# City Council Meeting (Jul 28, 2026)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** July 28, 2026 5:00 PM EDT (2026-07-28T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841

## Summary

**Asheville City Council Meeting Recap – July 28, 2026**

**Opening and Community Context**
The City Council meeting began with the Mayor acknowledging a recent double homicide in the community, recognizing the collective grief and memorial events taking place. This somber opening set the tone for a meeting that addressed both immediate public safety concerns and long-term urban planning decisions.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The Council took action on several items, primarily through the Consent Agenda and specific zoning requests. The Council approved funding for bulletproof vests for the police department by a 6-0 vote. They also approved a resolution to accept a $160,904 federal grant from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program by a 5-1 vote; Councilwoman Roney voted against this measure.

Regarding zoning, the Council approved a conditional zoning amendment for 301 East Chestnut Street (Princess Anne Hotel) by a 6-0 vote, allowing mixed-use activities such as restaurants and retail. They also approved a rezoning for 3862 Sweeten Creek Road (Ardmore Apartments) by a 6-0 vote, which includes a condition limiting the project to no more than 180 parking spaces.

The vote on 3 South Tunnel Road (Asheville Mall) was contentious. A motion to deny the rezoning from Urban Place to Regional Business failed by a 4-2 vote. Subsequently, a motion to approve the rezoning passed by a 4-2 vote. The Council also unanimously approved a Home Repair Policy allocating $3 million from the 2024 affordable housing bond and adopted an Anti-Displacement Resolution by a 6-0 vote.

**Discussion Highlights**
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Transit Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA). Transportation Director Ashley Hare and Assistant Director Jessica Morris presented a "Draft Network" that shifts the system’s focus from 50/50 coverage and ridership to 40/60 favoring ridership. This change proposes 15-minute frequency on key corridors but involves cutting service to several low-ridership routes, affecting access to the Outlet Mall, Mayhick, Social Security, and West Haywood. Staff recommended "Option 1" (the draft network), though "Option 2" and "Option 3" were offered as alternatives.

During the HIDTA grant discussion, Mayor Manheimer stated, "Voting against something because it's not perfect instead of voting for something because it serves the community that we live in, to me is what leadership requires," emphasizing the challenge of balancing the budget without raising taxes. Councilwoman Roney countered, "The city of Asheville has an opportunity to go upstream to prevent crime and violence if we make it a budget priority... until then, I have to use the lever I have for accountability and that includes my vote of no."

Regarding the transit changes, consultant Ricky Ngueda noted, "Something magical happens at 15 minutes where people... just don't have to live their lives around a schedule," citing an 18% ridership increase in Knoxville after similar shifts. On the Asheville Mall rezoning, Councilman Turner argued, "I don't think we need to wait for the UDO rewrite... We don't want to wait. We don't know what's going to happen with that," supporting the move to activate Tunnel Road. Councilwoman Mosley, speaking on the Sweet Creek development, noted, "I voted against some housing on this corridor because it's at a tipping point... It does always seem to fall on South Asheville and that's a problem for us."

**Community Input**
Public comment on the Transit COA was extensive, with many residents opposing the proposed cuts. Commenters, including representatives from the Grove Park Inn, Just Economics, and local riders, argued that cutting service to locations like Mayhick, Transformation Village, and the Social Security office harms vulnerable populations, seniors, and essential workers. Some urged the council to pause and explore micro-transit or variable fixed routes. Conversely, some supporters argued that increased frequency improves reliability for the majority of riders.

Regarding the Sweeten Creek development, neighbors expressed concerns about traffic congestion on Sweeten Creek Road, stormwater management, loss of tree canopy, and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure. Other public comments included dissatisfaction with the renovation of Weaver Park’s playground and ball field, complaints about aggressive billing by Pivot Parking, and one resident urging the Mayor to step down due to inaction on public safety.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**
Transit staff agreed to continue working with the consultant to refine the final network plan based on council feedback and to engage with impacted stakeholders. A final plan is scheduled for action on August 25. Staff also agreed to clarify in writing how paratransit (Mountain Mobility) will operate if fixed routes are cut, specifically regarding service within three-quarters of a mile of a route. Additionally, staff agreed to explore potential partnerships with major employers, such as the Grove Park Inn, Mayhick, and Outlet Mall, to help fund or provide shuttle services for employees.

