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Monthly Archives: May 2011
Westside Wrapup May 30
West Asheville City Council Community Meeting May 31, 6:30pm
Asheville City Council will hold a Community Meeting in West Asheville on Tuesday May 31, 2011, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. at Vance Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road. The meeting will feature presentations on city initiatives in West Asheville by city staff and area residents. A question and answer session will follow the presentations. Mayor Bellamy, Council Members and the presenters will be available to answer questions and take comments.
For more information about the meeting, please contact Marsha Stickford, City of Asheville Neighborhood/Volunteer Coordinator, at mstickford@ashevillenc.gov or 259-5506.
Graffiti Presentation June 28, 6 pm
Officer Chad McCall, a West Asheville Community Resource Officer and Rebecca Bym, the City of Asheville Weed and Seed Coordinator will be making a presentation about graffiti in West Asheville at the West Asheville Library meeting room on Tuesday, June 28 at 6 pm. Topics to be discusses will include; education on graffiti, how the city responds to calls about graffiti and resources available to help property and business owners remove it.
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HRCC meeting notes May 19
Meeting Notes
4-20-11 West Asheville Library, 6:00 PM
Agenda for the Meeting:
1. Mobile Food Vending
2. City Council West Asheville meeting on 5/31/11
3. Transportation, a major topic of the Vision Plan
Mobile Food Vending:
There is an effort by the City to provide a clearer City-wide policy for mobile food vending (food trucks). Currently it is being considered by the Downtown Commission because it is an area not available for Mobile Food Vending because of limitations in the Central Business District (CBD) zoned areas. The situation for the majority of West Asheville is more flexible with options for permanent and temporary food truck uses. The residual areas of CBD zoning along Haywood Rd. also prohibit the trucks so that is one change staff is recommending, removing the barriers in the CBD sections that prohibit Mobile Food Vending. This topic will be more thoroughly reviewed at the next Vision Plan meeting in June.
City Council West Asheville meeting:
City Council community meeting in West Asheville Tuesday May 31, at Vance Elementary School. Beginning at 6:30 PM. There was a discussion of staff and West Asheville residents to summarize the vision plan process and sharing with City Council West Asheville initiatives.
- Haywood Road Vision Plan process and topics of discussion: Alan Glines and Leslie Fay
- Activities of the West Asheville Business Association- Hugh Munro
- Activities for the Hominy Creek Greenway- Brotherhug Barton
- Concerns about Beecham’s Curve- not sure if anyone committed to discussing this
- Historic Preservation- Identification and protection of the Sulphur Springs- not sure if anyone committed to discuss this item
- Weed and Seed Project and the work of the Burton Street Community
Transportation issues related to the Vision Plan:
Staff and volunteers from the City presented on several topical areas:
Ken Putnam, City Transportation Director reminded with the group that Haywood Road is a NC Department of Transportation (DOT) owned and maintained road. The DOT has approval authority for any changes to the roadway.
Barb Mee, Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator with the City of Asheville presented the topic of ‘Complete Streets’ which is an initiative in transportation planning to design travel ways for the full range of users: from drivers to bicyclists, and walkers. During her presentation Barb noted this interesting fact that it is estimated that 1/3 of Americans don’t drive: either they are too old, or too young or some combination of expense, physical ability or personal choice. Staff will try to identify a link for ‘Complete Streets’ for further reading. It was noted that Haywood Road has the potential to be the Asheville model for Complete Streets because of its, geometry, land uses and neighborhood context.
Don Kostalec, a transportation planner and West Asheville resident presented information of a draft safety and pedestrian assessment called ‘Haywood Road and Active Living’ for most of Haywood Road that was conducted along the corridor last Fall. The group of volunteers from the Bike and Pedestrian Task Force measured the width of sidewalks, cross-slopes of sidewalks, location of signs and power poles and street crossings. It was also noted that street lighting could be improved with pedestrian scale lighting as street sections are upgraded. The assessment report will be used to target repairs and improvements along the corridor. The cost to the city for a report like this is upwards of $20,000 if it had been contracted out to a private engineering consulting firm. Many thanks were expressed to Don Kostalec, staff and the other volunteers for the dedicated work in this report. The Haywood Road Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Audit report can be found here.
