of the assembly hall and road safety.
Residents of the Village were interested in using the Assembly Hall, but until a new lease can be reviewed by an attorney, the space will only function for holding assemblies.
Council member Larry Ingersoll brought up concerns of an aggressive stray dog and an unleashed dog. Ingersoll also voiced concern over parking, noting that a car parked in the middle of the road for an extended period of time became a safety hazard.
