Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee Work Session

Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee Work Session Recap – June 15, 2026

On June 15, 2026, the Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee held a work session to finalize key aspects of the upcoming Small Area Plan, incorporating feedback received from the community. This meeting was specifically for the Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee, a distinct body from other local government groups. The committee focused on refining the plan to address concerns and opportunities related to affordable housing, disaster preparedness, preserving Swannanoa's unique character, and improving transportation infrastructure.

Key Decisions & Prioritized Improvements: Following a review of approximately 270 responses from residents, the committee made several targeted adjustments to the proposed sidewalk and bike priority map. Notably, bike priority was added along Davidson Road and New Salem Road (requiring striping a double yellow line), with Old Farm School Road designated as an alternative bike route connecting to Asheville. A significant focus was placed on Grovemont, with the committee agreeing to prioritize expanded sidewalk options (particularly for pedestrian access to Owen Middle School and the bike park) and exploring a potential reduction in speed limits on Alexander Avenue and other roads within Grovemont. The committee ultimately decided against broader changes to the overall map, recognizing a lack of widespread consensus on additional priorities.

Discussions & Community Concerns: A major topic of discussion centered around addressing the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability and neighborhood character. While acknowledging legal complexities, the committee deferred a final decision on potential regulations for these rentals. The feasibility of creating a “social district” in Swannanoa was also considered, ultimately moving the idea to the "Community Ideas" section of the plan for further exploration as a community-led initiative. The committee also discussed strategies to encourage affordable housing development, reaffirming the need for streamlined permitting and developer incentives. Discussions clarified that "traffic calming" refers to physical changes made to roads, distinguishing it from simply reducing speed limits.

Listening to the Community: The committee received a substantial amount of public input, with approximately 90% of respondents generally supporting the plan as currently drafted. Concerns were raised about potentially diluting prioritized areas by adding too many additional priorities, a point the committee carefully considered in their final decisions. The engagement process highlighted community desire for a plan that balances progress with preservation of Swannanoa's unique identity.

What’s Next & How You Can Get Involved: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, shaping the plan’s final stages. The committee will now consult with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding any proposed map changes. A public exhibit showcasing the plan will be held in August, mirroring a previous comprehensive plan engagement. The committee discussed arranging this exhibit strategically to maximize impact based on psychological research, potentially organizing it in a counter-clockwise direction. Committee members will receive the draft plan (approximately 45 pages) for review before the July meeting, and are expected to provide feedback. Finally, the committee will formally approve the plan and recommend it to the Planning Board. To ensure accessibility, the committee is exploring locations beyond the Whitson Avenue building to display the final plan, including options at Oh and Middle schools when school is out. The next meeting is scheduled for July 7th, with a possible presentation by Liz, time permitting.

This work session represents a significant step towards finalizing the Swannanoa Small Area Plan, which aims to guide future growth and development while preserving what makes Swannanoa a special place to live. Residents are encouraged to attend the public exhibit in August and stay informed about future opportunities for engagement as the plan progresses.