Yuri Koslen who a planner for the City transit system was present and share background for the new routes that have been developed as a part fo the 2009 transit master plan. Since that time routes have been prioritized and a new brand for the transit system was presented: Asheville Redefines Transit ‘ART’. Several route changes were presented to the group and new maps were shared. There are two of the five busiest routes serve West Asheville riders: the Haywood Road Route and the Patton Avenue Route. The changes to the route as a part of the planning effort will be implemented sometime later that year. Several points along Haywood Road have 30 minute bus service where two routes and times overlap. Yuri noted a long term goal of 20 minute bus frequency to really increase ridership and make auto drivers willing to become car-free. It is possible that Haywood Road could be the model for that type of frequency. There are also plans to include capability for phone applications that can help track the location of the bus along a route. The website for Asheville Redefines Transit is http://ridetheart.com/, and a route map can be found here.
Throughout the presentations there were a number of questions and explanations that were offered during the conversation:
A new pedestrian signal is expected at Louisiana Ave and Haywood Rd
Comments from citizens regarding sidewalk or street maintenance can be directed to Marsha Stickford for follow up by appropriate agency of individuals
As the Haywood Road Vision Plan progresses emphasizing the importance of connectivity along the corridor and the ‘complete streets’ policy will be important
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force is an organization that may be interesting to residents of West Asheville.
The was concern about the scale of the design of the bridge across the future I-26 project and the possibility of implementing the ‘complete streets’ policy for that
There was comment that road work not block the sidewalk access especially with signage
The was a question about of the extent of the DOT right of way which is expected to be back of sidewalk to back of sidewalk.
A comments was made to keep the bus route schedules up to date at the bus stops.
It was noted that there is not a bus connection to A-B Tech Enka Campus at this time
It was noted that there should be a way to notify bus riders of changes to a route such as during an emergency
Mobile Food Vending Ordinance
A full version of the memo detailing mobile food vending considerations can be found here.
Mobile Vending Ordinance Considerations Summary
Generated by the City of Asheville Planning and Development (draft 5/6/11)
The mobile food vending policy is proposed to be a City-wide policy:
It would apply to commercial districts that allows restaurant uses. It is possible that there could be CBD –specific regulations just like there could be Biltmore Village-regulations etc. The object of the ordinance is to make the rules clearer about what is required for permanent mobile food vending locations and the individual vendors themselves.
Consensus Items of the Stakeholder Group:
- No roaming and vending
- No use of on-street parking spaces or right-of-way areas for vending
- Food sales occur from a private permitted parcel
- All Buncombe County Health Department Regulations are followed:
Trucks inspected multiple times per year
The truck permit must be linked with a restaurant or commissary
The truck must leave the site each day for cleanup and storage
The truck is treated like a mobile restaurant - Mobile vending policy will only allow food sales (services or merchandise not permitted)
Approvals will entail two separate permits, one for the parcel and one for the individual vendor as follows:
The Parcel:
The owner submits an application for a permit for the parcel noting the number of mobile food vendors (up to 5)
A site plan is submitted including:
- Access and egress, manuevering
- Spacing between mobile vendors 10 feet, setbacks are also considered for fire safety
- Basic landscaping required for area of impact
- Sidewalk to the site needs to be in place
- If the zoning district requires off-street parking then two parking spaces must be available for customers
- Consider the other parking demands for shared uses on the site (if applicable)
Approvals are considered a permanent use
The Truck:
The mobile food vendor submits an application including:
- Compliance with Health Department Requirements
- Referencing the parcel used for the operation of the truck or trailer
- If more than one site is required then a separate permit is required
- Display of permits required
- Signage allowed but not unlimited
- Must close between 2:30 AM and 6 AM
Approvals are renewable annually for each vendor
Temporary Uses:
There exists now in the UDO a separate provision for mobile food sales to occur on most commercial properties on a temporary basis except for areas zoned CBD.
- Temporary uses are limited to a maximum of 180 days per year for each parcel
- The 180 permitted days are not required to be consecutive days
- This applies to any commercial zoned parcel except CBD zoned areas
- No site improvements required, but the site access and maneuvering is considered
- A food truck vendor can apply for multiple sites
- Hours are limited to 6 AM – 10 PM
- Basically only one temporary use is allowed per parcel and trucks may renew annually
A full version of the memo detailing mobile food vending considerations can be found here.
