Event Recap
Meeting Overview The Asheville City Council held a combined agenda briefing work session and formal business meeting on September 24, 2024. The work session focused on preparing for the full council meeting, discussing the disposition of city-owned land, and reviewing updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding affordable housing and anti-displacement strategies. The formal meeting addressed various infrastructure contracts, public safety agreements, and several public hearings concerning zoning, land use, and tree preservation.
Key Decisions and Votes The Council approved the majority of the consent agenda items unanimously, which included contracts for concrete repair, pavement management software, debt refinancing, public safety system interoperability with Buncombe County, fire department aid, and parking garage customer service. Councilor Kilgore recused herself from one vote within the consent agenda due to a conflict of interest.
Regarding specific public hearings, the Council took the following actions:
- Sawyer Street Closure: The Council approved a resolution to permanently close a portion of Sawyer Street to facilitate an affordable housing project requested by Buncombe County.
- 107 Glendale Avenue Rezoning: The Council voted 4-3 to rezone the property from RS-8 to RM-16, allowing for higher-density multi-family housing. Councilors Mosley, Roney, and Smith voted against this measure.
- Tree Canopy Protection Standards: The Council approved amendments to the UDO with a 4-3 vote, also opposed by Councilors Mosley, Roney, and Smith. The approved changes include a new "heritage tree" classification and increased canopy credit incentives for preserving large trees.
- Asheville Sanctuary Master Plan Amendment: The Council considered a public hearing regarding an amendment to the Urban Village Master Plan for 5 Michael Street. Staff recommended approval, noting the project aligns with the Comprehensive Plan.
- 148 River Ford Parkway: The Council considered motions to modify deed restrictions and reallocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a supportive and affordable housing development.
Discussion Highlights During the work session, Real Estate Manager Kimmy Hunter presented proposed improvements to the city’s land disposition policy, emphasizing a collaborative process to ensure responsible disposal. City Manager Campbell highlighted the importance of this comprehensive plan. Councilwoman Ullman expressed concerns about potential impacts on economic development and affordable housing if land is disposed of without careful consideration, while Councilwoman Mosley emphasized the need for community engagement and alignment with city goals.
Regarding the Community Responder Program, staff discussed a potential name change to "Asheville Fire Department Resource and Engagement Support Team" (AFD-REST) to clarify its scope. The Environment and Safety Committee had previously recommended this name change. Additionally, the City Manager reported on the Community Engagement Academy, which graduated 18 "Community Connectors," and announced an upcoming Career Fair Block Party.
Community Input No public comments were taken during the agenda briefing work session. During the public hearings for the formal meeting, the Council reviewed the proposed changes. Council members raised questions and concerns regarding the Sawyer Street closure, the rezoning request on Glendale Avenue, and the Community Responder Program name change. Specific public testimony details from individual citizens are not provided in the summaries, though the hearings allowed for the standard allocation of time for public comment.
Follow-ups
- Sawyer Street Closure: Staff will provide additional information and clarification on the closure, including details about the proposed development project. Buncombe County will finalize and submit a development plan/application to the City.
- UDO Updates: Staff will share a slide deck with council members outlining the proposed UDO updates and anti-displacement strategies. Staff will continue engagement with the community regarding these strategies and provide updates to Council committees.
- Neighborhood Housing Overlay: Staff will develop this overlay with further engagement with neighborhood leaders, with a target for Council consideration of the final concept by January 2025.
- Community Responder Program: Staff will finalize the program design for AFD-REST, including year-one goals, and develop a communication plan for the name change. Remaining staff (two peer support specialists) are to be hired this fall.
- Transit Funding: Staff will bring forward a contract for the purchase of additional buses, leveraging funds from the Buncombe County rescission.
Impact These decisions directly affect Asheville’s housing supply, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety operations. The approval of the Sawyer Street closure and the Glendale Avenue rezoning moves forward specific affordable housing and higher-density development projects. The updated Tree Canopy Protection standards strengthen regulations for preserving large trees during development. The approval of various contracts ensures continued operations for road maintenance, public safety data systems, and transit services. The shift in funding for the 148 River Ford Parkway project alters the mix of supportive and affordable housing units planned for that site.