The City Manager was directed by the Anti-Displacement Resolution to include measurable milestones, expected outcomes, and a reporting structure in the organization’s strategic plan and to provide regular updates to Council on this work.

## Votes

- Councilwoman Smith moved to approve the conditional zoning request for the property located at 3862 Sweeten Creek Rd from Residential Multi-family High Density (RM-16) to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone (RES EXP-CZ), and amending Condition 6 on Exhibit E to read as follows: "The Project will comply with parking space requirements of Section 7-11-2 of the UDO, but shall have no more than 180 total spaces."; and finding that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: 1) Prioritizes greater densities of development overall, throughout the city as appropriate; and 2) Increases the supply of housing, including affordable housing, in proximity to schools, transit and parks.  This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Turner and carried unanimously. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice-Mayor Mosley moved to adopt a resolution supporting a comprehensive approach to minimizing displacement and supporting stability in neighborhoods and directing the City Manager to develop a framework to identify those areas within the city which are particularly sensitive to displacement and loss of neighborhood identity and to design a strategy and operational improvements to balance the need for additional housing options while protecting those communities most at risk of displacement, and to incorporate the directions of this resolution into the development of the organization's strategic plan including measurable milestones, expected outcomes, and a reporting structure.  This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Roney and carried unanimously. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Turner moved for the adoption of the Consent Agenda with the deletion of Consent Agenda Item "I".  This motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Mosley and carried unanimously. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilman Hess moved to adopt a resolution to accept the HIDTA grant on behalf of the Asheville HIDTA branch and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents associated with the grant; and adopt a budget amendment in the City's Special Revenue Fund in the amount of $160,904.00.  This motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Mosley and carried on a 5-1 vote, with Councilwoman Roney voting "no." — Passed, 5-1
- Councilwoman Turner moved to approve the conditional zoning request for the property located at 301 E. Chestnut St, zoned Institutional - Conditional Zone (INST-CZ), and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: 1) Incentivizes redevelopment, especially mixed-use development that may contain housing, within identified transit-supportive centers; 2) Promotes adaptive reuse as a means of conserving materials, history, and embodied energy in buildings; and, 3) Encourages planning strategies that support the development of locally-focused neighborhood amenities, including restaurants, pubs, and other neighborhood services. This motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Mosley and carried unanimously. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Roney moved to deny the rezoning request for the property located at 3 South Tunnel Road from Urban Place Form District (UP) to Regional Business (RB) and find that the request is unreasonable, is not in the public interest, is not consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and does not meet the development needs of the community in that the request: 1) Proposes a zoning district that differs from the vision outlined in the City's comprehensive plan, and 2) Does not fully reflect the community's goal of transitioning this key growth area into a more walkable, transit-friendly neighborhood with a mix of housing and businesses.  This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Turner and failed on a 2-4 vote, with Mayor Manheimer, Vice-Mayor Mosley, Councilman Hess and Councilwoman Smith voting "no." — Failed, 2-4
- Vice-Mayor Mosley  moved to approve the rezoning request for the property located at 3 South Tunnel Road from Urban Place Form District (UP) to Regional Business (RB) and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: (1) May bring investment and any associated goods or services to the Asheville Mall and South Tunnel Road community-a targeted area for growth-to bolster economic activity; and (2) Has the potential to bring jobs and goods or services to a corridor supported by transit, thereby leveraging the City's transit investments to increase mobility. This motion was seconded by Councilman Hess and carried on a 4-2 vote, with Councilwoman Roney and Councilwoman Turner voting "no." — Passed, 4-2
- Councilwoman Roney moved to approve the Home Repair Policy and allocate $3 million of the Affordable Housing Bond dollars to home repair.  This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Turner and carried unanimously. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wptd80fr-Mo
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2044/segments