Westside Wrapup May 23
Stream Restoration projects review in West Asheville May 26
RiverLink invites the West Asheville Community to West Asheville Park, for a Walk in the Park. We will be reviewing RiverLink’s stream restoration and water quality project along Rhododendron Creek through the park. We will meet with Nancy Hodges, RiverLink’s Watershed Resource Manager, Jake McLean, from Baker Engineering and Doug Barlow aka. Brotherhug at 5pm on Thursday May 26th in the West Asheville Park parking lot for an informative meeting.
In 2008, RiverLink was granted funds from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to improve the water quality and restore over a combined 1600 linear feet of Rhododendron and Buttermilk Creeks, tributaries of Hominy Creek. Rhododendron Creek runs through West Asheville Park and Buttermilk Creek through Malvern Hills Park, both heavily used neighborhood parks. RiverLink hired Baker Engineering and along with many neighborhood residents to design and implement the stream restoration and water quality measures in the parks.
Last fall we officially completed the construction of the project. This would not have been possible without the continual assistance and support of the neighborhood. Many residents came out to help plant the riparian zone of the stream bank and/or remove exotic species.
Currently, there is ongoing utility work along Morris and in the lower section of the Park. Over the next few months residents might see occasional maintenance work being conducted to help maintain the water quality features and stabilize the stream. RiverLink would like to invite citizens down to the park to learn in-depth about the restoration project, water quality features, and the newest RiverLink endeavor in West Asheville, the Hominy Creek Greenway Extension.
RiverLink is also looking for some volunteers on Tuesday, May 24 or Wednesday, May 25 – time variable to assist in flyer distribution around West Asheville Park. Flyers about this meeting and area stream restoration work need to be put in neighborhood mailboxes. For more information call Nancy Hodges at 252-8474, ext. 14.
Mountain Sports Festival May 27, 28 and 29
The Mountain Sports Festival will be held at Carrier Park in West Asheville and other locations around Asheville from Friday May 27th through Sunday May 29th. This weekend music and sports festival celebrates community, athletics and local business. The festival showcases the terrain, environment and unique culture of Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountains. The Mountain Sports Festival is organized by a volunteer group of community oriented citizens dedicated to the presenting of a well balanced series of events that encourages participation on all levels.
For more information go to mountainsportsfestival.com.
Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan talk May 28
RiverLink Executive Director Karen Cragnolin will lead a greenway walk and talk to discuss the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay as a model of sustainable development on Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. The tour leaves from the Rotary Pavilion at Carrier Park Wetlands.
The Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan is RiverLink’s brainchild to create a sustainable model for the watershed that promotes and balances transportation, health and housing, education, economic development, environmental protection, and recreation to revitalize the French Broad and Swannanoa riverfront corridors through Asheville. A total of 4.5 miles of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay are in place now with other properties being held in conservation easements to be added in the future as the project grows.
Cragnolin suggests wearing good walking shoes for the walk on Saturday. “We may do the entire 4.5 miles of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay as we talk about the Dykeman Plan’s three-prong approach for economic development along the river, which include includes arts and crafts, recreation, rejuvenation and wellness — all of which are authentic to our region and based on our traditions and history as a community.”
The tour is free to the public and lasts about two hours.
For more information or to make your reservation, call RiverLink at 252-8474, ext 10.
Block Party at Burton Street Center May 28
Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts will host a Community Day & Block Party on Saturday, May 28, from 12 – 5 p.m. at the Burton Street Center, located at 134 Burton St. This day of family fun includes inflatables, face painting, crafts, balloon art, an All American cookout, and much more. Admission to the event is free.
For more information about the event, contact the center at 828-254-1942, or burtonstreetrec.center@ashevillenc.gov.
West Asheville City Council Community Meeting Tuesday May 31, 2011
Asheville City Council will hold a Community Meeting in West Asheville on Tuesday May 31, 2011, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. at Vance Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road. The meeting will feature presentations on city initiatives in West Asheville by city staff and area residents. A question and answer session will follow the presentations. Mayor Bellamy, Council Members and the presenters will be available to answer questions and take comments.
