At the June 23, City Council meeting, Council members took action and were presented information on several agenda items. The meeting featured both Helene recovery and non recovery related items in the areas of infrastructure and housing, and action on the proposed reallocation of federal disaster recovery funding as related to housing. Public hearings were held on an affordable housing project and a proposed moratorium on data centers.
Complete details on all agenda items and actions are available in the official meeting materials available on the City of Asheville website and a complete recording of the session is available on the City of Asheville YouTube channel.
HELENE RECOVERY ITEMS
From Consent:
Parks & Recreation
Consent Item J: Contract for a temporary Skating Rink APPROVED
The resolution authorizes the City to hire a contractor to prepare the site for a temporary skating rink, provides a contingency for unforeseen construction costs, and moves existing federal grant funds into the appropriate account to finance a portion of the work.
“Tropical Storm Helene left our community without a public skating rink, impacting everything from family skate sessions to youth hockey and recreation programs. This project provides a temporary home for those activities while long-term recovery at Carrier Park moves forward as part of the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery project,” said Asheville Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “By preparing a City-owned site at 50 Asheland Avenue, we’re creating a space where residents can once again gather, stay active, and enjoy a valued community amenity as we continue rebuilding for the future.”
Public Works / Stormwater
Consent Item R: City-wide Landslide Recovery Project APPROVED
Consent Item S: City-wide Landslide Recovery Project APPROVED
Consent ITem T: City-wide Landslide Recovery Project APPROVED
These three resolutions invest more than $9.5 million in engineering and design work to recover from landslides caused by Tropical Storm Helene, positioning the City to repair critical public infrastructure using state and federal disaster recovery funding.
“Recovering from Tropical Storm Helene means not only repairing the damage we can see today, but also providing for a more resilient future,” said Public Works Director Amy Deyton “ By leveraging federal and state funding and working with experienced engineering partners, the City is advancing a thoughtful, long-term approach to strengthening our infrastructure.”
Public Works / Streets
Consent Item U: City-wide roadway & sidewalk repair APPROVED
This contract allows the City to design permanent repairs that restore critical transportation infrastructure and improve the safety and resilience of roads, sidewalks, and public spaces damaged by Tropical Storm Helene.
“Our roads, sidewalks, greenways, and transportation infrastructure connect people to their homes, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods every day,” said Public Works Director Amy Deyton. “By investing in intentional engineering, hazard mitigation and sustainable design, we’re not just repairing what was lost—we’re building a safer and more connected Asheville for generations to come.”
From Unfinished Business
CDBG-DR
Item A. Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan to reallocate funds APPROVED 6 to 1
This resolution approves a substantial amendment to the City’s CDBG-DR Action Plan, redirecting $19.2 million in CDBG-DR funding to expand support for single-family home repair and reconstruction through the State of North Carolina’s Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program.
“Behind every home repair project is a family working to regain stability after Tropical Storm Helene. Expanding this program means more Asheville residents will have the opportunity to rebuild and return home,” said Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring. “While housing recovery remains an urgent priority, we know it is only one part of Asheville’s broader recovery effort. This amendment allows us to address immediate homeowner needs while continuing to pursue resources that support affordable housing development, infrastructure improvements, economic recovery, and long-term community resilience.”
NON-HELENE RECOVERY ITEMS
From Consent:
Capital Management
Consent item K: Municipal Building Repair & Restoration Project APPROVED
Consent Item L: Municipal Building Repair & Restoration Project APPROVED
Consent Item N: Temp Activation of 179 Charlotte St as first responder wellness center during Muni renovation APPROVED
These resolutions approve construction to begin on a critical capital repair project for the downtown Municipal Building, which serves as the headquarters for Asheville Police Department and houses Fire Station 1. Construction will begin this summer and is anticipated to last one year.
“This project is a necessary investment in our city’s core infrastructure,” says Capital Management Director Walter Ear. “By reinforcing the structural integrity of the Municipal Building, we are ensuring that our first responders have a safe, modern facility to operate from as they continue to protect and serve the Asheville community.”
Consent Item M: Eagle & S. Market Streets Design & Planning APPROVED
Authorizes the City Manager to enter into a design and engineering contract for the Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project. Part of the broader Boosting the Block initiative, the project will include wider sidewalks, accessibility upgrades, street trees, lighting, stormwater improvements, and a gateway feature that celebrates the district’s cultural identity. Funding comes from a Mellon Foundation grant, voter-approved City Transportation Bonds, and the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.
“The Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project is about making community-driven investments in the heart of Asheville’s historic Black business district that will result in a more functional and welcoming streetscape,” said Planning and Urban Design Director Stephanie Dahl. “The project helps the community continue to bring the neighborhood’s rich history and culture into the design of their public spaces while strengthening connections between Pack Square Plaza and The Block. The City is excited to deliver on a vision for a cultural corridor that honors the past and supports future generations.”
Public Works
Consent Item Q. Grant Funding for Burton St. Neighborhood Stormwater Improvement APPROVED
Authorization for the City Manager to apply, and accept if awarded, up to $1 million in grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Blueprint Project to support stormwater improvements in the Burton Street neighborhood.
“This project addresses drainage challenges in the Burton Street neighborhood, investing in infrastructure that better protects residents, improves water quality, and strengthens the community’s resilience to future storms,“ said Stormwater Division Manager Derek Wainscott. “By pursuing this grant funding, we have an opportunity to make meaningful improvements that reduce localized flooding, and build on Asheville’s commitment to a more resilient future.”
Public Hearings:
Public hearing for moratorium on new data center development. APPROVED
New Business:
Community and Economic Development APPROVED
Item A. Sale agreement of city owned land for development of Affordable Housing Project
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to sell City-owned property at 29 Oak Hill Drive to 29 Oak Hill LLC for the development of 42 affordable townhomes for homeownership. It also includes the use of 2024 Affordable Housing Bond funds for a construction loan that will be partially repaid, with the remaining portion going toward down payment assistance for low- and moderate-income homebuyers.
“The Oak Hill housing development on City-owned land is an exciting opportunity to bring moderately-priced housing with down payment assistance to families who struggle to enter the home-buying market,” said Community and Economic Development Director Nikki Reid. “Achieving affordable homeownership is challenging, but by creatively using City resources for both construction and down payment assistance, we can make this goal a reality.”