Category Archives: Haywood Road Corridor Committee

Following are the notes from the Haywood Road Corridor Committee, Vision Plan meeting on economic growth and parking. A pdf of these notes is available here.

Haywood Road Vision Plan Meeting Notes 2/8/12

The meeting was held at the West Asheville Recreation Center located at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Haywood Road.

The focus of the meeting was challenges to economic growth especially a lack of parking at critical locations along the corridor.

The ability was discussed as a threat to using private parking lots without an official agreement. It was noted that for the customers along the corridor, it is confusing to know if parking in off-street lots is allowed. In downtown by specific ordinance language, if a private owners will tow unauthorized car from their lot they must post the site and provide information where towed cars can be retrieved. This requirement is not in place in all commercial areas and is not required by the current ordinance (Ordinance 3057) which is specific to the Central Business District and Biltmore Village. This was discussed as a useful wording amendment to include other commercial areas.

A map of the corridor was reviewed for potential parking lots that may be available after hours or during the week (in the case of churches). Upon reviewing a map there are quite a number of lots that could be investigated for interest on the part of the property owners. More work need to be done with the map to identify locations. Creating a database of potential lots for further research and discussion as the this issue progresses was noted as a next step.

The City has provided leadership in the parking issue especially for the downtown area, and would need the policy support from City Council to expand this role into other areas of the City. A case could be made for west Asheville and other pedestrian districts that long-term this could stimulate private expansion and business development just as the parking program has for the downtown area. Parking Services is an enterprise fund and it would be expected to operate at a profit at the beginning especially. The parking situation may not need City leadership however and a private entrepreneur may be able to secure parking lots for lease on a daily or monthly basis as a business.

Issues related to shared parking arrangements include liability and maintenance, signage (public parking) which were mentioned as items to be worked out. WABA was noted as a potential partner for this aspect of the shared parking arrangements.

It was also noted that since quite a number of the potential shared lots are currently residential zoned so a wording amendment would be needed to allow the shared use with a commercial entity or the general public. Depending on the location, additional landscaping may also be required.

Someone mentioned they use a biking benefits program among their customers since parking is a challenge for them. The bikers get a discount on the bill because they arrive by bike. It seemed that a program like that could have broader appeal among businesses along the corridor.

Also discussed as an idea is to not require off-street parking for Haywood Road businessesin a similar way the two sections of CBD (central business district) zoned areas are not required to provide off-street parking. The businesses will attempt to provide some parking for their staff and customers as is generally the case in downtown but they would not ‘have’ to provide it. This may encourage additional investment along the corridor. It was noted that a change like that of this kind of program would need the approval of the City Council and may be justified if additional shared parking lots were secured to alleviate the parking needs as was previously discussed.

The group discussed next steps which included additional work on the map to identify potential shared parking locations; decision-making on Plan priorities, and preparing for a large community meeting to share where the Plan is heading and to offer and opportunity for comment by the community.

Haywood Road Corridor Committee Meeting Notes August 10, 2011 West Asheville Library, 6:00 PM
These notes in pdf format are available for download here.

A variety of concerns and suggestions for enhancing transportation along the Haywood Road Corridor were discussed at the 8-10-11 meeting. Transportation safety and connectivity was a main concern for the group, as was the focus on ‘scale’ and the appropriateness of certain businesses and activities for the area. The group discussed the following items:

• It was suggested that funds be identified to improve the curb cut situation along the corridor, to improve pedestrian safety, and to expand the complete streets model. These funds could come for Federal and State funds, or there could be a West Asheville BID.

The Family Dollar and the adjoining parking lot were targeted as examples of continuous curb cuts and storefront parking that endangers pedestrians and cars navigating around that intersection. It was also pointed out how congested that area has become. It was suggested that the stretch of sidewalk in front of the store be replaced with an elevated sidewalk and landscaping to eliminate the continuous curb cut, and access to the parking lot be redirected to a side or rear street access point. This would also eliminate the dangerous intersection situation where cars exiting the parking lot currently exit in the middle of the intersection and cannot tell if the lights are red or green.

• The potential to create a special taxing district in the area was also discussed, as was the ability to use a non-profit group to manage any funds acquired for improvements. It was suggested that the City not manage these funds.