For more information about the meeting, please contact Marsha Stickford, City of Asheville Neighborhood/Volunteer Coordinator, at mstickford@ashevillenc.gov or 259-5506.
Be a local Leader
The City of Asheville has various openings on various committees. Have you ever wanted to make a difference? Have you wondered, “Can the City benefit from my experience and knowledge?” Do you want to have a voice in the City’s growth and future? Do you want to be a part of the body that is responsible for making decisions regarding policy, service and education? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s time to take that initial step forward and put your perspective, leadership and knowledge to task by serving on one of the many committees we have to offer. The deadline for receiving applications for these openings is Wednesday, June 8 at 5 p.m. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 259-5601 or by e-mail at mburleson@ashevillenc.gov for an application form. Committees that have openings include;
CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – The responsibilities of the Committee include serving as liaison between the police and community over concern; to mediate problems or conflicts; to serve as an advocate for programs, ideas, and methods to improve the relationship between the police and the community; and to disseminate information to the community and to the government officials in Asheville.
CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION – Some duties of the Commission include (1) reviewing and making recommendations on programming goals and objectives for each venue in the Civic Center; (2) establishing a method for handling of customer service complaints; (3) developing and making recommendations regarding long range plans for the Civic Center; (4) reviewing and making recommendations on proposals for changes in the fees and charges for use of Civic Center facilities; (5) encouraging promotion of sports, recreation, entertainment and cultural events and activities, and to facilitate the use of the services and facilities of the Civic Center; and (6) performing other such tasks and functions as the City Council may direct.
CRIMESTOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE – The responsibilities of this committee is to review crimes and set awards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of felony crime offenders and to capture fugitives. The committee offers anonymity to persons who furnish information.
PUBLIC ART BOARD – The Board is responsible for promoting and maintaining art displays in public buildings and public spaces in the City of Asheville. In addition the Board (1) facilitates public art in public buildings and public spaces; (2) informs the residents of and visitors to Asheville about public art; (3) advances the City of Asheville as an “arts destination” and engages public art as a major attraction for artists, cultural tourism, and economic development; (4) is responsible for approving the site and content of public art; (5) is responsible for developing a procedure for the selection of art and/or artists, which will include public input as well as appropriate staff review. The Public Art Board shall follow its Public Art Policy and Implementation Guidelines as modified and/or amended every five years; and (6) recommends to City Council the acceptance of works of art.
RECREATION BOARD – The Board advises City Council on various matters pertaining to the operation of park facilities and recreation programs within the City of Asheville, to make policy recommendations to City Council, and to carry out duties as may be assigned to them by City Council.
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Join the West Asheville Business Association
Below you will find an image of a letter that was sent to West Asheville businesses to come join together. This letter is a copy of what was sent by John L. Lawrence at the end of 1950 to some of the numerous businesses in West Asheville. John L. Lawrence would go on to serve as the temporary chairman and these business people would form the West Asheville Business Association on November 21, 1950.
Dear Business Friend:
What do you think of organizing a Business Club in West Asheville? Do you feel as I do, that if we had such an organization that we could accomplish a great deal in civic improvements and otherwise?
We have over 200 businesses in this section of our city and after talking to quite a number of our business people (both men and women) I feel sure there are sufficient numbers to sponsor and organize such a club.
I would appreciate a letter, card or telephone call expressing yourself on this question.
When we have heard from a goodly number of the business people of West Asheville who favor such an organization, we will call a meeting and proceed to organize.
A letter sent to West Asheville businesses in 1950
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Westside Wrapup May 16
Free Bus rides during Strive not to Drive Week May 16-20
The City of Asheville will waive bus fares on all Asheville Transit routes May 16–20 in support of Strive Not to Drive week. The free fare week is geared toward encouraging Asheville residents to seek out alternative forms of transportation and introducing new riders to the city’s transit system.
“We want to make it easier for people to give transit a try,” said Transportation Planning Manager Mariate Echeverry. “Strive Not to Drive week is a great time to join others in the community in leaving the car at home and seeking out new ways to get around.”
