An updated presentation on the Haywood Road Vision Plan is now available online. Included are current zoning maps, exisiting zoning within West Asheville and results from the survey that was sent out during the later part of 2011. To view a pdf of the Vision Plan update, you can download it here.

The Asheville Police Department offers the following tips regarding charities:

Ask for written information about the charity, including name, address and telephone number. A legitimate charity or fundraiser will give out information about the charity’s mission, how your donation will be used and proof that your contribution is tax deductible. Research the organization via the internet or another source to see if there have been any complaints or concerns with their practices. Look at the percentage of donations they provide to organizations verses what percentage they retain for “administrative cost”.

Check with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Organizations that either solicit contributions from North Carolina residents or are located in North Carolina are required to be registered with the Office of the Secretary of State. Remember that most charitable organizations who solicit door-to-door in the City of Asheville must also be registered in accordance with the City’s Code of Ordinances.

Check with local recipients. If giving to local organizations is important to you, make sure they will benefit from your generosity. If a charity tells you that your dollars will support a local organization, such as a police department, fire department or emergency medical service, make a call to the organization to verify the claim.

Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations.

Know the difference between “tax exempt” and “tax deductible”. Tax exempt means the organization does not have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means you can deduct your contribution on your federal income tax return. Even if an organization is tax exempt, your contribution may not be tax deductible. If a tax deduction is important to you, ask for a receipt showing the amount of your contribution and stating that it is a tax deductible donation.

Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate fundraisers won’t push you to give on the spot.

Be wary of charities offering to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect your donation immediately.

For more information contact Asheville Police Department Officer Allen Dunlap, Crime Prevention Specialist at 828-259-5834 or adunlap@ashevillenc.gov.

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.

A meeting to discuss crime in West Asheville will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 7 pm at 278 Haywood Road. Representatives from the Asheville Police Department and the City of Asheville will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions. For more information see this Facebook group.

Asheville Police Department seeking assistance in Home Invasions

The Asheville Police Department has responded to and continues to investigate a number of Home Invasions; particularly in West Asheville. Detectives are seeking any information that may assist in identifying the offenders. In all the cases the offenders were asking for electronics, money and drugs. Anyone with information can call crime stoppers at 828-255-5050 or the Asheville Police at 828-252-1110. Below is information regarding locations and suspects:

386 Kenilworth Rd – May 13, 2011 around 1210 am – 3 black males all dressed in black clothing and wore black bandanas fitting the following descriptions:
1) 5`9 to 5`11 light skinned Black or Hispanic, with a five inch long ponytail at the nape of his neck, wearing a black bandana with white on it, a black hoodie
2) 5`8, 215 -225 pounds, black Nike tennis shoes with a white “M” shape or design, wearing a black shirt, black pants, chubby build
3) 6’-0 to 6`4 170-180 pounds, wearing a solid black ball cap, wearing Nike Air Force tennis shoes
A handgun displayed
*This incident is not believed to be related to those in West Asheville

20 Michigan Ave – June 7, 2011 around 12:30 am – 4 Offenders
Victim recalls only dark clothing, bandanas, and 2 handguns

102 Burton St – June 25, 2011 around 1245 am – 3 Offenders
The 3 Offenders are described as follows:
1) A “skinny” white male, 5`7“- 5`10“ tall with blonde hair wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans, light blue green eyes or bright blue.
2) Average build black male around 6`2“ tall with short hair, a red (possibly a Cardinals) baseball cap wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans.
3) A “chubby” black male 5`10“- 6`0“ tall with short dread locks with beads on the ends wearing a t-shirt and jeans also wearing a face covering.
*A handgun was displayed

436 Pearson Dr – June 29, 2011 around 4:27 am – 2 Offenders
2 Offenders described as having t-shirts wrapped around their faces. No weapon shown, believed to not be related to others in the city.

