Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (Jun 16, 2026)

Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting Recap: Oak Hill Development Moves Forward

On June 16, 2026, the Housing and Community Development Committee held a virtual meeting focused primarily on a significant development proposal for city-owned land at 29 Oak Hill Drive in West Asheville. The meeting, attended by Committee members Antoinette Mosley (Chair), Sage Turner, and Shanika Smith, along with city staff including Affordable Housing Officer Sasha Brutenski, ultimately resulted in a key step forward for much-needed affordable housing in our community.

The core of the discussion centered on a plan developed in partnership with Eden Rock Enterprises and Dr. Stephen Martin (collectively known as 29 Oak Hill LLC) to construct 42 townhomes on the 3.72-acre site, previously a dumping ground and towed vehicle lot requiring extensive cleanup. The proposal aims to provide housing affordable for households earning 80%, 100%, and 110% of the Area Median Income (AMI) – a crucial step in addressing affordability challenges faced by many Asheville residents. The plan includes a $1.6 million construction loan from the city, with $750,000 specifically earmarked for down payment assistance to help residents achieve homeownership. The committee unanimously voted to recommend that the Asheville City Council authorize the city manager to negotiate and enter into a development and sales agreement with 29 Oak Hill LLC, paving the way for the project to proceed.

During discussions, Councilwoman Turner and Smith raised concerns about ensuring a strong focus on the most vulnerable populations. They suggested exploring options to incorporate units affordable for households at 60% AMI, a point echoed by Sessica Baltistakonhai from the Emma Neighborhood Council during public comment. The Emma Neighborhood Council expressed concerns that the current affordability tiers didn't adequately address the needs of low-income communities and suggested aligning projects with community priorities, specifically supporting households earning 30% of 50% AMI. While the committee acknowledged these concerns, they agreed that exploring options to incorporate units affordable for households at 60% AMI would be a priority moving forward.

The meeting also included approval of the May 5th minutes and a motion to add a public comment period before the first agenda item, demonstrating a commitment to open communication and citizen engagement.

What Happens Next? Following the Committee’s recommendation, the proposal will move to Asheville City Council for final approval. 29 Oak Hill LLC will also need to navigate the Conditional Zoning process, expected this summer, and apply for Technical Review. City staff will investigate the feasibility of incorporating additional affordable units and explore potential partnerships with Habitat for Humanity to achieve lower interest rates. The developer will also explore value engineering options, such as adjusting setbacks and considering 5G infrastructure placement. Construction is tentatively slated to begin in the fall of 2026, with full completion anticipated within approximately three years.

Why This Matters to You: The Oak Hill Development represents a significant investment in addressing Asheville’s critical need for affordable housing. By creating 42 new townhomes with affordability options, this project will provide much-needed housing opportunities for families and individuals struggling to find suitable homes within our community. The focus on down payment assistance will help residents achieve homeownership, building wealth and stability for themselves and their families. While concerns were raised about the level of affordability, the committee’s commitment to exploring options for lower-income households demonstrates a dedication to ensuring that this project truly benefits all members of our community.

This recap aims to provide a clear and accessible overview of the meeting's key outcomes, ensuring that residents are informed about this important development in our city.