Public Safety Committee (Virtual) (Jan 29, 2026)

Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: January 29, 2026

The Public Safety Committee held a virtual meeting on January 29, 2026, focusing on ongoing public safety initiatives and addressing community concerns within Asheville. Councilman Bo Hess was absent, with Shanika Smith filling in for him. The meeting provided updates on crime statistics, homelessness support efforts, and a proposed ordinance aimed at tackling abandoned properties. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents to understand how these proceedings impact their community.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to hearing from the Asheville Fire Department's Resource Engagement Support Team (REST). The REST team, utilizing platforms like the Asheville App and direct contact through APD’s non-emergency line, provides proactive support to vulnerable individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Lieutenant Fort Berry and Program Manager Hillary Jones presented data demonstrating the team's positive impact, including connecting individuals with vital resources and reducing strain on other emergency services – a particularly crucial role during the recent Winter Storm Fern. The committee acknowledged this valuable work, highlighting its collaborative nature with Buncombe County, the Red Cross, and other city departments. Chief Jackie Stepp then delivered a quarterly update on crime statistics, noting a commendable 24% reduction in violent crime city-wide and a significant decrease (54%) in homicides. While property crime saw a 10% increase, overall crime remains down 2% compared to five years ago. A concerning trend of increasing traffic collisions, however, prompted further discussion regarding pedestrian safety and potential solutions.

The committee also engaged in a detailed discussion surrounding the proposed Abandoned Building Ordinance, presented by Mark Matheny (Director of Development Services) and Chris O’Brien. This ordinance aims to provide the city with an additional tool for addressing non-residential abandoned properties that may not meet traditional building code violations but still create a nuisance. A key point of discussion centered on the financial implications, including staffing needs and potential demolition costs, as well as how the city would recover these expenses through liens. Vice Mayor Antoinette Mosley expressed a desire to further understand these financial considerations, signaling that the committee will revisit this proposal at a future meeting.

During public comment, Kendra Miller, a resident of Springside Road, voiced concerns about the accuracy of previous safety assessments on her street, particularly near schools. She emphasized recent traffic collisions and strongly advocated for prioritized improvements like sidewalks and traffic calming measures, urging the committee to take concrete action. This prompted a commitment from the committee to consider prioritizing sidewalk construction on Springside Road within the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and to explore options for traffic calming measures already initiated. The committee also agreed to investigate collaboration with Buncombe County regarding school-related traffic patterns, demonstrating a responsiveness to community concerns.

Looking Ahead: The Public Safety Committee will revisit the proposed Abandoned Building Ordinance at a future meeting, potentially with Councilman Hess present. The committee will also follow up on traffic calming measures already underway for Springside Road and explore incorporating sidewalk construction into the Capital Improvement Program. Residents are encouraged to utilize the Asheville App to report concerns and actively participate in creating a safer community, as emphasized by Chief Stepp throughout the meeting. This ongoing work reflects a commitment to addressing key public safety challenges and ensuring the well-being of Asheville residents.