326 Riverview Dr – July 5, 2011 around 2:30 am – 3 Offenders
1) White male with blue or green eyes, green bandana, thin build
2) Black male, medium size, sunglasses, blue hat, light clothing
3) Dark skinned black male, wearing dark clothing
*A handgun was displayed

46 Logan Ave – July 6, 2011 around 3:15 am – 3 offenders
3 Offenders described as follows:
1) Black male subject with short dreads, a green bandanna covering head and face, wearing rectangular frame glasses and had a tattoo on right forearm of possibly a female’s name.
2) Black male subject short hair, wearing unknown color bandanna.
3) White male subject thin build, wearing a bandanna covering face and head.
*All three offenders were wearing t-shirts and baggy jeans. A handgun was displayed

These reported Home Invasions are being investigated as residential burglaries, robberies and assaults – which would be referred to as Home Invasions when occurring simultaneously. Residents are asked to contact officers if they would like to have someone speak to their group and/or if they see unusual activities taking place in their neighborhoods. Residents are also invited to attend the next Weed & Seed crime prevention meeting at noon in the Pisgah View Apartment complex in West Asheville on Monday, August 22. Call Weed & Seed Coordinator Rebecca Byrn for details 552-1311.

East and North Asheville:
CRO Brien Griffin (828) 552-1467
CRO Jeremy Woody (828) 552-9423

West Asheville:
CRO Josh Simpson (828) 251-4032
CRO Chad McCall (828) 251-4032

Central/South:
CRO Jackie Stepp (828) 337-7478
CRO Evan Coward (828) 777-4505

Non-emergency Police Department contact: (828) 252-1110

Haywood Road Corridor Committee meeting August 10

The next meeting for the Haywood Road Vision Plan will be Wednesday August 10, 2011 at the West Asheville Library starting at 6 PM until about 7:45. Please come join us and provide comment and input.

Agenda:

1. Provide input into transportation related topics for the corridor as a follow-up to the meeting we had in May.

2. Complete the land use discussion we started at the last meeting. We had questions about some uses and want to follow up

3. With remaining time discuss some of the site specific zoning issues and regulations as they relate to the corridor and new businesses come in along the corridor and when new buildings are constructed.

Please see the notes from the last meeting on Land Use which provides some background on these topics. Also visit the WABA website to see the archive of notes we have been posting to the site at west-asheville.com/category/haywood-road-corridor-committee/.

City of Asheville Greenway Commission meeting August 11

The City of Asheville’s Greenway Commission will host a public meeting to receive citizen recommendations pertaining to the implementation of municipal greenway projects via the Capital Improvement Project budget. The current City of Asheville Greenways Master Plan was adopted several years ago. The City of Asheville’s Greenway Commission welcomes recommendations pertaining to greenways already delineated in this Master Plan as well as potential new greenways. Comments regarding these greenways along with observations as to their implementation priority will be considered in the process of developing the Capital Improvement Project budget for 2013.

This meeting will occur in the Main Floor Conference Room in Asheville City Hall, located at 70 Court Plaza on Aug. 11, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Maps of existing plans and possible additions to that plan will be available for review at this time. The Greenway Commissioners and staff will outline and facilitate the process for prioritization of funding and the future direction of Greenway projects. Public comments will also be accepted by email or mail addressed via the addresses noted for Al Kopf until October 1, 2011.

For more information on the progress of the Greenway Master plan, visit http://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/ParksRCA/default.aspx?id=12914 , or contact Al Kopf, ASLA; Superintendent of Park Planning & Development, Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Dept., P.O. Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802. Al Kopf can also be reached at (828) 259-5838 or akopf@ashevillenc.gov .

West Asheville Garden Stroll sponsorships available

The Third Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, September 10th! This popular event has brought almost 500 folks to the Haywood Road Corridor and it’s diverse neighborhoods; and the gardens aren’t the only highlights. This event is free thanks to generous support from West Asheville Businesses and the stroll flyers and website are a great way to advertise and show how community minded our West Side businesses are. We’re proud to be hosting this wonderful connective event and hope the West Asheville businesses will be interested in joining our Support Sponsors. To really highlight the businesses Sponsorship is just $25…with larger $100 sponsorship also available for those businesses that would like their logo on the Garden Stroll website and brochures. Call Leslie at 337-2952 for more info or download the sponsorship flyer here.

