The Asheville City Council is expected to vote on zoning for a proposed 279-unit apartment complex in Arden at its Tuesday, Nov. 14, meeting. The development was previously discussed at the Oct. 4 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, but did not receive enough votes for a recommendation to Council.
The complex, which would occupy nearly 9 acres with frontage on Long Shoals Road and Plott Place, would include five separate residential buildings. In total, 10% of housing would be deemed affordable for those earning 80% or less of the area median income. Up to half of affordable housing would also accept housing choice vouchers.
The project, estimated to cost between $30 million and $50 million, would include a variety of one- to three-bedroom units, as well as a swimming pool, fitness center, car wash and spa for dogs. Current plans include approximately 382 parking spaces.
During the Project display at the Oct. 4 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, questions were raised about the developer’s desire to set aside only 10 percent of the units as affordable; similar projects in the area have 20% of their housing considered affordable. Additionally, the lack of a treeline along the southern tip of the development has raised concerns. Ultimately, the commission’s 3-3 vote was not enough to recommend the project to Council.
Consent Program and Public Comments
The approved agenda for the meeting contains 15 items, which will be approved as a whole unless selected for separate discussion. Highlights include:
- A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Hazen and Sawyer to provide a preliminary engineering report for the East Asheville Booster Pump Station. If approved, Hazen and Sawyer will begin a study to determine what is needed to refurbish the East Asheville station and return it to service.
- A resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a contract with Walden Security to provide security services in the city’s parking lots, including four parking garages and 10 surface parking lots.
- A resolution approving the recommendation to allocate $50,000 in Strategic Partnership Grant to the Asheville PEAK Academy and authorizing the City Manager to sign the grant agreement. If approved, the funding would be used to support PEAK Academy’s “It Takes a Village” initiative, which aims to provide competitive salaries and benefits to hire and retain staff.
Council members will meet in their quarters on the second floor of City Hall, located at 70 Court Plaza, beginning at 5 p.m. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Charter/Spectrum Channel 193 and streamed live through the Asheville Public Engagement Center and on the city’s website. Youtube channel. Members of the public can listen live by calling 855-925-2801, meeting code 1367.
Those wishing to speak at the meeting must attend in person and register at the door. No live remote commentary will be permitted. Pre-recorded voice messages can also be left at 855-925-2801, meeting code 1367; written comments can be sent to AshevilleCityCouncilNov142023@publicinput.com until 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 14. General comments intended for the municipal council can be sent at any time to AshevilleNCCouncil@AshevilleNC.gov.
The full meeting agenda and supporting documents are available here.
