# Historic Resources Commission (In-Person) (Oct 14, 2026)

**Body:** City of Asheville — Historic Resources Commission
**Date:** October 14, 2026 4:00 PM EDT (2026-10-14T16:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - First Floor Conference Room

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3048

## Summary

The Historic Resources Commission convened in person on October 14, 2026, at Asheville City Hall for a meeting focused on reviewing historic preservation applications and administrative procedures. The session opened with the introduction of new commission member Melody Oxendine and the swearing-in ceremony. The body first addressed administrative housekeeping, reviewing and approving the minutes from the September meeting and the April 28 work session. During this review, Commissioner Mays raised a procedural concern, suggesting that the commission consider attaching verbatim transcripts to official records in the future to ensure an accurate representation of public comments. The commission approved the minutes with this suggestion noted.

The commission held evidentiary hearings for several Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications, resulting in unanimous approvals for four projects with specific conditions. For 30 Lodge Street, the COA for site work at the historic Train Depot—including sidewalk expansion, outdoor dining furniture, bike racks, and a trash enclosure—was approved. Staff member Alex Cole specified that the width dimension of the trash enclosure must be submitted to staff as a condition of approval. Similarly, the COA for 1 Swan Street, involving porch enclosure modifications, an ADA ramp, and mechanical unit screening, was approved with conditions requiring revised elevation drawings showing porch glass at railing height and specific mechanical unit screening details. The COA for 5 Boston Way, covering window replacements and porch repairs, was also approved, contingent on the submission of window, door, and crawlspace grill specifications. Additionally, the commission approved the COA for the Biltmore Village Infrastructure Project, a city-led effort to repair brick sidewalks, granite curbing, and street trees, with the condition that final site plans be submitted for review.

One application, regarding a mural request at 3200 Hendersonville Road, was continued to the November 18 meeting. This decision followed complex discussions regarding historic preservation standards, sign size limits, and deed restrictions. Staff member Alex Cole noted the existence of a preservation brief regarding "ghost signs" (historic painted signage), emphasizing that retaining such signs is preferred when possible. Commissioner Bowen added that preserving existing function and original design is generally better for preservation. The applicant requested the continuance to research guidelines and potential compromises, such as preserving the ghost sign or installing a smaller flush-mounted sign.

Public commenters provided input on several items, particularly regarding the Biltmore Village area. Benjamin Mitchell of the Biltmore Village Merchant Association and Vanessa Salomo of the Historic Biltmore Village Association both expressed support for the mural project at 3200 Hendersonville Road, arguing it serves as a welcome sign and helps differentiate the historic village. Mitchell offered to collaborate on establishing a prototype for outdoor furniture in the district. Regarding 30 Lodge Street, a public commenter shared positive feedback from a railroad enthusiast group, noting that the depot restoration is viewed favorably by many. In "Other Business," former commissioner Annie McDonald delivered a detailed warning about proposed federal legislative and regulatory changes to the National Historic Preservation Act, specifically Section 106 review, urging residents to stay informed through preservation organizations.

The commission concluded the meeting with administrative announcements regarding the executive committee and a library book sale. Staff members Alex Cole agreed to review the specific conditions attached to the approved COAs, including the trash enclosure dimensions for 30 Lodge Street, the porch glass specifications for 1 Swan Street, and the final site plans for the Biltmore Village Infrastructure Project. The next meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Asheville City Hall.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://youtube.com/live/ztG7zaJoOOM
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2168/segments

## Documents

- [Staff Report and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3048?document=13741)
- [agenda_2026-10-14.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3048?document=13744)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/historic-resources-commission-in-person-oct-14-2026/)