Past promotions have indicated that waiving fares is an effective way to get more people to board the bus. In 2007, the City of Asheville conducted a three-month free-fare period that resulted in a 23 percent increase in ridership over the course of the promotion. Asheville Transit is currently examining even more strategies for bringing more people onto the bus.
Read more of this story on the City of Asheville’s blog at coablog.ashevillenc.gov.
Full Moon Market Supper May 17
West Asheville Tailgate Market presents: The FULL MOON MARKET SUPPER with Chef DREW MAYKUTH (of The ADMIRAL)
Four Course, Family Style Meal
- sourced completely from the Market
- vegetarian and meat options
Tuesday, MAY 17th : 7pm until DARK : $20
Dining at the Market Parking Lot (Grace Baptist Church lot)
Music by : Blind Boy Chocolate + The Milk Sheiks
COOKS. FARMERS. COMMUNITY. CONNECT.
Limited Seating Available.
Tickets available at The Admiral + Harvest Records + the Market
INFO : westashevilletailgate@gmail.com or on Facebook.
Haywood Road Corridor Committee meeting May 19
The next meeting of the Haywood Road Vision Plan discussion will be on Thursday May 19, 6 pm at the West Asheville Library meeting room. The discussion for the evening will center on transportation and the Haywood Corridor. Come and hear some updates on work being done or planned for the corridor and share new ideas as well. We will also have a brief discussion of City Council’s special upcoming meeting in west Asheville on May 31 and providing updates to City Council that night. Finally mobile food vending (food trucks) are happening in Asheville now and there will be a brief update for the possible changes to regulations governing their operation and presence.
West Asheville Map advertising deadline May 20
Just a quick reminder that ads are due for the 2011 edition of the onHaywood.com West Asheville map on Friday, May 20, 2011. Email print-ready art to alice@iodesign.net or contact hugh@onhaywood.com for more details. Advertising space is limited. The onHaywood.com map features businesses along and near Haywood Road in West Asheville. The new map will be available for distribution in June. Contact Hugh if you would like copies for display in your business or for a community event. Visit the companion website www.onhaywood.com for business and community listings.
French Broad River Cleanup May 21
Buncombe County Rescue Squad is teaming up with RiverLink to conduct a river clean up operation May 21, 2011. This will be a full day of awareness, community service, and environmental stewardship on a 4.3 mile section of the French Broad River in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts district. The cleanup will start at Jean Webb Park on Riverside Drive at 8:00 a.m.
The emergency agency is planning to involve as many groups, organizations and businesses as are willing to participate so as to have a real impact on the health and sustainability of the French Broad River in this community. Local fire and rescue squads will additionally utilize this operation as a training mission for swift-water rescue and support.
Buncombe County Rescue Squad is a 401(c)(3)non-profit emergency response organization that has been active in Buncombe County since 1962. They provide ambulance service, perform search and rescue, bicycle EMS, crowd EMS support and community outreach.
For additional information, please contact: Sgt. Amber Hartsburg (828) 707-8105 or Lt. David Pike (828) 279-8796.
Stream Restoration projects review in West Asheville May 26
RiverLink invites the West Asheville Community to West Asheville Park, for a Walk in the Park. We will be reviewing RiverLink’s stream restoration and water quality project along Rhododendron Creek , through the park. We will meet with Nancy Hodges, RiverLink’s Watershed Resource Manager, Jake McLean, from Baker Engineering and Doug Barlow aka. Brotherhug at 5pm on Thursday May 26th in the Parking Lot for an informative meeting.
In 2008, RiverLink was granted funds from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to improve the water quality and restore over a combined 1600 linear feet of Rhododendron and Buttermilk Creeks, tributaries of Hominy Creek. Rhododendron Creek runs through West Asheville Park and Buttermilk Creek through Malvern Hills Park, both heavily used neighborhood parks. RiverLink hired Baker Engineering and along with many neighborhood residents to design and implement the stream restoration and water quality measures in the parks.
Last fall we officially completed the construction of the project. This would not have been possible without the continual assistance and support of the neighborhood. Many residents came out to help plant the riparian zone of the stream bank and/or remove exotic species.