• The group determined that a Light Pole Replacement program was needed to remove poles that block pedestrian traffic, especially along narrow sidewalks. Incremental replacement of the poles would increase connectivity. It was also suggested that lines be buried instead of replacing poles in order to improve the attractiveness of the corridor.

• The group was concerned with high-speed cut through streets in residential areas, including Fairfax, Brevard, Swannanoa, Westwood, Burton, and Sand hill. They felt that these roads and others like them should be targeted for traffic calming measures to reduce the risk to pedestrians and property. Traffic calming methods for these streets and for the area as a whole was discussed. The prohibitive cost and questionable effectiveness of speed bumps was mentioned as well as the potential for on street parking and bike lanes as a way to slow traffic by narrowing lanes, the inclusion of “visual friction”, or the application of road images painted in the street to slow traffic.

• A new business will be opening in the old Rocket Club location, called ‘WALK’ (West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen). This business is not required to provide parking because of the existing zoning exemptions and could not anyway because of site constraints.

• To increase the visibility, safety, and attractiveness of bicycling along the corridor), the group discussed using painted bike lanes to distinguish them from the regular car travel lane. This has been done in other cities and is in the testing phase in other areas of Asheville where the pavement is newer and the painting has a better chance of being durable. Crosswalks were identified as an obstacle for connectivity along the corridor. The group felt that some existing crosswalks lack good visibility due to obstructions or parked cars, and/or cars are not inclined to stop to let pedestrians cross. It was suggested that signs be erected to remind cars to yield and to list the penalties for not yielding, to paint the crosswalks in bright colors, and/or to locate a pedestrian refuge island at the center of crosswalks. A painted bike lane/crosswalk program could be coordinated with similarly colored signs to provide an overall color theme for the corridor.

• Stormwater runoff was mentioned as a concern. The high level of impervious pavement in the area was discussed as an issue, and the group suggested that permeable pavements and vegetation be utilized in the future to reduce the amount of water going into local streams and the sotrm sewer system.

• The issue of trucks idling outside of the Builders First Source facility on the east end of Haywood Road was mentioned. The trucks park in the middle turning lane for long stretches of time, typically in the early morning hours, and block the lane completely. It was suggested that these large trucks are not appropriate for this stretch of road, and that Builders First may be out of scale in terms of its ability to operate effectively without blocking the roads. The long tenure of the business was mentioned as a positive side to their presence, and the group agreed that discouraging businesses from the area was not their intent; however, a remedy and enforcement for the issue of truck idling is needed. In addition, encouraging deliveries for all corridor businesses to occur at “better times” was also mentioned.

• The existence of the City-adopted Sustainability bonus along the Haywood Road corridor was mentioned. The corridor designation means that density and redevelopment are to be directed along the corridor especially for those residential areas close to the corridor. Additional services and streetscape improvements could be expected with future redevelopment.

• The group discussed the issue of parking along the corridor, and there were some concerns about business parking taking up residential on-street parking spaces and blocking driveways. Some participants pointed out that the urban nature of the neighborhood, and close proximity to the corridor means that residential roads will naturally be used for non-residential purposes, and that this is to be expected as one price of living so close to the urban core. Using church parking lots during the weekdays for customer parking was discussed as one viable option. Making sure that the scale of a site or building was in line with its parking abilities was also mentioned.

• The sale, service, and repair of recreational vehicles along the corridor was discussed. It was determined that scooters are not recreational vehicles, but should be classified similar to yard equipment, as retail items.

• Beechams curve re-design was discussed: Traffic issues on the east end of Haywood where it veers north towards downtown were discussed. This 4 way intersection is dangerous and confusing even for long-term residents. It was mentioned that a roundabout would not fit the area without requiring the purchase of land. The installation of a traffic light system that could be triggered by the presence of a car or bicycle was discussed as one solution (loop system). It was suggested that the high volume of left turns at the intersection made it impractical to turn it into a 4 way stop.

Some specific land uses were discussed as a part of the meeting using the Table of Uses adopted by City Council in 2011:

• Some business activities will be just too out-of-scale with the corridor including : call centers, recreational vehicle sales service and repair. The questions was asked whether Building First Source was by now out-of scale with the corridor.

