LIVE @ The City of Asheville's "Impact Of Hotels: A Community Discussion" 01/09/20

City of Asheville Kicks Off Hotel Impact Study: A Community Discussion Recap

On January 9, 2020, the City of Asheville held a public meeting to begin a crucial study examining the impact of hotel development and tourism on our community. This event, titled "Impact Of Hotels: A Community Discussion," marked the official launch of a process prompted by the city's recent one-year moratorium on new hotel construction, implemented in September 2019. The meeting aimed to gather valuable input from residents and inform future land use policies related to hotels, ensuring a balanced approach that considers both economic opportunities and community well-being.

The meeting primarily focused on laying the groundwork for a comprehensive analysis to be conducted by the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a respected organization specializing in responsible land use. Theresa Salmon, Executive Director of ULI, presented the organization's mission and introduced a panel of volunteer experts with diverse backgrounds in landscape architecture, traffic engineering, economics, and urban planning. The panel outlined four key areas of focus for their study: finding the right balance between hotels and other businesses downtown, identifying potential special requirements for hotel development in specific areas, fostering collaboration with hoteliers and tourism partners to minimize negative impacts, and exploring how hotel development can contribute to broader community goals like affordable housing and infrastructure improvements. Attendees then participated in small group discussions, facilitated by ULI panelists and city staff, addressing specific questions about the challenges of hotel development, concerns raised by proposed projects, impacts of growth, and potential solutions.

While no formal decisions or votes were taken during this kickoff meeting, the emphasis was squarely on gathering community voices. Residents were actively encouraged to share their perspectives and experiences related to hotel development in Asheville, contributing directly to the information that will shape future policy. The meeting transcript doesn't contain verbatim quotes from public comments, but it clearly demonstrates a commitment to actively listening and recording community feedback.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. The ULI panel will hold a closed session to analyze the information gathered from the community discussion. They are scheduled to return on January 30, 2020, with preliminary recommendations for the city. A final written report from ULI will be provided to the City of Asheville, serving as a cornerstone for future land use decisions. Residents can stay informed and access related materials on the city’s website at www.ashville nc.gov.

This meeting represents a significant step in addressing concerns about the rapid growth of hotels and its effects on Asheville. By engaging with residents and leveraging the expertise of ULI, the city is aiming to develop a thoughtful and sustainable approach to hotel development that benefits both our local economy and the quality of life for all Asheville residents. The upcoming January 30th presentation will be a crucial opportunity to learn more about the initial findings and contribute further to this important process.