West Asheville Plant Walk September 10

Come learn about the medicinal and edible plants growing in the sidewalks, gardens, and wild spaces of downtown West Asheville! Due to popular demand and a terrific turnout at the Spring event, Nancy Hyton and Keri Evjy will be hosting their second urban plant walk this year on Saturday, September 10th at 10:30am. It’s a different season and different plants will be out, plus they will be taking a new route so there will be lots of different things to see. As an added bonus, the plant walk will coincide with the 3rd annual West Asheville Garden Stroll, a free event sponsored by the Center and other local neighborhood businesses that takes place on the same day from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

This West Asheville Urban Plant Walk will be happening Saturday September 10th from 10:30 to 12:00, rain or shine. It will start at the Center for Holistic Medicine, located at 779 Haywood Road in the heart of downtown West Asheville, and venture off into the immediate neighborhood. The walk will be co-hosted by Nancy Hyton, Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Herbalist, and founder of the Center, and Keri Evjy from Healing Roots Design, an edible and medicinal landscape design and consultation business. The cost is $5 for adults and includes a useful handout of the plants covered on the walk. Kids are free! Sign up in advance at the Center or just come by on the day of the event. You can also call 505-3174 or email at info@centerholistic.com to get on the list.

Be a Local Leader

The boards listed below currently have vacancies. The deadline for receiving applications for these openings is Wednesday, August 3 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.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE – The Committee will work in conjunction with City leadership and staff to implement the 2008 Affordable Housing Plan. The specific functions will be (1) to consider affordable housing policy issues and advise City leadership about those policies; (2) to develop concrete action steps to implement the highest priorities of the Affordable Housing Plan, and to update that Plan as appropriate over time; and (3) to advise City leadership and staff regarding affordable housing priorities for the investment of City-controlled funds.

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.

POLICE OFFICERS & FIREFIGHTERS DISABILITY REVIEW BOARD – The Board determines when supplemental payments should be made to members of the Asheville Policemen’s Pension and Disability Fund or their survivors when the disability retirement payment from the N. C. Local Government Employee’s Retirement System is less than the amount of monthly benefit which they would have been entitled to under the Asheville Policemen’s Pension and Disability Fund.

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.

RIVER DISTRICT DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE – This vacancy is for a design professional. The Committee shall (1) promote Asheville’s riverfront as a vital economic development area for Asheville and WNC; and (2) review and make comment on major work projects within the River District in accordance with the River District Design Review Guidelines.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – This vacancy is for an individual who is involved in the tourist business and who has demonstrated an interest in tourism development but who does not own or operate a hotel, motel or other taxable tourist accommodation. The purpose of the Authority is to further the development of travel, tourism, and conventions in the county through state, national and international advertising and promotion.

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 side of the building where the graffiti was placed.

As a West Asheville property owner, I can’t emphasis enough how disturbing getting tagged with graffiti is. Thanks to The graffiti clean up program at Asheville Greenworks the most recent and difficult tagging incident at my property has been resolved. Please contact Asheville Greenworks as soon as you locate new graffiti. They will come out and facilitate abating the issue. In addition, do what you can to support this organization and this program. – Mimi Strang, West Asheville business owner

Building after Asheville Greenworks removed the graffiti

The West Asheville Business Association helped sponsor a meeting on June 28 to discuss graffiti issues in West Asheville. Many good suggestions were made and information was shared with everyone who attended. If you were not able to attend the important things to remember are:

1) Report it immediately to the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110.
2) Once an APD officer has taken a report and the graffiti has been photographed for their database remove the graffiti as soon as possible. Asheville Greenworks has a program for graffiti removal and can help in this step with their expertise. Asheville Greenworks can be reached at 828-251-1776. If the graffiti is not on private property, you can contact the City of Asheville Department of Public Works at 828-251-1122.
3) Notify the West Asheville Community Resource Officers that the graffiti has been removed. When they know this they can keep a watch on these spots for future graffiti activity. West Asheville Community Resource Officers are Josh Simpson and Chad McCall and they can be reached at 828-251-4032.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has released the first four chapters of it’s proposed Complete Streets guidelines for public comment. NCDOT adopted a complete streets policy in July 2009 to “guide existing decision-making and design processes to ensure all users are routinely considered during the planning, design, construction, funding and operation of North Carolina’s transportation network.” The draft describes the framework that NCDOT envisions for the complete streets planning and includes design guidelines. The proposed document is available on the website at www.nccompletestreets.org, and there is a survey there too. Contact Jay A. Bennett, State Roadway Design Engineer, at 919-707-6200, or jbennett@ncdot.org for questions about the proposed guidelines themselves. Comment closes mid-August.

