Downtown Commission – February 23, 2024

Downtown Commission Meeting Recap – February 23, 2024

The Downtown Commission convened on Friday, February 23rd, for their monthly meeting. The session focused on a range of topics impacting downtown Asheville, from honoring a founding leader to addressing concerns about street closures and planning for future initiatives. This recap provides an overview of the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in downtown development.

The meeting began with a moment of remembrance honoring the late Bob Carr, the founding chair of the Downtown Commission. A heartfelt letter from the commission, read by Evelyn Michelle Spicer, recognized Carr’s significant contributions to downtown Asheville and was unanimously approved for delivery on city letterhead. This served as a poignant opening, acknowledging the legacy of a key figure in shaping downtown’s character.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on concerns surrounding city policies regarding street and sidewalk closures, a topic frequently raised by local businesses. City Traffic Engineer Chris Carnes presented an overview of the current permitting system, explaining that while a formal written policy is lacking, closures are managed through an application process. The discussion highlighted the challenges businesses face when construction projects and private developments necessitate closures, disrupting foot traffic and impacting operations. Commissioners debated the need for clearer communication protocols and a more robust policy to ensure fairness and minimize disruption, even considering potential fines for non-compliance. This discussion underscored the Commission's commitment to balancing construction needs with the interests of businesses and public access.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the Commission explored potential future initiatives. A working group was formed, comprised of Jefferson Ellis, Hayden, and Megan Rogers, to further investigate street closure policies and communication strategies. The group will also explore the feasibility of a Downtown Open Streets program, modeled after successful initiatives in other cities. Additionally, the Commission agreed to add a review of hotels entering the pipeline since the moratorium ended as a future agenda item.

Several updates and reports were also presented, providing valuable insights into ongoing projects and initiatives. The Design Review Committee reviewed proposed developments including the Riverside Drive Residences and a new substation. The city’s success in securing over $2 million in grants for various projects through the Continuum of Care was announced. Finally, updates were given on the Carter Street stormwater project (currently experiencing delays) and ongoing efforts to enhance downtown safety and cleanliness, including 24/7 security in city parking lots. The Commission also discussed the upcoming State of Downtown event on March 19th, featuring a keynote speaker and results from the annual downtown stakeholder survey. The discussion regarding a Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) highlighted the complexities of the bid process, which will be further discussed at the March meeting.

Finally, Commissioners engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the Commission’s role and effectiveness, emphasizing a desire to focus on providing actionable recommendations that have a tangible impact. This reflects a commitment to ensuring the Commission's efforts are not only advisory but also contribute meaningfully to downtown’s ongoing development.

What's Next?

• The newly formed working group will delve deeper into street closure policies and communication improvements.
• The Commission will revisit the potential for a Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) at their March meeting, seeking input from city staff.
• The possibility of a Downtown Open Streets program will be explored further in the coming months.

This meeting demonstrated the Downtown Commission's active engagement in addressing current challenges and planning for a vibrant future for downtown Asheville. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing efforts, which directly impact the character and vitality of our community.