# City Council Meeting (Jun 24, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** June 24, 2025 5:00 PM EDT (2025-06-24T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794

## Summary

The City Council convened on June 24, 2025, addressing a broad range of topics impacting Asheville residents. The meeting saw unanimous approvals on several key initiatives while also grappling with community concerns surrounding development and zoning changes. This recap highlights the major decisions, discussions, and next steps for our community.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed review and approval of the five-year Consolidated Plan and one-year Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program funding. This plan, approved unanimously, will guide the city's efforts in providing affordable housing and supporting community development projects.  Council members emphasized the growing need to bolster local support for these initiatives as other funding sources evolve, signaling a potential increase in the city's commitment to addressing housing affordability.  The plan will now be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by July 13th.  Additionally, the Council approved a development and lease agreement with Laurel Street Residential LLC for a mixed-income housing project at 319 Biltmore Avenue, including a $3 million investment through a housing trust fund loan and tax grant.

Beyond these approvals, the Council also recognized July as Parks and Recreation Month, a proclamation spurred by passionate testimony from resident Kathy Coco who highlighted the vital role these programs play in supporting senior citizens' well-being and fostering community connections, particularly following the impact of Tropical Storm Colleen.  The Council also unanimously approved amendments to clarify sidewalk requirements, addressing a technical oversight in previous zoning regulations. Finally, they reappointed Amy Moxley and appointed Amy Garst to the Historic Resources Commission.

A particularly contentious issue was a proposed rezoning of 9999 Trade Street from River Arts Form District Neighborhood Transition to RM8 Residential Multifamily Medium Density. While Planner Will Pomquist presented the details, concerns arose regarding a right-of-way adjacent to the property. Council Member Bo Guyton questioned its status, prompting clarification from applicant Bo Carpenter. Due to this uncertainty surrounding the right-of-way, the Council voted to *defer* a decision on the rezoning request until July 29th, providing an opportunity to resolve this outstanding issue.

Throughout the meeting, residents actively participated through public comment. Several speakers voiced strong opposition to a proposed development at UNCA, expressing concerns about potential deforestation and prioritizing private profit over community well-being. These comments underscored a broader sentiment among residents regarding the preservation of Asheville’s unique character and natural beauty, with calls for sustainable development practices.



**What's Next?**

*   **Rezoning Decision:** The Council will revisit the rezoning request for 9999 Trade Street at their meeting on July 29th.
*   **HUD Submission:** The Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by July 13th, outlining how federal funds will be used to support affordable housing and community development.
*   **UNCA Development:** The Council will continue to monitor the proposed UNCA development and address ongoing community concerns. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in future discussions regarding this project.



This meeting demonstrated a commitment from the City Council to address critical community needs while also acknowledging and responding to resident concerns. Your participation in future meetings and engagement with local government is vital to shaping the future of Asheville.

