City Council Meeting Recap: February 13, 2024

The Asheville City Council held its regular meeting on February 13, 2024, addressing a wide range of municipal business including infrastructure contracts, housing policy adjustments, and public hearings on zoning changes. The session began with proclamations recognizing Black History & Legacy Month and National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The council approved several routine resolutions, including the monthly municipal property tax refunds for December 2023 and an amendment to the 2024 meeting schedule that cancels the February 22 virtual agenda briefing and confirms the annual retreat for February 22–23 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center.

Key Decisions and Votes The council voted to approve multiple contracts and policy changes, most unanimously (6-0). These approvals include:

• A contract with Asheville Fence Contractors, Inc. to replace ballfield backstops at Martin L. King Jr. Park and West Asheville Park.
• A professional services agreement with GHD Engineering for Task Order 8, which involves assessing and planning upgrades to chemical storage at the DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant.
• Authorization for staff to apply for a 2024 Community Waste and Recycling Grant from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, aimed at reducing recycling contamination through education.
• A temporary pause on applications for the Land Use Incentive Grant (LUIG) Program until the policy is revised.
• The rescission of a previously approved $1.2 million Housing Trust Fund loan allocation for the Pineview Condominiums Project, with the funds reallocated back to the Housing Trust Fund balance.
• A contract with Barrs Recreation to add two octagonal shade canopies to the playground equipment at Murphy-Oakley Playground.
• A contract amendment with MacKay Meters Inc. to continue parking meter services and management.
• A contract with Dixon Resources Unlimited, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive operations study of the City’s Parking Services Division.
• Contracts for the Downtown Restroom Project, authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with B. Allen Construction, Inc. for park improvements and installation, and Madden Fabrication for the prefabricated restroom unit.

Two items passed with a 5-1 vote:

• The public hearing to consider the conditional zoning of 492 Sardis Road from Commercial Industrial District to Commercial Expansion - Conditional Zone.
• The public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to revise cottage development standards.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Land Use Incentive Grant (LUIG) program. The council agreed to pause new applications until June 2024 or until advisory bodies complete their review of staff recommendations. Staff will work with these bodies to revise the program or confirm its existing structure by that date. Concerns were also raised regarding the "Paws of Luigi" program, prompting consideration of a review and potential revision.

Regarding housing and development, the council approved the conditional zoning for 492 Sardis Road, which supports a large storage facility. The approval included conditions for a narrower sidewalk with a buffer planting strip, extensive landscaping, tree canopy protection, renewable energy exploration, and good faith efforts to contract with small, minority, and women-owned businesses. However, discussions regarding amendments to city ordinances related to cottage development and flag lot standards, which are part of the Missing Middle Housing Study, were postponed. The council continued these public hearings to April 23, 2024, with phased presentations of displacement recommendations scheduled for that time. Public Hearing B was postponed to April 22, and Public Hearing C to April 23.

The council also addressed the allocation of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, sparking debate about equitable funding decisions and potential cost increases. Jonathan Wainscott advocated for prioritizing children’s education impacted by the pandemic with these funds. Consequently, funding for Peak Academy, aimed at closing Asheville’s achievement gap, was tabled until February 27 to allow for further discussion and alignment with the Low-Barrier Shelter’s needs. Council member Jade stated she will pursue funding for Peak Academy, likely through a motion at a future meeting.

Community Input Public comment centered on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with residents calling for an immediate ceasefire and expressing concerns about rising anti-Semitism. One commenter, Naomi Friedman, submitted a detailed statement highlighting the rise in antisemitic incidents in Asheville and globally following the October 7, 2023 attacks, urging the city to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and to condemn antisemitic statements. The council stated it will consider adopting the IHRA definition and a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. Additionally, Bobette Mays addressed the council during Black History Month, advocating for reparations to address historical injustices faced by Asheville’s Black community.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Staff will work with advisory bodies to revise the LUIG policy or confirm its existing structure by June 2024. The council will consider funding for Peak Academy at a future meeting, pending their application for ARPA funds. The public hearings regarding the UDO amendments for cottage development and flag lot standards are continued to April 23, 2024. The council will also consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and a ceasefire resolution in the future.