• Some other business uses may be ok for the corridor including a business incubator; industrial uses-light with special standards to make it compatible with the character of the corridor; and live-work units in the CBD areas.

• A good amount of time was spent discussing the land use labeled studios, galleries and workshops for artists, artisans and craftspeople high impact and it was decided that with special standards to mitigate noise, dust, fumes etc, it could be compatible with the corridor.

• There was some discussion about categorizing land uses by the relative impact of the use versus by the specific type of use as is currently done. Focusing on the impact is the part of the activity that affects compatibility. Staff mentioned that in cases where a specific land uses is not listed on the use table but is ‘close to’ or alike another activity there is some consideration of that and the relative impact in this evaluation of an un-listed use.

Meeting Notes
6-22-11 West Asheville Library, 6:00 PM
Agenda for the Meeting:

1. Mobile Food Vending
2. Land Uses and review of the Table of Uses from the UDO

1. Mobile Food Vending:

There is an effort by the City to provide a clearer City-wide policy for mobile food vending (food trucks).  The material was briefly discussed at the prior meeting of the group and was reviewed again.  In summary there are generally two methods for permitting mobile food vending in most areas of the City:

Temporary Mobile Food Vending: Allowed in all commercial areas of the City and which puts a limit of a single temporary use on a single site at one time and with limited hours of operation.  Mobile vending is not allowed as a temporary use in the Central Business District zoned properties and a part of the proposal is to allow them in the non-downtown CBD areas such as west Asheville.

Permanent Mobile Food Vending: The main body of the proposal is to allow mobile food vending on private parcels (not the street or on-street parking spaces) on a permanent basis for the trucks which come and go each day. There are specific rules proposed for the each parcel permitted for this use and also for the trucks themselves to address placement, setbacks, noise and hours of operation.  Under the proposal mobile food vending on a permanent basis could occur in the downtown CBD areas and most commercial districts in the City. 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.

There were comments that mobile food vending may help the vitality for sections of Haywood Road by bringing positive traffic.  It was also thought that the mobile food vendor use can be a incubator for restaurant businesses. It was also noted that churches may be able to fill a niche by sharing their kitchens as a requirement for mobile food vendors to be tied to an approved restaurant or commissary.  It was also noted that church parking lots may also be useful for this purpose. Over-parking on a parcel that does not have sufficient parking for its primary use was noted as a concern.

2. Land Uses
The group also reviewed the Table of Uses in the UDO which defines a wide range of uses and what is generally allowed in different zoning districts.  Many people have commented that the diversity of business activity is something to maintain to keep the West Asheville neighborhood vital. It was also noted that barriers to doing business in West Asheville should be identified and removed.

There are several zoning types located along the Haywood Road corridor at this time: the majority is Community Business II (CB II), Central Business District (CBD), Institutional, and Highway Business (HB located near Patton Avenue)

Table of Uses       Listing of Uses and USSR standards       Comments and Questions

Question remain about the following items:

Business Incubator: definition because it seems like a use to encourage

Call Center: unique characteristics of that (not allowed on corridor based on zoning)

Home Occupation: have received a comment at an earlier meeting that the special rules for home occupations limit the area of the home used to 25% and with smaller homes in the west Asheville may put additional burden on the use

Flea Market: Agreed to maintain the status quo with the use as unavailable along the corridor (by district)

Where do scooter sales fall within the range of uses?

Motor vehicle repair: want to discuss further the requirement to operate within an enclosed building

Industrial uses light: what are the special requirements for it?  May want to encourage more of this

Live work unit not allowed in the CBD? Why not?

Outdoor storage: What does the special requirement mean that outdoor storage is “only allowed as accessory to other uses in these districts”

Small engine service and repair: want to review the special requirement that ‘only items allowed to be sold as a permitted use within the district shall be repaired or serviced’ also wonder about storage in an enclosed building

Studios, galleries & workshops for artists, artisans and craftspeople- high impact: Could be an allowable use with special requirements in the CB II district

Billboard Ordinance: interest in understanding the ordinance

Drive-through facilities: need additional information about special use standards

There are a few businesses that are grandfathered in and would not be allowed under the current uses guidelines. Might want to look at those restrictions again.