## Agenda

- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation of up to $110,000 from Brown, Parker & DeMarinis Advertising, LLC on behalf of Mission Health Hospital Manager to help reduce the costs associated with establishing temporary recreation amenities; and to execute any documents necessary related to the use of these donated funds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12645)
- [Budget amendment in the amount of $110,000 to budget the donated funds within the Special Revenue Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12646)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract for internal audit program services with Plante Moran for a term of one year, with two additional one year renewal options, and further authorizing the execution of change orders to adjust the total amount of the contract in future fiscal years, contingent on budget appropriations in future fiscal years.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12647)
- [Technical budget amendment in the amount of $4.2 million in the City’s Multi-Year Enterprise Funds for year-end clean up related to Tropical Storm Helene budgets adopted earlier in the fiscal year, and in the amount of $776,000 for debt refunding expenses in the Transit Services Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12648)
- [Resolution to enter into a Round 2 cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and to authorize the City Manager to execute the associated documents.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12649)
- [Budget amendment in the amount of 1,842,175.47 to budget the loan in the Helene Cashflow Loan Fund, as required by the loan agreement.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12650)
- [Resolution delegating the authority to the City Manager, or its designee, to accept donations offered to the City.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12651)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement whereby the City receives compensation from Buncombe County for fire protection and rescue services in certain areas of the County.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12652)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an extension to the agreement with N.C. Emergency Management for the State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team #6.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12653)
- [Resolutions to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the following events:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12654)
- [1. Independence Day Block Party on July 4, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12655)
- [2. Asheville Half Marathon 10K & 5K on August 23, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12656)
- [3. Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL on August 29 31, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12657)
- [4. Blue Ridge Pride Festival on September 27, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12658)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Tarheel Paving and Asphalt for the Fiscal Year 2025 Asphalt Resurfacing Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12659)
- [Ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances, Solid Waste Management, to provide clarifying information about the provision of waste collection services on private roads.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12660)
- [Resolution repealing Resolution No. 22-16 which authorized the City Manager to execute a N.C. Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) funding agreement for Patton Avenue Sidewalk Improvements and replacing it with a new resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a new NCDOT funding agreement.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12661)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Haynes Electric Utility for the traffic and pedestrian signal and pole installation at the Charlotte Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive intersection.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12662)
- [Resolution for City Manager to accept the Internal Revenue Service clean energy tax credit funds from purchase of electric vehicles and installation of a photovoltaic array at Broadway Public Safety Station and to authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute any related documents.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12663)
- [Ordinance enacting a 20 mph speed limit on Atlanta Avenue in its entirety; Baker Avenue in its entirety; Boyd Avenue in its entirety; Bryant Street in its entirety; Buffalo Street in its entirety; Clay Street in its entirety; Downing Street in its entirety; Edgar Street in its entirety; Fayetteville Street in its entirety; Ivy Street in its entirety; Mardell Circle in its entirety; Martin Avenue in its entirety; Ohio Street in its entirety; Saratoga Street in its entirety; and Texas Street in its entirety.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12664)
- [Public hearing to consider rezoning 99999 Trade Street from River Arts Form District Neighborhood Transition (RAD-NT) to RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12665)
- [Public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances, to reinsert sections 7-11-8(c), (d), (e), and (f) which were inadvertently removed during the recent zoning text amendment adopted in Ord. No. 5127 on March 11, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12666)
- [Public Hearing regarding submission of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025- 2026 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as substantial amendments to previous Annual Action Plans.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12667)
- [Resolution authorizing the submission of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025- 2026 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as substantial amendments to previous Annual Action Plans; authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to give effect to this resolution.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12668)
- [Budget amendment in the amount of $1,022,202 for CDBG and $1,245,387 for HOME to accept the grant awards from HUD.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12669)
- [Resolution approving a $250,000 grant for the purchase of 32 Grail Street and 32 Olive Street by the Asheville Buncombe County Land Trust to allow the homes to be sold to qualifying households at or below 80% AMI and be permanently affordable.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12670)
- [Resolution approving a development and lease agreement with Laurel Street Residential LLC for the development of mixed-income and affordable housing at 319 Biltmore Avenue (3 & 4 John Walker Avenue); a re-affirmation of Resolution No. 22-184 to sell the property to Laurel Street Residential LLC via long-term ground lease; and approval of a Housing Trust Fund loan and tax grant to Laurel Street Residential LLC for the same development.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12671)
- [Boards & Commissions: (Council to determine who, if any, to interview)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12672)
- [Historic Resources Commission Reappointed Amy Moxley; Appointed Amy Gharst](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794/item/12673)

