Multimodal Transportation Commission – April 24, 2024

Multimodal Transportation Commission Meeting Recap – April 24, 2024

The City of Asheville’s Multimodal Transportation Commission (MMTC) convened virtually on April 24th, 2024, to discuss a range of initiatives aimed at improving transportation options for Asheville residents. The meeting covered updates on ongoing projects, considered recommendations from feasibility studies, and made key appointments to support the city's transportation goals. This recap provides a clear overview of what was discussed and decided, ensuring residents are informed about these important developments.

Key Decisions & Approvals: The meeting resulted in several unanimous approvals, demonstrating broad consensus among commissioners. The agenda and minutes from the previous working meeting (March 27th) were approved, setting the stage for discussions on current projects. Importantly, Mimi Gordon and Katie Mullen were appointed to the Active Transportation Committee, bolstering this vital group dedicated to promoting walking, biking, and other active transportation modes. Finally, the commission approved a letter of support for the Reed Creek Greenway Feasibility Study, with consideration given to including language highlighting potential tourism benefits.

Discussion Highlights: Projects & Planning: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing ongoing projects with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Discussions centered on the Hendersonville Road/Long Shoals Intersection project, where commissioners emphasized the importance of incorporating bike lanes into future planning, referencing existing plans for Long Shoals Road. Concerns were raised regarding potential impacts on Asheville Eye's driveway and traffic flow. The commission also reviewed the Smoky Park Highway Sidewalk Project, debating optimal routes for connecting to Isaac Dixon Elementary School and advocating for stop bars at crosswalks. The Reed Creek Greenway Feasibility Study, presented by Haley Burton, recommended a phased approach to extending the greenway, which received strong support from commissioners. A brief update was also provided on the Downtown Patton Avenue Corridor Feasibility Study, highlighting ongoing progress.

Community Input & Transit Advocacy: While there were no formal public comments during the meeting, commissioners shared valuable insights and experiences related to the projects under discussion. A notable focus was placed on articulating the value of effective transit within Asheville. The Transit Working Group presented a draft statement aiming to clearly communicate the benefits of robust public transportation, and the commission will continue to review this document for further consideration. The Neighborhood Advisory Committee provided an update on their activities, including planning for the upcoming Festival of Neighborhoods and seeking nominations for outstanding neighborhood volunteers.

Action Items & What's Next: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, outlining next steps for various initiatives. City staff will finalize a letter of support for the Reed Creek Greenway, potentially incorporating tourism-related language. The Transit Working Group will continue refining their statement for future commission review. The Reed Creek Greenway feasibility study recommendations are slated to be presented to the City Council in May, marking a significant step towards potential implementation. The commission also discussed exploring options for hybrid meetings and revisiting the possibility of adding another member to the Active Transportation Committee, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing improvement and community engagement.

This meeting underscored the MMTC's dedication to creating a more accessible, sustainable, and efficient transportation system for Asheville. Residents can expect further updates on these projects as they progress, with the City Council presentation of the Reed Creek Greenway feasibility study being a key milestone to watch for in May.