LIVE @ Asheville Downtown Commission Meeting 11/08/19

Asheville Downtown Commission Meeting Recap: November 8, 2019 – Balancing Development and Our Urban Forest

The Asheville Downtown Commission held a meeting on November 8, 2019, focusing primarily on the future of development in downtown Asheville and addressing critical concerns surrounding our city's urban forest. A diverse group attended, including commission members, developers, representatives from community organizations like the South Slope Tree Preservation Coalition, and concerned citizens eager to voice their opinions. The meeting showcased a palpable tension between the need for affordable housing and the imperative to protect Asheville’s unique green spaces.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Stephen Hendricks, Chair of the Urban Forestry Commission. Hendricks delivered a sobering assessment of Asheville’s urban forestry efforts, revealing that our city lags behind many similar-sized municipalities in this area. A recent canopy study confirmed a 6.4% loss of tree cover over the past decade, highlighting an urgent need for action. The commission is actively collaborating with NASA to analyze data and develop strategies to combat the urban heat island effect, a growing concern exacerbated by climate change. Hendricks emphasized the need for "density or die" in urban planning, advocating for robust green infrastructure alongside development. The commission is pursuing the creation of a dedicated Urban Forester position and a comprehensive urban forest master plan, initiatives that garnered considerable interest as evidenced by the overwhelmingly popular "Climate Change in Asheville's Urban Forest" symposium scheduled for the following week.

The most substantial discussion centered on a proposed development at 11 Collier Avenue, a plan submitted by Tribute Companies for a 54-unit affordable housing development. The project requires two variances from the city's zoning regulations: a narrowing of the sidewalk to accommodate existing trees, and an exemption from a required step-back in building design that would reduce the number of units. While staff recommended approval, they urged maintaining a full 10-foot sidewalk width to better protect the urban forest. Public comment was robust, with several speakers passionately advocating for preserving the existing trees and even suggesting acquiring the property as a public park. Concerns were raised about the impact on Asheville’s unique urban forest, particularly in conjunction with the nearby Cox Ashland development. Developers defended their design choices, emphasizing affordability and a commitment to minimizing construction impact on existing trees.

Ultimately, no decisions were made regarding the 11 Collier Avenue development during this meeting. The commission will continue to review the proposal, and it will subsequently be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission in December. This highlights a key takeaway: this is an ongoing process, and residents have opportunities to engage in future discussions.

What’s Next & Why It Matters:

• Continued Dialogue on 11 Collier Avenue: The commission will continue to deliberate, and residents are encouraged to follow the process through the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Urban Forestry Program Development: The commission will explore options for establishing a dedicated urban forester and developing a comprehensive urban forest program, aiming to address the identified gaps in our city's green infrastructure.
• Street Tree Inventory: The commission will investigate the feasibility of conducting an inventory and developing a plan for our city’s street trees.
• Symposium Attendance: Residents interested in learning more about climate change and its impact on Asheville’s urban forest are encouraged to join the waiting list for next week's symposium.

This meeting underscored a critical challenge facing Asheville: how to balance the need for affordable housing with the preservation of our cherished natural environment. The discussions and proposed actions will directly impact the character of downtown Asheville, influencing its sustainability, resilience to climate change, and overall quality of life for residents. Staying informed and participating in these conversations is essential to shaping the future of our city.