Downtown Commission – August 30, 2024

Downtown Commission Meeting Recap – August 30, 2024

The Asheville Downtown Commission convened on August 30, 2024, focusing primarily on the health and future of downtown Asheville’s development, sustainability, and vibrancy. The meeting provided updates on several key initiatives and sparked discussions about critical challenges facing the downtown area, particularly concerning housing affordability. This recap summarizes those key points for residents interested in learning more about the Commission’s work.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on a review of the Hotel Overlay District, established two years ago to encourage public benefits from new hotel developments. Clay Bass presented a newly created dashboard tracking the district’s performance, revealing that only two hotels (Elevation Lofts and Moxie Hotel) have been completed to date. Commissioners engaged in a robust discussion about the clarity of zoning regulations within the overlay district and potential amendments needed to address conflicts. A key takeaway was the agreement to schedule a future discussion specifically addressing the overall efficacy of the Hotel Overlay District and its impact on downtown. Concerns were raised regarding a growing trend: the conversion of existing residential units into hotels, which is impacting downtown’s already strained housing supply.

Beyond the Hotel Overlay District, Sasha Vertinsky, Asheville's Affordable Housing Officer, provided updates on the city’s broader affordable housing efforts. This included a review of projects funded by the 2016 Housing Bond and an overview of the city's Affordable Housing Plan, emphasizing racial equity. The upcoming 2024 bond was also discussed, with a clear focus on prioritizing funding for the Housing Trust Fund. Commissioners expressed a strong consensus regarding the urgent need to prioritize affordable housing initiatives and address concerns about resident displacement. The Commission also requested a presentation from the county regarding their affordable housing bond and related projects, signaling a desire to coordinate efforts across local government entities.

Other topics addressed included the proposed conversion of residential units at the Grove Arcade to lodging, a mixed-use development proposal (hotel and condos) for 45 Southside Avenue, and an upcoming city bid requiring Commission oversight. Hayden Plemons recused himself from discussions related to the bid due to potential conflicts of interest, ensuring impartiality in the decision-making process. While no public comments were received prior to the meeting or during the session, the discussions highlighted a shared understanding of the need for creative solutions to address housing affordability challenges and ensure that development aligns with community values.

Looking Ahead: Several action items emerged from the meeting, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing engagement and proactive problem-solving. Commissioners will be providing feedback on the Hotel Overlay District dashboard, and staff will investigate a short-term rental situation at 45 Ashland. The Commission agreed to schedule a dedicated discussion about the efficacy of the hotel overlay and its impact on downtown housing. Staff will continue working on updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), with a focus on transit-supportive corridors and mixed-use districts.

For those seeking more detailed information, meeting recordings and related documents are available on the City of Asheville website (https://www.ashevillenc.gov/) and the Virtual Engagement Hub (https://www.ashevillenc.gov/virtualengagementhub). The Downtown Commission's ongoing work directly impacts the future of downtown Asheville, and residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in shaping its trajectory.