The following is the introduction to the Haywood Road Corridor Plan that was proposed by the Citizens of West Asheville and prepared by the Asheville Planning and Development Department on May 25, 1999. The full PDF of the plan is available as well as the included maps.

Haywood Road Corridor Plan

INTRODUCTION

Similar to the Hendersonville Road Corridor Plan adopted in March of 1993 and the Charlotte Street Small Area Plan adopted in March of 1999, the Haywood Road Corridor Plan will serve as a guide for future development and improvements along Haywood Road. The purpose of this plan is to provide a detailed view of future land use and growth patterns in the corridor study area. Community input meetings examined previously compiled information and existing plans to reach a consensus within the community to determine the direction future development should take. The participation bf the business community, neighborhood associations, and churches throughout the planning process was a clear statement of the concern about the future of the corridor. The assumption used in preparing this plan was that community involvement and support is essential. Involving ommunity and business representatives and other stakeholders before the plan is drafted strengthens the support and implementation of the recommendations. Neighborhoods support businesses that serve the local needs through improved pedestrian and bicycle access. Communities will support land use policies that allow businesses to continue and prosper. Neighborhood integrity and lack of commercial intrusion into established neighborhoods is a strong concern on both sides of Haywood Road. Quality landscaping and retaining the old building facades and signage is in keeping with the historic nature and future vision of the area. Amenities with a common theme, landscaping, recreational facilities, and easy pedestrian access will serve to continue to keep this community together. A substantial etlort will be made ti’om year to year to move the existing utilities underground. Community cohesion and consistent character is desired along Haywood Road and between the neighborhoods that adjoin it. The key to business retention and community cohesion is improved and adequately maintained infrastructure. Landscaping, shared access, shared parking, and uniform buffering can work together to unify the business areas and avoid the strip commercial development that exists on other corridors. Loading areas and waste disposal areas should be buffered to eliminate negative impacts on the overall image of the corridor and the adjacent neighborhoods. Pedestrian scale street lighting and street signs should blend with and be compatible with the existing designs of the area. Upon adoption by City Council, the Haywood Road Corridor Plan will become part of the Asheville City Plan: 2010. As such, the plan will be used by the community and city staff in making decisions related to the future of Haywood Road and land development of adjacent properties and neighborhoods. (see location map)

1999_Haywood_Plan

1999 Haywood Road_Plan maps

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.

1. Haywood Road Vision Plan process and topics of discussion: Alan Glines and Leslie Fay
2. Activities of the West Asheville Business Association- Hugh Munro
3. Activities for the Hominy Creek Greenway- Brotherhug Barton
4. Concerns about Beecham’s Curve- not sure if anyone committed to discussing this
5. Historic Preservation- Identification and protection of the Sulphur Springs- not sure if anyone committed to discuss this item
6. 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

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.

The next meeting of the Haywood Road Corridor Committee working on the Haywood Road Vision Plan will be Thursday March 3, 2011 from 6:00 PM until about 7:45 at the West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road.

The discussion at this meeting will be focused on historic preservation and the opportunities surrounding this for the corridor.

For reference below and downloadable here is the larger list of topics that are expected to be addressed in some way by the vision plan document as we move forward. The group reviewed and added to this working list and while it may not be complete, it provides a starting point for making progress. If you have suggestions for adding to this list we would like to know.

All are welcome to attend, and anyone can request to be added to an email list to receive future information by contacting Alan Glines at, aglines@ashevillenc.gov.

The following is a working list of topics that will be considered as the Haywood Road Vision Document takes shape.  This list is in no particular order and has not been prioritized in any way. Feel welcome to send additional ideas and comments:

1. General Goals for the corridor:

a. Maintain neighborhood diversity both racial and economic diversity

b. Ensure the area preserves affordable housing in a variety of forms

c. Enhance the character of the community

d. Use modern communication methods to communicate with residents and businesses (email, list serve, facebook?)

e. Increase % of affordable housing in approved projects

2. Transportation related issues:

a. Bike lanes planned for the corridor

b. Back alleys can be useful to provide access limiting curb cuts along Haywood Road.

c. Central parking areas to be able to park and walk along the corridor

d. Pedestrian safety concern across  240 and at Patton Avenue access points with Haywood Road, Louisiana Avenue, Florida, etc.

e. Need additional crosswalks and pedestrian signals at important intersections

f. Consider greenway plans: any for Haywood Road

g. Timeline for the I-26 construction needs to be revisited again

h. Make sidewalks wider based on the location and the nearby uses, etc.

i. Bus transfer station? And additional shelters

j. Reduce business curbcuts at the street and continuous driveways

k. Require City-Church partnerships for parking

l. Include alternatives for new parking: shuttles, churches?