Currently, there is ongoing utility work along Morris and in the lower section of the Park. Over the next few months residents might see occasional maintenance work being conducted to help maintain the water quality features and stabilize the stream. RiverLink would like to invite citizens down to the park to learn in-depth about the restoration project, water quality features, and the newest RiverLink endeavor in West Asheville, the Hominy Creek Greenway Extension.
Block Party at Burton Street Center May 28
Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts will host a Community Day & Block Party on Saturday, May 28, from 12 – 5 p.m. at the Burton Street Center, located at 134 Burton St. This day of family fun includes inflatables, face painting, crafts, balloon art, an All American cookout, and much more. Admission to the event is free.
For more information about the event, contact the center at 828-254-1942, or burtonstreetrec.center@ashevillenc.gov.
West Asheville City Council Community Meeting Tuesday May 31, 2011
Asheville City Council will hold a Community Meeting in West Asheville on Tuesday May 31, 2011, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. at Vance Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road. The meeting will feature presentations on city initiatives in West Asheville by city staff and area residents. A question and answer session will follow the presentations. Mayor Bellamy, Council Members and the presenters will be available to answer questions and take comments.
For more information about the meeting, please contact Marsha Stickford, City of Asheville Neighborhood/Volunteer Coordinator, at mstickford@ashevillenc.gov or 259-5506.
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Westside Weekly Wrap-up May 8
Haywood Road Corridor Committee meeting May 19
Mark you calendar now for the next meeting of the Haywood Road Corridor Committee, Thursday May 19, 6:00 PM at the West Asheville library. We will continue to work on the community vision plan and this meetings topic of discussion will be transportation. We had a great turnout for the last meeting when we looked at how sustainability can be incorporated into the vision plan. The meeting notes can be downloaded here for your review. Also available is a document that reviews the energy usage per household comparing single family and multi-family and factoring in suburban type development and in-town, urban corridor-type development. The outcomes are interesting and quite pertinent to the discussion of sustainability.
West Asheville City Council Community Meeting May 31
Asheville City Council will hold a Community Meeting in West Asheville on Tuesday May 31, 2011, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. at Vance Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road. The meeting will feature presentations on city initiatives in West Asheville by city staff and area residents. A question and answer session will follow the presentations. Mayor Bellamy, Council Members and the presenters will be available to answer questions and take comments.
For more information about the meeting, please contact Marsha Stickford, City of Asheville Neighborhood/Volunteer Coordinator, at mstickford@ashevillenc.gov or 259-5506.
Fins & Gills Fishing Tournament May 14
The Fins & Gills Fishing Tournament at the Asheville Outdoor Center with a variety of activities for the whole family. We are delighted to sponsor this annul event with Clear Channel Radio. Contact Dave at 252-8474, ext. 11 for more information.
Summer Volleyball League meeting May 19
Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts will hold a Summer Volleyball League Organizational Meeting on Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Recreation Office, 72 Gashes Creek Rd. All teams interested in playing must have a representative attend the organizational meeting to receive a registration packet.
This league offers open divisions based on skill level and number of teams, with a regular season and a year-end, double-elimination tournament. USA Volleyball rules are used. Season runs late May-August. Games are played on Monday or Tuesday evenings at Carrier Park. Entry fee is $100 per team.
For information, contact Bryan Fish at 828-251-4026 or bfish@ashevillenc.gov.
Mountain Sports Festival May 27, 28 and 29
The Mountain Sports Festival will be held at Carrier Park and other locations around Asheville from Friday May 27th through Sunday May 29th. This weekend music and sports festival celebrates community, athletics and local business. The festival showcases the terrain, environment and unique culture of Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountains. The Mountain Sports Festival is organized by a volunteer group of community oriented citizens dedicated to the presenting of a well balanced series of events that encourages participation on all levels.
For more information go to mountainsportsfestival.com.
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HRCC meeting notes April 20
We had a great turnout for the last meeting when we looked at how sustainability can be incorporated into the vision plan. The meeting notes can be seen below or downloaded here for your review. Also available is a document here that reviews the energy usage per household comparing single family and multi-family and factoring in suburban type development and in-town, urban corridor-type development. The outcomes are interesting and quite pertinent to the discussion of sustainability.
