Urban Forestry Commission – April 9, 2024

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Recap – April 9, 2024

The Urban Forestry Commission convened on April 9th for their monthly meeting, addressing a specific development proposal and engaging in broader discussions about the city's approach to housing density and tree canopy preservation. The meeting, attended by all commissioners (Patrick Gilbert – Chair, Patricia Grace, John Michael Henson, Karen McNeil, Zoe Boyle, Chardon Dietrich, Trustee Fiore, Keith Hagan (Urban Forester), Madeline Stone (Planning Technician), Mark Foster (City Arborist), and Grania Meiser (Planning Urban Design)), centered around balancing development needs with the city’s commitment to its urban forest.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on a request for "alternative compliance" regarding renovations at 740 Merriman Avenue, the site of a former Subway restaurant. The developer is seeking an exemption from standard landscaping requirements due to challenging conditions on the property – a steep, unstable slope currently covered in kudzu. Commissioners engaged in detailed discussion about ecological restoration options, recognizing the potential risks of planting trees on the unstable slope while also emphasizing the importance of tree canopy preservation. Ultimately, the Commission voted to continue this case, giving the developer time to explore ecological restoration options and present a revised plan that addresses both concerns. This decision reflects the Commission's commitment to finding solutions that minimize environmental disturbance while still upholding tree canopy goals.

Beyond the Merriman Avenue proposal, a key discussion revolved around "missing middle" housing – housing types that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment buildings, such as duplexes, townhouses, and cottage clusters. The Commission considered a citizen petition requesting changes to zoning regulations related to "flag lots" and “cottage clusters.” While initially supporting adjustments proposed by city staff regarding the number of cottages allowed in a cluster, the Commission added a crucial condition: a requirement to explore incorporating affordable housing strategies, such as community land trusts, into future missing middle housing developments. This demonstrates a desire to ensure that increased density benefits all residents and doesn't exacerbate affordability challenges within the city.

The meeting also included updates on ongoing initiatives, including Keith Hagan’s report on the development of a new Urban Forest Master Plan. Proposals are currently being reviewed, with a final selection expected later this year. Commissioners emphasized the importance of ensuring that any new development, including missing middle housing projects, adheres to the city’s tree canopy preservation ordinance.

Looking ahead, the Commission identified a need for further exploration of affordable housing strategies within city zoning regulations. The next steps include continued review of the 740 Merriman Avenue proposal, ongoing development of the Urban Forest Master Plan, and further consideration of how to integrate affordability into future housing developments. Residents interested in learning more about these initiatives can find the full meeting transcript and related documents on the City of Asheville’s website. This meeting underscored a core challenge facing the city: thoughtfully balancing growth and development with the preservation of its vital urban forest, a commitment that will continue to shape future planning decisions.