Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (Apr 7, 2026)

Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting Recap

Date: April 7, 2026 | Format: Virtual Meeting

The Housing and Community Development Committee (HCD) held a virtual meeting on April 7, 2026. The committee’s primary focus was to review critical funding recommendations for the coming fiscal year and advance planning efforts for major community development projects, most notably the Deaverview master plan. This recap outlines the key decisions made, the significant discussions regarding future housing initiatives, and the next steps for residents to follow.

Key Decisions and Funding Approvals

The committee began by unanimously approving the minutes from their March 17, 2026 meeting. The most substantial decision was the approval of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. While the overall plan to allocate funds for vital community services was approved, a key amendment was made: $60,000 originally earmarked for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was redirected to Pisgah Legal Services. This change shifts resources toward providing crucial eviction protection services for residents. The committee also recommended approving the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and authorizing necessary documents to move these projects forward.

Deep Dive into Deaverview Master Planning

A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the potential master plan for the Deaverview community, a large site comprising approximately 60 acres (including land at 65 Ford Street and Cedar Hill). This project represents a long-term vision—dating back to 2020—to create a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood. The goal is ambitious: establishing affordable housing options alongside educational facilities, including a new campus for Asheville Peak Academy, as well as dedicated green spaces and recreational areas. Committee members were presented with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing this partnership between the city, the Housing Authority (HACA), and local institutions. It was clarified that while the MOU sets forth shared objectives and principles, it does not legally bind the city to any land exchanges or funding commitments; those decisions must be made by City Council in future sessions.

Community Impact and Services

The CDBG funding recommendations directly impact several critical areas of community life. The approved funds will support lead service line replacement for approximately 142 households, addressing an essential infrastructure need. Additional resources are allocated to home repair assistance and tenant-based rental assistance programs, ensuring that low-income residents have access to necessary repairs and legal aid to maintain stable housing. Officials emphasized the importance of this holistic approach, aiming not just to build structures, but to create a sustainable "cradle to college" environment where people can thrive.

Next Steps for Residents

The committee outlined several critical next steps that will determine the timeline for these projects. First, the approved CDBG funding recommendations must be presented to the People and Environment Recovery Board on April 13th, followed by a final presentation to City Council on April 28th. Only after this council approval can staff proceed with executing the master planning MOU and hiring the necessary professional firm to develop the detailed plan. Furthermore, the committee will begin drafting the comprehensive Annual Action Plan for 2026-2027.

While no members of the public spoke during the meeting, the committee stressed that community input remains paramount. Staff committed to incorporating feedback from residents throughout the entire master planning process, ensuring that the final development plan truly reflects the needs and desires of the Deaverview neighborhood and the wider city.