Planning & Zoning Commission, Special Meeting – March 20, 2024

Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting Recap: Proposed Development at 767 New Hawk Creek Road

On March 20, 2024, the Planning & Zoning Commission held a special meeting to discuss a significant proposal that could reshape a portion of Hawk Creek. A large number of residents attended, demonstrating strong interest in the potential development at 767 New Hawk Creek Road. The meeting served as a public hearing to gather community input on a request from the estate of Margaret King and applicant Warren Sugg to rezone the 27.05-acre property from a residential single-family designation (RS4) to a residential expansion conditional zone (RES EXP-CZ). This rezoning would pave the way for the construction of 95 townhomes on the site.

The core discussion centered around balancing increased housing density with community concerns. Commissioners and residents engaged in a robust debate regarding several key areas, including ensuring adequate connectivity within Hawk Creek through sidewalks and greenways – aligning with the city's "Living Asheville" comprehensive plan. A significant point of contention was the proposed removal of approximately 80% of existing mature trees, raising concerns about environmental impact, wildlife habitat disruption, and stormwater management. Furthermore, the lack of any affordable housing component in the proposal drew criticism from both commissioners and community members, questioning its alignment with the city's comprehensive plan goals. Residents also voiced concerns about fire safety given the valley’s topography and limited access routes, prompting discussions on emergency preparedness.

While no formal vote was taken during the meeting, negotiations centered around potential conditions that could be attached to any future approval. These included requirements for sidewalks along all sides of New Hawk Creek Road and connecting streets, a financial contribution towards sidewalk construction on Bell Road to improve overall connectivity, and the preservation of existing mature trees as a buffer zone. The meeting clearly demonstrated a diverse range of opinions within the community; some residents expressed reservations about increased density and environmental impact, while others supported the proposal as a potential solution to address housing needs in the area. A recurring theme throughout public comments was the desire to preserve Hawk Creek’s natural character, ensure adequate infrastructure supports increased density, and hold the developer accountable to community-agreed upon conditions.

Following the public hearing, several key action items were identified. The applicant committed to submitting a revised site plan that incorporates feedback received from the community and staff. Planning & Zoning Commission staff will continue their review of the proposal, carefully considering public comments and potential conditions. Crucially, the Planning & Zoning Commission will revisit this proposal at a future meeting, likely in April, to further consider the input received and potentially vote on whether to approve the rezoning request.

This meeting represents a critical step in the potential development of 767 New Hawk Creek Road. The extensive public engagement and discussions surrounding connectivity, environmental protection, affordability, and fire safety will significantly influence the future of this project. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the process continues, and actively participate in shaping the future of their community. Details regarding the next meeting will be posted on the city's official website and through local media channels.