Meeting Notes 4-20-11
West Asheville Library, 6:00 PM
Focus of the meeting: Sustainability
Sustainability is not a stand alone topic but rather a guiding principle that can inform the other parts of the Haywood Road vision plan. The group participated in an exercise based on the interconnected systems approach from a conversation about permaculture. A key principle from the standpoint of sustainability is that things are changing from an energy and economic standpoint and that we need to allow for growth and greater density in the corridor area that includes greater variety of development with rental units and condominiums, townhomes etc.
Ideas to incorporate sustainability: Focus group planning meeting April 20, 2011: Landscape and streetscape infrastructure:
- a. Use City landscaping ordinance to improve habitat creation, opportunities for treating storm water runoff and encourage diversity of the landscaping that may include fruiting trees. The current ordinance is focused on providing shade in parking areas and screening incompatible uses (such as a busy commercial use adjacent to a residential home)
- b. Expand options for pervious paving in parking lots and other hardscape surfaces
- c. Planting appropriate landscaping so that it can age in place and be appropriately sized for the use and space it has to grow in to avoid poor pruning and removal
- d. Encourage ‘environmental site design’ which protects the most vulnerable resources on a site first to protect and then groups the development to the lesser vulnerable aspects of the site (may be most useful for large tracts without prior development). This is sometimes called conservation site design or context sensitive design such as when referring to multi-modal transportation.
- e. With an improved street scape design people would be willing to walk further to get to their destination.
- f. Include opportunities for recycling along the corridor. Historic preservation and new building construction:
- g. Encouraging renovation of older structures instead of replacing them and maintaining them to protect them from demolition from neglect.
- h. Façade restoration initiatives to preserve historic buildings which could be through low interest loans in a revolving loan program.
- i. Consider cultural sustainability which includes the aspects of local history and preservation of buildings, sites and relics of the past.
- j. Encourage the use of quality building materials that extend the life of the building.
- k. When new buildings are constructed building setbacks from property lines or the street edge could have a dual purpose to provide areas for solar access and green infrastructure.
- l. Existing buildings along the corridor have a variety of front setbacks some with small front yards. This pattern should be encouraged as a viable option along Haywood Road to maintain some open space and ease urban density. Housing:
- m. Identify renters who may be able to purchase housing in the community and thereby stay here as part of the community.
- n. Rental properties in the community often maintain the affordability of the area which is one of the positive aspects of west Asheville.
- o. Reduce the requirements of a townhome to not require them to be placed on a city street since this is a disadvantage to them compared to condominium development.
- p. The city adopted Sustainability Bonus was discussed (affordable housing and green building within a distance of the corridor can have expanded density or scale of building) and an additional idea was offered that residential properties in close proximity to the corridor may be good candidates for higher density development and/or limited commercial uses
- q. Consider expansion of the City adopted sustainability bonus from 1/8 of a mile to 1⁄4 mile. Business activities:
- r. Encourage/ allow a range of businesses uses to be sure that every-day needs are met on the corridor.
- s. Include zoning to ensure a mix of uses even on a single site.
- t. For home occupation rules which allow only a portion of the home to be used for a home-based business, consider expanding the % of the area on the home since west Asheville generally has smaller bungalows.
- u. Maintain and expand the walkable components of the streetscape which supports small businesses, increases bus ridership, viability of the corridor.
- v. Identify locations to promote business incubation. Small spaces for start-up businesses offices spaces to incubate small businesses; this could be mandated in new construction especially in mixed-use buildings
- w. Make greater allowances for live-work units Organizational sustainability:
- x. Sustainability of the community organizations was noted as an important goal and the West Asheville Business Association (WABA) is in place to be that organization but it still needs to be the supported by residents and businesses to keep going and promoting west Asheville.
- y. Currently WABA is putting information about the vision plan process on its website to share with interested neighbors.
- z. It was noted that there could be a planning role for the area such as a West Asheville Commission that would provide advice/ direction regarding west Asheville issues.
- aa. Stay informed about events via the City e-news. Transportation:
- bb. Expansion of the bus service along Haywood Road are noted as positive changes to supporting sustainability along the corridor.