Multimodal Transportation Commission – July 24, 2024
July 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM
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Event Recap
Multimodal Transportation Commission Meeting Recap – July 24, 2024
The Multimodal Transportation Commission held its regular meeting virtually on July 24, 2024, focusing on ongoing transportation projects, future planning initiatives, and community engagement strategies within Asheville. The meeting was attended by all Commission members, who briefly introduced themselves and their areas of interest before approving the agenda with a minor adjustment to include monthly transit reports in future meetings. Notably, there were no public comments offered during this session.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on several key projects. The Commission received a detailed presentation from Lucy Crown and Anna Sexton regarding the Patton Avenue Corridor Feasibility Study, aimed at improving transportation and creating a welcoming "gateway" to downtown Asheville. The proposed plan includes roundabouts at the intersections of Patton and Clingman, and Hilliard and Clingman, along with a road diet on Patton Avenue designed to enhance safety and traffic flow. Crucially, the study is coordinating with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on the I-26 Connector Project, ensuring alignment and integration. Updates were also provided regarding the Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension project, a grant-funded initiative connecting to Woodfin Greenway and expanding the regional trail network. Public engagement is underway, with a stakeholder meeting scheduled for August 7th at Wedge Brewing and Foundation.
Beyond project updates, the Commission received reports from various advisory committees. Jake Smith shared news from the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC), highlighting their plans for the annual Festival of Neighborhoods on September 14th at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and their efforts to recognize volunteer contributions. Mike Zukoski reported on the I-26 Aesthetics Committee's ongoing collaboration with NCDOT to incorporate aesthetic improvements into the I-26 Connector Project, ensuring a visually appealing addition to the area. Finally, Leanna Joyner provided an update on the intercept survey for Greenways, which will gather valuable data from Greenway users to inform future planning decisions. Volunteers are being recruited and trained for the survey, which is slated to begin in September.
Looking ahead, the Commission emphasized the importance of continued community engagement and connecting various transportation projects to create a cohesive vision for Asheville's future. A work session is planned for August 28th at the Burton Street Community Center, focusing on a review of projects in central Asheville. Discussions also centered around the upcoming General Obligation (GO) bonds, with the Commission exploring ways to effectively engage in that process and advocate for impactful transportation improvements.
What This Means for You: Several opportunities are available for residents to participate in shaping Asheville’s transportation future. The Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension stakeholder meeting on August 7th is a great chance to voice your opinions. Residents are also encouraged to learn more about the upcoming General Obligation bond and how it will impact transportation improvements throughout the city. For detailed information on these projects and other initiatives, please visit the City of Asheville's website (search for "Multimodal Transportation Commission").