Downtown Commission – July 26, 2024

Downtown Commission Meeting Recap – July 26, 2024

The Asheville Downtown Commission held a virtual meeting on July 26, 2024, focusing on key development and sustainability initiatives impacting downtown Asheville. Due to unforeseen circumstances at city hall, the meeting was conducted remotely. The discussion centered on ongoing projects, future planning efforts, and how the commission can best support a thriving downtown for residents and businesses.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on several major projects. Rachel Taylor from the Economic Development Division provided an update on the Duke Energy Rankin Avenue Substation Rebuild Project, outlining plans to minimize disruption during construction by utilizing a temporary substation. The commission also received an update from Ben and Dana of the City Manager's Office regarding the implementation of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). The BID, funded through a special assessment on downtown businesses, aims to enhance services like safety, cleanliness, and hospitality. A key discussion point was how best to engage the community in shaping priorities for the BID, with plans underway to utilize surveys and focus groups. Ricardo Sejo from the Design Review Committee shared updates on various projects under review, including a warehouse rehabilitation and the Courtyard Hotel. Concerns were raised regarding the scale and sustainability of the Riverside Drive Residences project, highlighting a continuing focus on responsible design.

Beyond specific projects, the meeting explored broader issues facing downtown Asheville. Robin Raines provided an update on the Homeless Initiatives Advisory Council (HIAC) which is being integrated into the Continuum of Care (COC). The commission discussed a potential opportunity to provide input on housing strategies and potentially advocate for a downtown-focused housing overlay, aligning with the city's efforts to address homelessness. Sage Turner, the City Council Liaison, shared updates on ongoing council initiatives including land use conversations and potential changes to parking minimums. Turner encouraged the commission to consider providing recommendations regarding housing in downtown, a priority for City Council.

The Commission approved the minutes from their previous meeting on May 24th via roll call vote. While no formal votes were taken regarding the Duke Substation Project or BID implementation, discussions emphasized the importance of community feedback and design aesthetics. Notably, there were no public comments during this meeting.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the discussion. Commission members are encouraged to complete a survey related to the BID by August 11th, and the Downtown Commission’s BID Implementation Working Group will continue to meet. Potential future agenda items were identified, including updates on the downtown housing situation, public safety initiatives, and a review of the hotel overlay process. The commission also discussed distributing flyers to inform the public about the BID and encourage participation, as well as their involvement in reviewing updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and exploring engagement opportunities with the Continuum of Care.

This meeting underscored a shared commitment among commission members, city staff, and council to prioritize community input, address the housing crisis, and foster collaboration in shaping a vibrant and sustainable downtown Asheville. Residents can expect to see ongoing efforts focused on gathering feedback, refining development plans, and ensuring that downtown remains a desirable place to live, work, and visit.