City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning Commission – September 10, 2024

City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning Commission: A Recap

On September 10, 2024, the Asheville City Council conducted interviews for open positions on the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z), a crucial body responsible for shaping our city’s development and land use policies. The Council aimed to select individuals from a large pool of applicants, ultimately narrowing the field to four finalists: Andrew Fletcher, Anna Zajewska, Jimmy Cashante Johnson, and Jane Margaret Bell. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Sandra Beth Silverman was unable to attend the interviews. This recap summarizes the key discussions and outcomes of this important meeting, providing insight into what residents can expect from potential P&Z Commissioners.

A central theme throughout the interviews was Asheville’s ongoing housing crisis and how to address it effectively. Candidates consistently acknowledged factors like tourism, rising interest rates, and limited affordable housing funding as significant contributors to the problem. Discussions revolved around balancing the needs of established neighborhoods with the necessity for increased housing supply, exploring strategies like expanding existing tax rebate programs and supporting small landlords to prevent displacement. Several candidates emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues impacting Black homeowners, a point particularly highlighted by Jimmy Cashante Johnson.

Beyond housing, the Council engaged candidates in discussions about community engagement and navigating potential resistance to new development – often referred to as "NIMBYism." Candidates stressed the importance of active listening, education, and a phased approach to growth. When asked to prioritize design, affordable programming, and housing inventory in development reviews, the overwhelming consensus was that addressing affordability should be paramount, followed by design considerations and then inventory. Notably, Jane Margaret Bell, an environmental engineer, underscored the need to update stormwater design parameters to account for climate change and ensure resilient infrastructure.

The Council also explored opportunities for the P&Z Commission to address historical inequities stemming from past urban renewal efforts and their impact on Black communities. Candidates discussed the possibility of reviewing the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for potential biases, promoting community benefits agreements that directly benefit impacted residents, and prioritizing the voices of those most affected by development decisions. Council members repeatedly emphasized the need to modernize Asheville’s zoning codes, a sentiment echoed by several candidates, including Andrew Fletcher who highlighted his experience facilitating conversations across diverse perspectives.

While no formal votes were taken during the interview portion of the meeting, the City Council will be voting on these vacancies later in the same agenda. The discussions highlighted ongoing priorities for the P&Z Commission, including a review of anti-displacement strategies and potential revisions to Asheville’s zoning codes. Residents can anticipate further discussions on these topics as the P&Z Commission continues its work.

This meeting provided a valuable window into the qualifications and perspectives of those seeking to guide Asheville’s future development. The focus on affordability, equity, and community engagement signals a potential shift towards more inclusive and responsive planning practices. Residents are encouraged to follow the Council’s vote on these appointments and stay informed about upcoming P&Z Commission meetings, as their decisions will directly impact the character and livability of our city.