Regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on November 19, 2024

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap: November 19, 2024

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a comprehensive meeting on November 19, 2024, addressing critical issues stemming from recent storm damage, supporting local businesses, and recognizing departing leaders. The meeting was well-attended by residents and stakeholders eager to voice their concerns and perspectives on the challenges facing the county. Commissioners Newman, Beach-Ferrara, Jones, Smathers, and French were present throughout the proceedings.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the ongoing recovery efforts following recent storms, particularly Hurricane Helene. Commissioners heard from numerous residents facing displacement and struggling to secure temporary housing. A recurring theme throughout the public comment period was a plea for flexibility in zoning regulations to allow for immediate solutions like temporary trailers or campers, recognizing the urgency of providing shelter before winter. While acknowledging these concerns, Commissioners ultimately approved a revised Emergency Housing Standards Text Amendment that allows for temporary housing solutions in response to declared disasters, balancing immediate needs with safety and zoning considerations. The board also discussed the need for direct rental assistance and a potential state-level eviction moratorium, committing to further exploration of these options. Concerns about permitting delays impacting rebuilding efforts were raised by contractors and residents, prompting a commitment to review and streamline the process.

Beyond storm recovery, the Board addressed several other important matters. They approved a text amendment to Chapter 78 of the Buncombe County Zoning Ordinance, regulating cryptocurrency mining operations and data centers while ensuring government protective services (like fire stations and EMS) can be located in all zoning districts. Recognizing the importance of supporting local businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene, Commissioners unanimously approved reallocating $1.5 million in ARPA funds to partner with Mountain BizWorks, providing grants to struggling businesses. A separate decision approved lease agreements and co-location arrangements aimed at improving cellular connectivity in the Broad River-Garren Creek area, addressing a critical infrastructure need. Finally, the Board formally recognized November as Native American Heritage Month and took time to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of outgoing Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara and Chairman Brownie Newman, expressing gratitude for their leadership.

Community voices were prominent throughout the meeting. Representatives from Asheville Food and Beverage United and Just Economics advocated for eviction moratoriums and direct rental assistance, highlighting the struggles of local businesses and residents. A representative from Patriot Survival Tactical Team presented innovative rapid housing solutions, including shipping container homes. Sonya Higginbotham, a volunteer, shared compelling statistics illustrating the overwhelming need for assistance and coordination challenges. These diverse perspectives underscored the complexity of the recovery process and the importance of collaborative solutions.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The Board will continue advocating for a state-level eviction moratorium and explore options for direct rental assistance programs. A review of the permitting process is underway to address delays, and discussions will continue regarding financial assistance for geotechnical evaluations. The Commissioners also expressed interest in exploring partnerships with the City of Asheville on affordable housing initiatives and will continue working closely with FEMA, state agencies, and local organizations to support ongoing storm recovery efforts. The Board’s decisions reflect a commitment to addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and stability within Buncombe County.