City Council Meeting Recap: March 26, 2024

On March 26, 2024, the Asheville City Council held a formal meeting to address infrastructure projects, budget adjustments, and land use decisions. The agenda included the approval of major contracts for road resurfacing and sidewalk improvements, the authorization of property condemnations for public utilities and greenways, and the adoption of new speed limits and fee structures. All action items on the agenda were passed unanimously with a 7-0 vote.

Infrastructure and Public Works The Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Tarheel Paving and Asphalt, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Asphalt Resurfacing project. The contract covers 5.01 miles of city streets, with a base cost of $2,527,521.27 and a 15% contingency, bringing the total potential project cost to $2,906,649.46. Additionally, the Council approved a budget amendment of $29,501.12 from the Sidewalk Fee In-Lieu Capital Fund to cover cost overruns for sidewalk improvements on the Amboy Road Bridge, bringing the total cost of that agreement with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation to $107,251.12.

Property Condemnations and Easements The Council authorized the City Attorney’s Office to proceed with two condemnation actions. First, the Council voted to condemn a waterline easement at 11 Milkweed Way, which is necessary for a waterline replacement project along Old Lytle Cove Road; the appraised value of this easement is less than $10,000. Second, the Council authorized the condemnation of an easement required for the Hominy Creek Greenway at a property identified as PIN 9628-900-9210. The City Attorney’s Office will make $22,000, based on a third-party appraisal, available to the property owner following the condemnation.

Ordinances and Administrative Actions The Council adopted an ordinance enacting new speed limits: 10 mph on Battery Park Alley (from Battery Park Avenue to Page Avenue), 20 mph on Woodfin Street (from North Market Street to Oak Street), and 25 mph on Harvard Place and Ormond Avenue. The Transportation Department will install new signs and coordinate with the Asheville Police Department for public education. The Council also passed an ordinance amending Sections 2-111 through 2-130 of the Asheville City Code to dissolve the Asheville Police Officers and Asheville Firefighters Disability Review Board, which has not met since 2001. Furthermore, the Council approved an amendment to the contract with Training Development Associates Consulting, adding $17,000 to the existing agreement to bring the total to $103,000, to support the administration of the Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs.

Fees and Legislative Agenda The Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 Fees & Charges ordinance. These adjustments include increases to water, stormwater, and solid waste fees, as well as changes to parking rates and concrete curb installation fees. For a typical residential household, the combined impact of the major utility changes is estimated at an additional $19.98 annually. The Council also approved the 2024 City Council Legislative Agenda, directing the City Attorney to share the city’s priorities with the state legislative delegation. These priorities include seeking state funding for infrastructure and stormwater management, reforming occupancy tax utilization, and opposing legislation that would limit local authority over short-term vacation rentals and conditional zoning.

Public Hearings and Zoning The Council held public hearings on several land use items. The public hearing for a conditional zoning amendment at 21 London Road was continued until May 28, 2024. The Council approved a conditional zoning request for property at 1568 Brevard Road (Ferry Road Community), which proposes a mixed-use development with 550–935 dwelling units, at least 20% of which will be affordable. The Council also approved an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding home occupations, which aligns home-based business rules with prohibited uses elsewhere in the city and removes certain barriers for residents.

Presentations and Community Input Staff and presenters provided updates on several ongoing initiatives. Dr. Adrian Carter presented findings from the "Cease the Harm" equity audit, a 168-page report commissioned to identify ways to prevent further harm to the African American community. The presentation highlighted recommendations for housing, economic development, and criminal justice. An update on the Affordable Housing Plan was also presented, focusing on improving existing programs and ensuring equitable outcomes. Regarding the proposed Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), the Council discussed the board makeup and a Request for Proposals (RFP). A resident spoke in favor of expanding transit services, and Councilwoman Kim Roney suggested exploring options to mitigate impacts on downtown workers regarding proposed parking rate increases.

Next Steps The City Attorney will provide the approved 2024 City Council Legislative Agenda to local delegation members. The City Manager will execute the asphalt resurfacing contract, and the City Attorney’s Office will initiate the condemnation proceedings for the waterline and greenway easements. The public hearing for 21 London Road is scheduled to resume on May 28, 2024.