City Council Meeting (Mar 24, 2026)

City Council Recap: March 24, 2026 – Arts Development, Fees & Park Recovery Highlight Meeting

The Asheville City Council convened on March 24, 2026, for its regular meeting, addressing a range of topics from recognizing local professionals to planning for future park improvements and considering a significant development proposal. This recap provides an overview of the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for Asheville residents.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around a proposal to explore developing an arts and entertainment facility on city-owned property known as Parkside, located near the Block and East End neighborhoods. Following extensive discussion, the Council voted to reserve this property for up to two years, contingent on establishing meaningful partnerships with the surrounding communities and incorporating their feedback throughout the process. This decision comes as ATG Entertainment, a national performance venue management company, and the Asheville Symphony have expressed interest in partnering with the city on this project. Council members stressed the importance of acknowledging the historical context of the area, recognizing that Parkside was once part of a thriving Black neighborhood impacted by past urban renewal efforts. The Council emphasized that any development must prioritize equitable access, benefit local artists and organizations, and avoid displacement of existing residents and businesses.

Beyond the Parkside proposal, the Council approved several other important items. They unanimously approved an updated Fees and Charges Manual, which includes a $2 monthly increase in the solid waste fee (rising to $20/month) due to increasing disposal costs. Adjustments were also made to nature center admission fees, street closure fees, and water rates as part of a three-year plan to ensure equitable pricing and fund necessary infrastructure improvements. The Council also approved the expansion of embedded behavioral health counseling services for first responders, a move aimed at supporting those on the front lines.

Community voices were prominent throughout the meeting, particularly during the public comment period dedicated to the Parkside development. Residents voiced concerns about potential displacement and emphasized the need for genuine partnership with the Block and East End communities, ensuring their voices are central to any decisions. Many highlighted the importance of acknowledging the area's history and ensuring that a new facility benefits local artists and organizations.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. City staff will continue developing a comprehensive community engagement plan to gather feedback on the Parkside project, ensuring residents have ample opportunities to share their perspectives. The city will also issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit proposals from development partners, and actively pursue a Disaster Supplemental Grant from the Economic Development Administration to support pre-construction work. Residents interested in learning more about park recovery efforts can attend the next Infrastructure Recovery Board meeting, scheduled for May 5th.

This meeting demonstrated Council’s commitment to both recognizing the vital contributions of city employees and addressing critical issues facing our community. The decisions made, particularly regarding Parkside, will have a significant impact on Asheville’s future and underscore the importance of ongoing community engagement in shaping that future.