Special Meeting: Infrastructure Recovery Board Joint Meeting (Hybrid) (Aug 25, 2026)

Infrastructure Recovery Board Joint Meeting Recap: August 25, 2026

On August 25th, the City of Asheville’s Infrastructure and People & Environment Recovery Boards held a joint meeting to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, which was open to the public and streamed online, focused primarily on two major projects: repairing infrastructure in Biltmore Village and rebuilding and enhancing Azalea Park. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in learning more about these important initiatives.

Focus on Biltmore Village: Restoring History, Addressing Concerns

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery Project. The project aims to repair sidewalks, ramps, and landscaping within a specific area of Biltmore Village, ensuring these historic features are resilient against future flooding and wear. While the project is progressing well, board members and attendees raised a crucial point: the need to address underlying stormwater issues. While the current project focuses on repairing existing infrastructure, it doesn't directly tackle the root causes of flooding. The city acknowledged this concern and committed to connecting with the stormwater department, though a timeline for addressing these broader issues remains unclear. The project team will also continue engaging with the Biltmore Village Merchants Association and residents, incorporating their feedback into the final design. No formal votes were taken on this project.

Azalea Park: Reimagining a Beloved Space for Resilience and Recreation

The meeting also provided an update on the Azalea Park and Infrastructure Project, a large-scale initiative to rebuild and enhance Recreation Park, Azalea Park, and the Swannanoa River corridor. After extensive community engagement – including focus groups, open houses, surveys, and pop-up events – a preferred design concept was developed that combines elements of two initial proposals. A key recommendation from Olin Consulting, supported by the boards, is to remove Burnett Reservoir (the dam) and rebuild the Gaseous Creek Bridge in a new location. This decision, based on ecological advantages and minimal flood control benefits from the dam, will require further study to assess downstream impacts. The project is primarily funded through FEMA (for recovery), CDBG-DR funding, and state grants. No formal votes were taken on this project.

Community Voices Heard: Equity, Funding & Transparency

Throughout the meeting, several common themes emerged from discussions and public comments. Board members consistently emphasized the importance of long-term resilience, particularly regarding stormwater management and potential future flooding. Concerns were raised about ensuring equitable engagement with low-to-moderate income residents and the potential for cuts to bus routes or reallocation of CDBGDR funds. The importance of transparency was also highlighted, with a commitment to provide more detailed information on the project’s engagement page and share regular updates with City Council.

What Happens Next? Key Action Items for Residents to Watch

Several key action items were identified following the meeting:

• Detailed Report on Public Engagement: City staff will prepare a comprehensive report detailing the public engagement process, including demographic data and feedback received.
• Stormwater Coordination: The city will continue to coordinate with the stormwater department to address broader flooding concerns.
• Azalea Park Design Advancement: Olin Consulting will continue developing technical drawings for the Azalea Park project, conduct further community engagement in the fall, and present their findings to City Council.
• Increased Transparency: The city will improve transparency by adding more information to the project’s engagement page and providing monthly subscriber updates on both projects.
• Second Round of Engagement: A second round of community engagement will be conducted to address questions raised during this meeting.
• Flood Modeling: The city will complete flood modeling to provide conclusive evidence regarding downstream impacts of the dam removal.

Why This Matters to You:

These recovery projects represent a significant investment in Asheville’s infrastructure and community spaces. The discussions highlighted the challenges of balancing historic preservation, modern resilience needs, and equitable outcomes for all residents. By staying informed about these projects and participating in future engagement opportunities, you can help shape a more resilient and vibrant Asheville for years to come. You can find updates on both projects through the City of Asheville's website and YouTube channel.