Update to Wilma Dykeman Riverway Project

An updated newsletter for the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay River Arts District Transportation Project has been released. There has been a great deal of work happening on the consultant team side including refinement of the alternatives and details shown at the Public Mtg # 1 in January 2011. Great comments from the community during the public input period in February were received. The consultant team also has continued to coordinate with local and state agencies, the project Steering and Advisory Committees and other stakeholders such the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission. They are currently preparing for Public Meeting No. 2 which is tentatively scheduled to occur in late August. Notifications will be sent about that meeting once the date, time and place are confirmed. This next Public Meeting will be a very important opportunity for community input since following that meeting, the current multiple alternatives called Orange, Yellow, Purple, Blue, Green and Cyan (as well as hybrids of these alternatives that are currently being evaluated) will be narrowed down to ONE (1) community preferred alternative. The project newsletter pdf is also available on the City’s website here: http://ashevillenc.gov/residents/transportation/transportation_planning/default.aspx?id=23772. Access is also available through the City’s main website and under “Projects & Initiatives” and select the “River Arts District Trans” project.

Changes to City of Asheville billing

he City of Asheville is now billing the stormwater utility fee on the combined utility services statement for many customers, effective July 1. Other billing changes include an upgraded online bill pay system. Currently, charges associated with City of Asheville water and sanitation services, as well as Metropolitan Sewerage District services, appear on the statement. Stormwater utility fees are billed on the city’s fiscal-year schedule, July 1 – June 30. The move will improve efficiency and spread the annual fee over the six bills delivered in the course of a fiscal year.

For single family residential property owners, this means the $28.08 annual fee will appear as a charge of $4.68 on the bi-monthly combined utility services statement. Non-single family property owners currently receiving a stormwater utility bill two times per year will be billed one-sixth of their annual rate on each bi-monthly combined utility services statement. Property owners not serviced by City of Asheville water or Metropolitan Sewerage District will receive an individual stormwater utility bill on the same billing cycle as currently established.

Stormwater is rain that falls on streets, roofs, parking lots and other man-made surfaces and then flows into storm drains. The storm drain system empties directly into creeks, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. Stormwater fees support the stormwater programs and services the City of Asheville is responsible for implementing. These include maintaining and improving the public storm drain system, monitoring and enforcing stormwater and erosion control standards, preventing illegal dumping and raising public awareness of stormwater pollution issues.

A new online bill pay site will launch on July 11. The current site will be disabled on July 31. For current users, website redirects will assist in navigating to the new page. The new site offers more features, including payment history and consumption history. Account numbers and customer numbers, both of which appear on the paper statement, are the only items needed to establish a new account.

For more information about City of Asheville stormwater projects, visit www.ashevillenc.gov. Beginning July 11, the online bill pay tool will be available at https://selfserve.ashevillenc.gov/css.

Changes to Asheville City brush and leaf collection program

Beginning July 1, the frequency of brush and bagged leaf collection will change from once per month to twice per month. Monday and Tuesday trash customers will have brush collected the first and third week of each month. Brush for Wednesday and Thursday trash customers will be collected the second and forth week of the month. Brush collection will continue to occur on a scheduled week and not a specific day. Residents should make sure brush is out for collection by 7 a.m. on the Monday of their collection week.

Brush should be cut to four feet in length and six inches in diameter. Crews ask that residents do not mix trash, debris, garden waste, weeds, vines, construction materials, leaves or dirt with their brush or bagged leaves. For the safety of crews, thorny trimmings should be placed in a separate pile. Visit the city’s blog http://coablog.ashevillenc.gov/ in the coming week for a video outlining appropriate brush pile content and placement. Another change will be the elimination of loose leaf collection by vacuum trucks. Beginning July 1, all leaves must be bagged for collection. The city will provide large leaf bags to residents on a first come first served basis; bags will be available at local fire stations in October. Director of Public Works Cathy Ball shares, “moving to bagged leaf collection only will both save money and help improve water quality since loose leaves often clog storm drains.”

Revised brush and bagged leaves collection schedules will be mailed to residents within the next two weeks. New schedules can also be viewed and downloaded on the city’s website at www.ashevillenc.gov/sanitation. For further information contact the City of Asheville at 251-1122 or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/sanitation.

2011 Telephone book recycling drive

The City of Asheville and Curbside Management are please to announce the 2011 Telephone Book Recycling Drive supported by AT&T Project Redirectory. Resident are encouraged to “Throw the Book at Us” by bringing their used telephone books to any of the eleven (11) Asheville Area Community Recreation Centers between July 7th through August 18th. The Recreation Center that collects the most used telephone books wins a $500 cash prize for their center!