## Votes

- Budget amendment in the amount of $110,000 to budget the donated funds within the Special Revenue Fund. — Passed, 5-0
- Technical budget amendment in the amount of $4.2 million in the City’s Multi-Year Enterprise Funds for year-end clean up related to Tropical Storm Helene budgets adopted earlier in the fiscal year, and in the amount of $776,000 for debt refunding expenses in the Transit Services Fund. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution to enter into a Round 2 cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and to authorize the City Manager to execute the associated documents. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution delegating the authority to the City Manager, or its designee, to accept donations offered to the City. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an extension to the agreement with N.C. Emergency Management for the State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team #6 . — Passed, 5-0
- Resolutions to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the following events: — Passed, 5-0
- Public hearing to consider rezoning 99999 Trade Street from River Arts Form District Neighborhood Transition (RAD-NT) to RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District. — Failed
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Haynes Electric Utility for the traffic and pedestrian signal and pole installation at the Charlotte Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive intersection. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution for City Manager to accept the Internal Revenue Service clean energy tax credit funds from purchase of electric vehicles and installation of a photovoltaic array at Broadway Public Safety Station and to authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute any related documents. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution repealing Resolution No. 22-16 which authorized the City Manager to execute a N.C. Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) funding agreement for Patton Avenue Sidewalk Improvements and replacing it with a new resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a new NCDOT funding agreement. — Passed, 5-0
- Public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances, to reinsert sections 7-11-8(c), (d), (e), and (f) which were inadvertently removed during the recent zoning text amendment adopted in Ord. No. 5127 on March 11, 2025. — Passed, 5-0
- Budget amendment in the amount of $1,022,202 for CDBG and $1,245,387 for HOME to accept the grant awards from HUD. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution approving a $250,000 grant for the purchase of 32 Grail Street and 32 Olive Street by the Asheville Buncombe County Land Trust to allow the homes to be sold to qualifying households at or below 80% AMI and be permanently affordable. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation of up to $110,000 from Brown, Parker & DeMarinis Advertising, LLC on behalf of Mission Health Hospital Manager to help reduce the costs associated with establishing temporary recreation amenities; and to execute any documents necessary related to the use of these donated funds. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract for internal audit program services with Plante Moran for a term of one year, with two additional one year renewal options, and further authorizing the execution of change orders to adjust the total amount of the contract in future fiscal years, contingent on budget appropriations in future fiscal years. — Passed, 5-0
- Budget amendment in the amount of 1,842,175.47 to budget the loan in the Helene Cashflow Loan Fund, as required by the loan agreement. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement whereby the City receives compensation from Buncombe County for fire protection and rescue services in certain areas of the County. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Tarheel Paving and Asphalt for the Fiscal Year 2025 Asphalt Resurfacing Project. — Passed, 5-0
- Ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances, Solid Waste Management, to provide clarifying information about the provision of waste collection services on private roads. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the submission of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025- 2026 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as substantial amendments to previous Annual Action Plans; authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to give effect to this resolution. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution approving a development and lease agreement with Laurel Street Residential LLC for the development of mixed-income and affordable housing at 319 Biltmore Avenue (3 & 4 John Walker Avenue); a re-affirmation of Resolution No. 22-184 to sell the property to Laurel Street Residential LLC via long-term ground lease; and approval of a Housing Trust Fund loan and tax grant to Laurel Street Residential LLC for the same development. — Passed, 5-0
- Ordinance enacting a 20 mph speed limit on Atlanta Avenue in its entirety; Baker Avenue in its entirety; Boyd Avenue in its entirety; Bryant Street in its entirety; Buffalo Street in its entirety; Clay Street in its entirety; Downing Street in its entirety; Edgar Street in its entirety; Fayetteville Street in its entirety; Ivy Street in its entirety; Mardell Circle in its entirety; Martin Avenue in its entirety; Ohio Street in its entirety; Saratoga Street in its entirety; and Texas Street in its entirety. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/QZTAX0JMOMs?si=l9DgVCQDJqRwjY_v
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/445/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2025-06-24.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2311)
- [minutes_2025-06-24.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2312)
- [New A - Presentation - 32 Grail and 32 Olive.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2313)
- [New B - Presentation - 319 Biltmore.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2314)
- [Memo - Follow-Up-2.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2315)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2317)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation - UDO Sidewalk Requirements Cleanup.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2318)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2321)
- [Memo - Follow-Up Attachment - S&P Global Ratings Report - Asheville, North Carolina.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2316)
- [Public Hearing C - Presentation - CDBG and HOME Plans and Amendments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2320)
- [Consent F - Delegate Authority to Accept Donations to City Manager, or Designee.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2329)
- [Consent I - Alcohol at Events.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2330)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2322)
- [Public Hearing B - UDO Amdt - Sidewalk Requirements Cleanup.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2327)
- [Public Hearing A - Rezoning 99999 Trade St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2328)
- [Consent E - Helene Cash Flow Loan Round2 .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2331)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2342)
- [Consent B - Donation for Parks .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2332)
- [Consent L - Patton Ave Sidewalks (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2333)
- [Consent M - MLK _ CLT Signal Poles.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2334)
- [Consent N - IRS Elective Pay Tax Credit (Acceptance).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2335)
- [Consent C - Internal Audit Svs Contract (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2336)
- [Consent H- Haz Mat Response Team 6.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2337)
- [Consent G - AFD Buncombe County Fire Protection Agrmt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2339)
- [Consent K- Ch 15 Ordinance Revision - Private Roads.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2340)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - 99999 Trade St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2319)
- [New B - 319 Biltmore (2).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2323)
- [New A - 32 Grail Street & 32 Olive St - HTF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2324)
- [Public Hearing C- Con Plan, Annual Action Plan 2025-2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2325)
- [Consent D - Technical FY25 Year End Budget Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2326)
- [Consent J - FY25 Asphalt Resurfacing .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2338)
- [Consent O - Burton St Speed Limits.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/794?document=2341)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-jun-24-2025-2/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DJzxamuROPS51yFNjRcwhxX4Yr6S4wW-/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pvjl_OsuEjkVZQXEnmqDXcHPkSkqzgFu/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)