City Council Meeting Recap: June 24, 2025

The City of Asheville City Council held its regular meeting on June 24, 2025. The agenda addressed a wide range of municipal operations, financial matters related to Tropical Storm Helene recovery, housing development, and public safety. The Council voted on numerous resolutions and ordinances, with the majority of items passing unanimously.

Financial and Recovery Actions The Council approved several financial measures to support the city’s operations and recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. The Council voted 5-0 to accept a donation of up to $110,000 from Brown, Parker & DeMarinis Advertising, LLC on behalf of Mission Health, intended for temporary recreation amenities damaged by the storm. A corresponding budget amendment of $110,000 was also passed 5-0 to allocate these funds within the Special Revenue Fund. Additionally, the Council passed a 5-0 vote to accept a Round 2 cashflow loan of $1,842,175.47 from the State of North Carolina to bridge Helene-related expenses pending FEMA reimbursement, along with a budget amendment to account for this loan in the Helene Cashflow Loan Fund. A technical budget amendment of $4.2 million was also approved 5-0 to clean up year-end accounting for Helene recovery funds within the Multi-Year Enterprise Funds. The Council further voted 5-0 to delegate the authority to the City Manager to accept donations on the City’s behalf, streamlining the process for future contributions.

Contracts and Infrastructure The Council authorized several service contracts and infrastructure projects. A 5-0 vote approved a one-year contract with Plante Moran for internal audit services, including two optional renewal years. The Council also passed a 5-0 resolution to execute a contract with Tarheel Paving and Asphalt for the Fiscal Year 2025 Asphalt Resurfacing Project, which involves resurfacing 21 streets and upgrading 26 ADA ramps. In the realm of public safety and emergency services, the Council voted 5-0 to renew the agreement with Buncombe County for fire protection and rescue services and to extend the contract with N.C. Emergency Management for the State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team. The Council also approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for up to $150,000 in funding for curb and gutter construction on the Patton Avenue sidewalk improvements project.

Housing and Community Development Significant attention was given to housing initiatives. The Council unanimously approved the submission of the five-year Consolidated Plan and the one-year Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funding to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These plans outline how the city will distribute approximately $972,202 in CDBG funds and $1,051,896 in HOME funds for the upcoming year. The Council also unanimously approved a development and lease agreement with Laurel Street Residential LLC for the construction of a mixed-income housing project at 319 Biltmore Avenue. This agreement includes a $3 million loan from the Housing Trust Fund and tax grants of up to $100,000 per year for 20 years, with the affordable units required to remain affordable for 40 years.

Ordinances and Permits The Council adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify waste collection services on private roads, requiring property owners to maintain road access for collection trucks. This ordinance passed 5-0. The Council also approved resolutions permitting the possession and consumption of malt beverages and unfortified wine at four upcoming events: the Independence Day Block Party (July 4), the Asheville Half Marathon 10K & 5K (August 23), the Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL (August 29-31), and the Blue Ridge Pride Festival (September 27). All alcohol permit resolutions passed 5-0. Additionally, the Council approved amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to correct an oversight regarding sidewalk requirements, restoring sections that were unintentionally removed by a previous ordinance.

Public Hearings and Zoning The Council held a public hearing regarding a proposed rezoning of the property at 9999 Trade Street from River Arts Form District Neighborhood Transition to RM8 Residential Multifamily Medium Density. During the hearing, concerns were raised regarding the status of a right-of-way adjacent to the property. Due to uncertainty about this right-of-way, the Council decided to defer the decision, continuing the hearing to July 29, 2025. The Council also unanimously approved the reappointment of Amy Moxley and the appointment of Amy Garst to the Historic Resources Commission.

Community Input and Discussion During the public comment period, several residents spoke primarily about concerns regarding a proposed development at UNCA and its potential impact on green spaces. Additionally, during the Parks and Recreation Month proclamation, resident Kathy Coco spoke about the vital role Parks and Recreation programs play in the well-being of senior citizens. Council Member Bo Hess and D. Tyrell McGirt presented on the importance of parks for community resilience. Regarding the 9999 Trade Street rezoning, Council Member Bo Guyton raised questions about the right-of-way status, which was clarified by the applicant as a matter of property ownership.

Next Steps The rezoning request for 9999 Trade Street will be revisited at the July 29, 2025 meeting. The approved Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will be submitted to HUD by July 13, 2025. The City Manager is authorized to execute the approved contracts and agreements, including the loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and the development agreement with Laurel Street Residential LLC.