Public Safety Committee (Virtual) (Mar 26, 2026)

Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: March 26, 2026

On March 26, 2026, the City of Asheville’s Public Safety Committee convened a virtual meeting to discuss pressing public safety issues and make recommendations for action. The meeting, attended by Chair Bo Hess and Councilmember Sheneika Smith (Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley was absent), covered a wide range of topics, from traffic safety to abandoned properties and ongoing efforts to reduce violence. Here's a breakdown of what happened and why it matters to you:

Addressing Traffic Concerns in South Asheville Schools: A significant portion of the meeting centered on traffic congestion and safety concerns around schools in South Buncombe. Residents, particularly those from the Biltmore Park HOA Neighborhood Safety Committee and Estes Elementary, voiced concerns about dangerous conditions on roads like Overlook Road, Peasho Drive, Springside Road, and Long Shoals Road. While speed isn’t the primary issue (speed studies showed no significant speeding), parking on both sides of the road creates bottlenecks and has already contributed to school bus crashes. The committee acknowledged these concerns and directed city staff to collaborate with Buncombe County Schools, the Sheriff's Office, and NCDOT to explore solutions. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is already conducting a broader review of the corridor, and residents can expect ongoing communication as that process unfolds.

Taking Action on Abandoned Properties: The committee discussed a proposed update to the city's ordinance regarding abandoned properties. Currently, the city can only demolish unsafe buildings. This update would provide additional tools for compliance teams to address neglected properties, including the possibility of remediation and closing structures – without proactively acquiring them. This change aims to improve neighborhood safety and property values by addressing problem buildings more effectively. The proposed update will be considered by the full City Council on April 14th, so residents are encouraged to stay informed.

Supporting Our Police Department: The committee unanimously recommended forwarding several key items related to the Asheville Police Department (APD) to City Council for approval. These include renewing a contract for background checks and polygraph testing, accepting $1.4 million in federal funding to establish a Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) – a crucial technology upgrade for crime fighting, and approving a sole-source purchase from Motorola Solutions for essential radio subscription services. Additionally, the committee approved an agreement with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) to provide supplemental APD personnel for enhanced security in public housing neighborhoods, funded by the Housing Authority.

Responding to Recent Violence & Graffiti Concerns: The committee received an update on recent spikes in gun violence incidents. Law enforcement, working with state and federal partners, has made arrests and seized firearms in response. The Police Department is actively engaging with community partners to interrupt violence and prevent future incidents, including plans to relaunch a housing team. A discussion also took place regarding an amendment to the city's graffiti ordinance, which aims to clarify definitions and streamline enforcement efforts. The committee recommended approval of this amendment as well.

What Happens Next?

All the recommendations made by the Public Safety Committee will be considered by the full City Council on April 14th. Residents are encouraged to attend this meeting or follow updates on the City of Asheville website. The committee will continue working with various agencies (NCDOT, Buncombe County Schools, Sheriff's Office) to address traffic safety concerns and support the Police Department’s efforts to keep our community safe.

Why This Matters:

These discussions and decisions directly impact the safety and well-being of all Asheville residents. By addressing traffic concerns, strengthening our police department’s capabilities, and tackling issues like abandoned properties and graffiti, the City of Asheville is working to create a safer and more vibrant community for everyone.

For More Information:

• Visit the Public Safety Committee webpage on the City of Asheville website: [Insert Link Here]
• Contact Talia Stepp at [email protected] for questions or further details.