Planning & Zoning Commission – March 6, 2024
March 6, 2024 at 5:07 PM
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Event Recap
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Recap – March 6, 2024
On March 6th, the Planning & Zoning Commission convened to address administrative matters, receive committee updates, and hold two significant public hearings. The meeting focused on balancing development progress with community needs and adherence to established planning goals, impacting residents across Asheville.
A primary focus of the meeting was a major decision regarding the proposed Ferry Road Community development by Buncombe County. After extensive discussion, the Commission voted to approve the conditional zoning amendment for this large-scale project. The plan envisions a mixed-use community on 137 acres off Ferry Road, incorporating approximately 550-935 residential units alongside commercial spaces and a substantial 70+ acre conservation area. A notable feature is the proposed greenway connection to the Bent Creek Greenway, enhancing recreational opportunities for residents. Crucially, Buncombe County committed to dedicating at least 20% of the housing units as affordable for low-to-moderate income households (80% AMI) for a period of 20 years, alongside an investment of $210 million in the project. This includes $34 million for land acquisition and development, demonstrating a significant public commitment to the project.
Beyond the Ferry Road Community approval, discussions centered on addressing Asheville's ongoing housing crisis and evaluating current zoning regulations. A proposal to form a dedicated Housing Policy Subcommittee was debated, with supporters arguing it would expedite addressing the crisis. However, concerns regarding staff capacity and potential for conflict ultimately led to the motion failing. The Commission agreed to continue exploring housing policy solutions within regular meetings, seeking a more efficient process. Commissioner Wheatley provided an update from the Multimodal Transportation Commission highlighting efforts to improve public engagement in transportation planning, while Commissioner Bean reported on progress from the "Missing Middle Housing" Working Group.
Public participation was a key element of the Ferry Road Community hearing, with County representatives presenting detailed plans and addressing commissioner inquiries. The Commission also briefly discussed the effectiveness of Asheville’s Urban Centers initiative, suggesting a potential review of form-based code districts in the future. The meeting began with routine administrative items, including roll call and approval of minutes from previous meetings (February 7th & 21st). The February 7th minutes were deferred to April for further review. Jason Sekel was also appointed as the Planning and Zoning Commission liaison to the Soil Erosion and Stormwater Review Committee.
What's Next & Why It Matters:
The Ferry Road Community project will now proceed to a master developer selection process, followed by detailed planning and design phases. Residents can expect further opportunities for input as the project progresses. The Commission's ongoing discussions regarding housing policy and a potential review of Urban Centers will continue to shape the future of development in Asheville. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about these discussions by attending future Planning & Zoning Commission meetings and following the progress of the Ferry Road Community development. The approved project represents a significant step towards addressing affordability challenges and providing expanded amenities for Asheville residents, but ongoing engagement will be crucial to ensuring the project aligns with community goals.