3. Zoning and Land Use

a. Place buildings close to the street to encourage pedestrian activity

b. Mixed-use buildings preferred, multi-story

c. Maintain wide mix of neighborhood businesses that make up the corridor now

d. Make zoning flexible to avoid cookie-cutter design

e. Flexibility in front setbacks to create courtyard areas

f. Retain green spaces with side or rear lot setbacks

g. Recent C.B.D. changes provide useful design concepts

h. Character from the river to Beecham’s Curve is unlike other portions of the district

i. Concern about light trespass from commercial to residential areas

j. Higher density development can support transit use

k. Downtown CBD zoning versus the West Asheville contrast

4. Economic Development Issues

a. Tools to encourage business ownership and expansion

b. Maintain affordable commercial rental

c. Central parking options such as ‘park and walk’ at key locations

d. Business incubation spaces

e. Additional signage for ‘wayfinding’

f. Gateways made attractive where lacking

g. Promote the corridor as a destination

h. Brand Haywood Road

i. Neighborhood organizations could sponsor walks to the business corridor

j. More cooperative events on the corridor to draw visitors

k. The corridor needs a community venue

5. Streetscape / Community Character

a. Sidewalks narrow- limited space for trees, street lights, some issues with ADA compliance

b. Powerlines result in visual clutter

c. Streetscape improvements: trash cans, bike racks, trees in grates

d. Identify areas to add additional plantings; trees and greens apces on corridor

e. Widen sidewalks along with new development based on uses

f. Art installation along the corridor: consider street lamps and bus shelters

g. Recent development may provide both good and bad design examples

6. Safety

a. Learn more about the Weed and Seed Program

b. More eyes on the street with new businesses and more pedestrians

c. Concern about the graffiti issue

d. Speeding traffic is a concern and traffic calming along the corridor may help: speed bumps at connecting streets and a round about

e. Better street lamp coverage along the Haywood to avoid shadow areas and help with pedestrian safety

f. Scale lighting for the pedestrian (not highway scape) to avoid light pollution

7. Historic Preservation

a. Enhancing the two Nation Register Districts along Haywood Road: Aycock school and the End of the Car Line

b. Encouraging renovation of older structures instead of replacing them

c. Façade restoration initiatives

d. Hold local West Asheville history events: story-telling, photo exhibits

8. Sustainability Goals

a. Sustainability management Plan (City adopted)

b. Stormwater management (public and private)

c. Environmental solutions used in parking lots

9. Other ideas not places in other categories

a. Clarify outcomes and actions to implement the plan

b. Ask neighborhood groups and associations for ideas on issues

c. Need steps from vision to implementation

d. Need dedicated staff support like areas of the City of Asheville

10. Partnerships with other organizations who may share expertise or help to implement the goals of the plan:

a. MtnBizworks

b. Buncombe County

c. NC Department of Transportation

d. Asheville Greenworks

e. Preservation Society

f. Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR)

g. Progress Energy

h. RiverLink

i. Asheville Housing Authority

j. Asheville sustainable Agriculture Project

k. Asheville City Schools

l. Religious Communities

m. Asheville Homegrown

n. Bicycle and Pedestrian Taskforce

o. Neighborhood Associations

p. Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau

q. Economic Development Commission

r. West Asheville Business Association (WABA)

s. Green Building Council

t. French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization

11. City Plans that may be related to some of the topics raised through this process

a. Asheville City Development Plan 2025

b. Affordable housing Plan

c. Charlotte Street Corridor Plan and Transportation Enhancement Study

d. Comprehensive Bicycle Plan

e. Downtown Master Plan

f. Downtown Parking Action Plan

g. Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Master Plan

h. Pedestrain Thoroughfare Plan

i. Sustainability Management Plan

j. Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness

k. Transit Master Plan

l. Wilma Dykeman Riverway Master Plan