## Documents

- [PZC Draft Action Minutes (7/1/26).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11525)
- [Exhibit E.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11531)
- [Consent D - French Broad Parks Demolition .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11428)
- [Ord. No.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11522)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11502)
- [Exhibit B.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11515)
- [Exhibit C.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11516)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11524)
- [Draft Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11532)
- [Exhibit C.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11501)
- [Proposal.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11542)
- [PZC Staff Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11534)
- [Public Hearing C - Presentation - Rezone 3 S. Tunnel Rd.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11415)
- [Exhibit A.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11526)
- [minutes_2026-07-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=12594)
- [Exhibit D.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11517)
- [Conditional Zoning Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11520)
- [Rezoning Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11503)
- [Sanitation Code Enforcement Examples](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11508)
- [Presentations A - Manager's Report - ART COA.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11421)
- [New A - Presentation - Home Repair Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11426)
- [Consent E - Donation for the Repair of the City Hall Chimes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11433)
- [Consent B - Renew NC.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11429)
- [Home Repair Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11509)
- [ Exhibit A1.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11527)
- [Public Hearing C - Rezone 3 S. Tunnel Rd.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11412)
- [Public Hearing C - Applicant Presentation - Mall Rezoning .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11410)
- [Public Hearing B - CZ Amdt - 3862 Sweeten Creek.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11442)
- [Public Hearing A - CZ Amdt - 301 E Chestnut St - Princess Anne Hotel.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11443)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation - CZ - 3862 Sweeten Creek.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11445)
- [Consent O - Appointment to P&E Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11430)
- [Consent H - 2025 BVP Grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11435)
- [Consent I - 2026 HIDTA grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11434)
- [Consent G - Shiloh Tempie  Avery Renovations .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11437)
- [Consent C - DOT Connector Proj Waterline Relocation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11439)
- [Consent F - Walton Street Park.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11436)
- [New B - Anti-Displacement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11441)
- [Consent K - Multifamily Recycling Grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11438)
- [Consent A - 7-15-26 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11444)
- [Technical Review Committee Staff Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11533)
- [Full Draft Ordinance with Repeal and Change (with changes highlighted)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11537)
- [Short Draft Ordinance with Text Change only](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11538)
- [Changed ordinance text only](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11539)
- [Exhibit B.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11500)
- [June 2026 Refunds and Releases Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11511)
- [PZC.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11536)
- [Exhibit C.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11529)
- [Exhibit A.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11513)
- [Exhibit D.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11530)
- [Missing Middle Housing Study and Displacement Risk Assessment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11512)
- [Passport Program.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11507)
- [New B - Presentation - Anti-Displacement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11424)
- [Consent P - Tax Releases and Refunds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11431)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11423)
- [New A - Home Repair Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11427)
- [Consent A - 6-23-26 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11447)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - CZ Amdt - 301 E. Chestnut St - Princess Anne Hotel.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11446)
- [Consent J -  Ch 15 Ordinance Nuisance Motor Vehicles.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11425)
- [Consent M - Hunt Hill Conveyance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11422)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11418)
- [Memo - Follow-up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11416)
- [Consent L - DOT Bridge Inspections.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11440)
- [Exhibit A.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11497)
- [Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11540)
- [PZC Staff Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11523)
- [Exhibit A1.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11498)
- [action_agenda_2026-07-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11406)
- [Exhibit B.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11528)
- [Exhibit E.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11518)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11535)
- [PZC Staff Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11504)
- [Ord. No.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11521)
- [May.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11510)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11505)
- [Consent N - ABC Travel Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11432)
- [Proposal.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11541)
- [- PZC Draft Action Minutes (6/3/26).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11506)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2841?document=11519)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-jul-28-2026/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/129t8LABnq4Ut2OlHS3WSsuG0kQcNH8NV/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/19dtt1ZA1qc7qx7XhWvETBVAqE_WbPx-A/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)