Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee Meeting Recap – November 10, 2025

The Swannanoa Small Area Plan Steering Committee met on November 10, 2025, to finalize preparations for a crucial upcoming community engagement event. This meeting focused on ensuring the event effectively gathers resident input to shape the future of Swannanoa, informing everything from land use decisions over the next 10-20 years to improvements in transportation and recreation. The committee, comprised of local officials and community members, discussed a wide range of topics aimed at understanding resident priorities for the area.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on how to best gauge community preferences regarding future land use and resilience. The committee is developing a "future land use map," similar to a zoning map, that will guide development decisions. During the engagement event, residents will be asked about their comfort level with different types of changes – a concept referred to as “risk tolerance.” Discussions revolved around refining the questions used to assess this risk tolerance, potentially framing them in terms of cost-benefit analyses to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. The event will also explore preferences for housing types within a designated "highlight area," as well as broader community desires regarding downtown boundaries, desired businesses, and recreation priorities.

Beyond land use, the committee dedicated time to discussing transportation improvements and recreational needs. Residents will be asked about desired bus routes, solutions for road congestion, and priorities for greenway systems, parks, and other recreational amenities. A particularly important discussion focused on engaging young people in the planning process. Plans are underway to tailor activities for different age groups, including puppet shows for elementary students, postcard projects for older children, and potential collaborations with local high schools.

The committee emphasized the importance of incorporating community feedback throughout this process, particularly when addressing potentially complex issues like balancing hazard mitigation with the need for affordable housing. Concerns were raised about presenting these topics in a way that avoids creating "false choices" between safety and affordability, with the committee agreeing that both goals can be achieved through thoughtful planning. A key takeaway was the need to clearly define terms like "recreation economy" so residents fully understand their meaning within the context of the Small Area Plan.

Key Outcomes & Next Steps:

While no formal votes were taken, the meeting resulted in several important decisions and action items:

• Refined Questions: The committee will revise the risk tolerance questions to ensure they are clear and accurately reflect potential trade-offs.
• Engagement Materials Finalization: All materials for the community engagement event are being finalized, including posters and feedback packets.
• Volunteer Recruitment: An email will be sent out to solicit volunteers for the event, scheduled for December 3rd.
• Review Existing Conditions Study: Committee members are encouraged to review the existing conditions study and provide feedback.
• Youth Collaboration: Efforts will be made to coordinate with Owen High School and Middle School for youth engagement opportunities.
• Printer Proof Review: Committee members will review printer proofs of posters to ensure accuracy before printing.

Why This Matters to You:

The Swannanoa Small Area Plan will directly impact the future of our community. This engagement event is a critical opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and help shape the direction of Swannanoa’s growth, transportation, recreation, and housing. Your participation is vital to ensuring the plan reflects your vision for a thriving and resilient Swannanoa. Stay tuned for more information about the December 3rd event, and be sure to review the existing conditions study when it becomes available.