AT&T Real Yellow Pages are 100% recyclable content and are made from an average 40% recycled, post-consumer content. The paper is made from recycled paper waste and wood fiber such as sawdust and wood chips that would otherwise go unused. Recycled phone books are made into useful products such as insulation, roofing singles, animal bedding and new phone directories. For the closest Recreation Center please visit http://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/ParksRCA

Asheville City Council will vote on Sunny Point Cafes CBII CZ (Community Business II Conditional Zoning) request on Tuesday, June 28th. Sunny Point Café is requesting CBII CZ for the lot adjacent to the restaurant: the small brick house, small gravel parking lot and their garden. This is being done to be in compliance with commercial zoning regulations and involves using the house, gravel lot and garden in the same way that they have been for the last five + years and does not involve an expansion of the restaurant.

Some of the things that are being done include:
moving the dumpster and enclosing it
relocated the composting collection bins
adding one more handicap parking space
installing a privacy fence and additional landscape buffer
meeting all preliminary design requirements

To voice your support for Sunny Point Cafes Conditional Zoning request please contact your council members before the end of the day Monday, June 27th, 2011.

For more information visit Sunny Point Cafes website.

Graffiti Meeting June 28

City of Asheville staff will be holding a meeting at the West Asheville Library Meeting Room on Tuesday June 28 at 6 pm to discuss Graffiti in West Asheville. Speakers will include representatives from the Police Department and the Weed & Seed initiative will offer insight regarding graffiti vandalism affecting businesses in West Asheville. The discussion will include: how and when to report graffiti, what Asheville Police Department is able to do and would like you to do if your business and or propery is vandalized, suggested graffiti removal resources and crime prevention ideas.

For more information contact:

Community Resource Officer, Chad McCall 777-5205

Weed & Seed Coordinator, Rebecca Byrn 258-2813

Taste of Blue Ridge Food Ventures at NC Arboretum 25th Anniversary Celebration July 1

Come meet the makers of fine artisan products from Blue Ridge Food Ventures at a free public event celebrating the 25th anniversary of The North Carolina Arboretum on July 1st from 4 to 8 pm. Sample and purchase yummy goodies all in one convenient place at the Blue Ridge Food Ventures Village Market. Products will include; organic pizza kits from Gallo Lea Pizza, Beulah’s Bavarian Pretzels (these are the real thing!), kickin’ biscuits from the Biscuit Wagon Bakery, decadent (but healthy!) organic chocolate truffles from Ulimana, fruit jams and ice cream from Imladris Farms, fine Italian desserts from Dolci di Maria (you’ll never guess they’re gluten-free), My Whoopie Pies (classic whoopie pies – with an edge!) and more.

For more information about Blue Ridge Food Ventures visit them on Facebook or at their website. For more about the Arboretum’s anniversary celebration, which runs 9am to 9pm and includes music in the gardens, children’s activities, demonstrations, exhibits, a “doggie hike,” a 5K time trial, geocaching and lots more, visit ncarboretum.org.

Revive hosting 20th Century Modern open house July 1

Revive Asheville will be hosting their third 20th Century Modern design open house on July 1, 2011 from 5-10 pm at 178A Westwood Place in West Asheville.

Founded in 2010 on the principle of bringing high quality Modern furniture, lighting and more to the Asheville area, Revive has spent numerous days on the road hand-selecting pieces from names such as Hans Wegner, Milo Baughman, George Nelson, Eero Saarinen, Knoll, Charles Eames and more.

Revive has been mentioned locally by WNC Magazine, Modern Asheville and other local and regional websites and blogs as a go-to shop for Modern design.

Owner Chris Sabo has a passion for finding, restoring and bringing back to life original pieces of Modern design. “There are a lot of companies now make unlicensed, cheap reproductions of Modern furniture.” Chris said. “Having an original 1950’s teak, oak and brass table designed by Hans Wegner, one of the most well-respected Danish designers on the 20th Century, is a piece that will stay with you family for many years to come.”

Original pieces of quality Modern have continued to increase in value significantly over the past decade.

You can check out Revive Asheville’s website at: www.reviveasheville.com

French Broad RiverFest August 13

RiverFest 2011, a celebration of the French Broad River hosted by RiverLink and the Asheville Radio Group, takes place at French Broad River Park on Saturday, August 13 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.

