# People and Environment Recovery Board (Hybrid) (Oct 5, 2026) **Body:** City of Asheville — People and Environment Recovery Board **Date:** October 5, 2026 5:30 PM EDT (2026-10-05T17:30:00-04:00) **Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - First Floor Conference Room **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020 ## Summary **People and Environment Recovery Board Meeting Recap** **Date:** October 5, 2026 **Location:** Hybrid (In-person and Virtual) The People and Environment Recovery Board convened on October 5, 2026, to review prior meeting records, receive updates on city resilience initiatives, and consider a significant leasing proposal for the River Arts District. Chair Jack Igelman opened the meeting by reiterating the board’s foundational purpose, stating, "Pauline recovery boards were established to support city council's vision of a recovery that is rooted in resilience, rises in unity, repairs with care and ready for tomorrow." The session focused on three primary agenda items: the approval of previous minutes, an update on Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) Resilience Hubs, and a proposal to lease the property at 91 Riverside Drive to the nonprofit RiverLink. The board unanimously voted to approve the minutes from the August 3rd and August 25th, 2026 meetings. Following this procedural action, staff provided an update on the CDBGDR Resilience Hubs program. Staff clarified that the program utilizes a two-track application process—allowing for both solo and consortium applications—with award limits ranging from $125,000 to $1 million. Staff member Alex Smith noted that the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is targeted for release in early November, with an application period extending through February. Additionally, staff explained that supplemental materials now track the status of board input as items progress through City Council committees, ensuring transparency in how previous discussions influence current decisions. The primary discussion centered on a proposal from RiverLink to lease the city-owned property at 91 Riverside Drive for a 15-year public-purpose term. Economic Development Division Manager Rachel Taylor and RiverLink representative Lisa presented the plan to transform the vacant brownfield site into a nature-led preserve with arts integration. The goal, according to Taylor, is to activate the space as a multi-use open space supporting the River Arts District without imposing ongoing operational costs on the city. Lisa emphasized the economic urgency, noting that 750 artists and businesses in the area are "hanging in the balance," and stated, "We designed everything to get it activated and underway and looking significantly better by next spring and summer." During the discussion, board members raised critical questions regarding equity, environmental remediation, and project capacity. Board members David and Bobby inquired about guarantees for equitable representation and growth for Black residents and artists, citing the area’s history as an African American neighborhood known as Depot Street. Board member Anna asked if the proposal included plans for brownfield site remediation, while Board member Alma questioned the funding sources and RiverLink’s capacity to manage the project alongside other commitments. In response to these concerns, Lisa stated, "We as a conservation organization really intentionally lean in... We will bring our heart and intent to that." Staff and RiverLink agreed to take these board recommendations into consideration during the negotiation phase. The board unanimously voted to recommend that City Council approve the 15-year lease of 91 Riverside Drive to RiverLink. There was no public comment during the designated public comment period at the end of the meeting. Staff indicated that if City Council approves the lease, negotiations will be finalized by the end of the calendar year, with a project launch anticipated in 2027. The next scheduled meeting for the People and Environment Recovery Board is set for December 7, 2026. ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://youtube.com/live/DQkKqczE8iE?feature=share - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2148/segments ## Documents - [Supplemental Materials_10-5-2026_People & Environment Recovery Board Meeting .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13818) - [91 Riverside Evaluation Scoring Guide.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13879) - [Resilience Hubs Presentation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13809) - [August 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13804) - [Resilience Hubs.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13820) - [91 Riverside Leasing Proposal Summary.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13819) - [DRAFT Action Minutes_8-25-2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13821) - [91 Riverside Drive Leasing Opportunity.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13817) - [Agenda_People and Environment Recovery Board 10-5-26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13816) - [DRAFT Action Minutes_8-3-2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13815) - [October 5, 2026 Supplemental Materials.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13808) - [91 Riverside Drive Presentation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13811) - [91 Riverside Dr Request for Proposals.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13880) - [August 25, 2026 Meeting Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13807) - [agenda_2026-10-05.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3020?document=13814) ## Sources - [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/people-and-environment-recovery-board-hybrid-oct-5-2026/)