Environment & Safety Committee – February 27, 2024

Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recap – February 27, 2024

The Asheville City Council's Environment & Safety Committee convened on February 27, 2024, in a remote meeting streamed live for public viewing. Chaired by Maggie Olman, the session primarily focused on updates to two key city plans: the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan ("Recreate Asheville") and the Urban Forestry Master Plan. The meeting included presentations from city staff, a consultant from Design Workshop, and discussions centered on community feedback and equity considerations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on Phase One of "Recreate Asheville," a comprehensive plan aimed at revitalizing and improving Asheville’s parks system. Design Workshop consultant Brenna Lafbrie presented findings from extensive community engagement, including a statistically valid survey, workshops, neighborhood meetings, and focus groups. A concerning discovery highlighted in the presentation was that 18 parks are currently considered “tipping point” locations, requiring significant investment to prevent further decline. The presentation also revealed a strong community desire for improved access to facilities and programs, alongside a need for more diverse recreational opportunities. Council members Sandra Gilgore and Shanika Smith emphasized the crucial importance of incorporating equity considerations into the plan's recommendations, ensuring that differing neighborhood values and access to resources are carefully considered. Councilwoman Gilgore specifically requested a breakdown of survey participation by neighborhood, aiming to gain a more granular understanding of community needs across the city.

Beyond parks and recreation, Keith Aiken, Asheville’s Urban Forester, provided an update on the development of the Urban Forestry Master Plan. He announced that a Request for Proposal (RFP) would be released within the next week and a half to select consultants who will lead the plan’s creation, building on work already completed by the Urban Forestry Commission. This master plan will guide the city's efforts to manage and expand its urban forest, a vital resource for environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The committee formally approved the minutes from their January 23rd meeting via a unanimous roll call vote. While there were no public comments at the beginning of the meeting, community input was a recurring theme throughout the discussion on "Recreate Asheville," with council members repeatedly stressing the need to prioritize equitable solutions. The committee also acknowledged ongoing discussions surrounding aquatics facilities and potential disruptions related to community meetings, demonstrating a commitment to addressing these concerns.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Keith Aiken will move forward with releasing the RFP for the Urban Forestry Master Plan, marking a crucial step in developing a comprehensive strategy for Asheville’s urban forest. Design Workshop will continue analyzing data from Phase One of "Recreate Asheville," specifically focusing on district-level perspectives and incorporating equity considerations into their findings. The committee anticipates reviewing recommendations from the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan in future meetings, with a focus on how neighborhood-centered approaches will be implemented.

This meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving its parks and green spaces while ensuring equitable access for all residents. The ongoing "Recreate Asheville" process, coupled with the development of a new Urban Forestry Master Plan, promises significant improvements to Asheville's quality of life and environmental sustainability. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these initiatives through the City Council's website and upcoming committee meetings.