RiverLink encourages everyone to gather coworkers, friends and family members and create a raft for the “Anything that Floats” parade. About the only rule is that the craft must float, and it must be removed from the festival grounds upon completion of the race. The registration deadline for “yachts” is Wednesday, August 10.

Landlubbers will find plenty of fun activities at RiverFest 2011, like the Music Showcase & Competition featuring local great music acts. Local restaurants will be serving up some yummy treats, and there will be friendly competition in Frisbee golf and the local favorite, corn hole. Support local artists and vendors in the craft village.
RiverFest offers lots of fun for kids, too.  Kids can ride, skate, walk, run, and skip in costume with opportunities to win prizes for most creative, cutest and funniest in the Kids Parade.

Volunteers are still needed to make this a fun and successful event! In exchange for their time and hard work, volunteers receive a free t-shirt and a free drink per shift. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact the RiverLink’s Director of Volunteer Services, Dave Russell, at volunteer@riverlink.org or 252-8474, ext. 11.

For more information on raft registration, please visit www.riverlink.org and look for the RiverFest Raft Competition Registration Form link under Upcoming Events.

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

The Burton Street Community Center will be holding a public meeting on a proposal to develop a community technology center at the Burton Street Community Center. The proposed Technology Center would consist of a computer lab, music and video production studio and would serve as a resource for the entire Asheville Community. The meeting will be held Monday June 20 6 pm at the Burton Street Community Center at 134 Burton Street in West Asheville. For more information on the meeting please call 828-778-5105.

Haywood Road Corridor Committee meeting June 22

The next meeting for the Haywood Road Corridor Vision Plan will be WEDNESDAY, June 22, 2011, 6:00 PM until 7:45 at the West Asheville Library.

The topic for the meeting will be economic development.  Based on feedback from our last meeting we will have opportunities for input and brainstorming of ideas as well as having a limited number of invited resource people to facilitate the conversation.  I have always been impressed with the diversity of the businesses along Haywood Road and I think I share most people wishes to maintain a really rich mix of commercial uses that makes living and doing business in west Asheville such a pleasure.

I hope you can make it to the next meeting forf the vision plan and feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments.  If you want to catch up on what we have already worked on please visit the West Asheville Business Association (WABA) website for our notes and archives at  www.west-asheville.com.

Graffiti Meeting June 28

City of Asheville staff, including representatives from the Police Department and the Weed & Seed initiative will offer insight regarding graffiti vandalism affecting businesses in West Asheville.  The discussion will include: how and when to report graffiti, what APD is able to do and would like you to do if your business and or propery is vandalized, suggested graffiti removal resources, crime prevention ideas.

For more information contact:

Community Resource Office,’ Chad McCall 777-5205

Weed & Seed Coordinator, Rebecca Byrn 258-2813

Changes to Asheville brush and leaf collection program

In an effort to address community concerns, conserve costs and improve water quality, changes to the brush and leaf collection program were submitted as part of the budget which was adopted by City Council on May 24.

Beginning July 1, the frequency of brush and bagged leaf collection will change from once per month to twice per month.

Monday and Tuesday trash customers will have brush collected the first and third week of each month. Brush for Wednesday and Thursday trash customers will be collected the second and forth week of the month.

Brush collection will continue to occur on a scheduled week and not a specific day. Residents should make sure brush is out for collection by 7 a.m. on the Monday of their collection week.

Brush should be cut to four feet in length and six inches in diameter. Crews ask that residents do not mix trash, debris, garden waste, weeds, vines, construction materials, leaves or dirt with their brush or bagged leaves. For the safety of crews, thorny trimmings should be placed in a separate pile. Visit the city’s blog http://coablog.ashevillenc.gov/ in the coming week for a video outlining appropriate brush pile content and placement.

Another change will be the elimination of loose leaf collection by vacuum trucks.  Beginning July 1, all leaves must be bagged for collection.  The city will provide large leaf bags to residents on a first come first served basis; bags will be available at local fire stations in October.  Director of Public Works Cathy Ball shares, “moving to bagged leaf collection only will both save money and help improve water quality since loose leaves often clog storm drains.”

Revised brush and bagged leaves collection schedules will be mailed to residents within the next two weeks. New schedules can also be viewed and downloaded on the city’s website at www.ashevillenc.gov/sanitation.

For further information contact the City of Asheville at 251-1122 or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/sanitation.