At the October 13 meeting, City Council took action on and received updates for a range of agenda items. This meeting included actions and presentations on various issues including: the funding of new seasonal wreaths and business support for downtown, a public hearing on Costco, and the HOME – ARP program bringing additional affordable housing to Asheville.
Complete details on all agenda items and actions are available in the official meeting materials available on the City of Asheville website. A complete recording of the session is available on the City of Asheville YouTube channel.
Items from Consent Agenda
Budget amendment in the amount of $265,000 for business support during upcoming downtown construction projects and for the purchase and installation of new downtown seasonal décor, to be undertaken by the Asheville Downtown Improvement District.
APPROVED
Proposal of a $265,000 budget amendment using previously collected sales tax revenue to fund two downtown improvement projects. Specifically, $175,000 will support local businesses during upcoming construction projects, and $90,000 will be used to purchase new holiday wreaths. Both initiatives will be managed by the Asheville Downtown Improvement District to enhance the downtown experience.
“This is a great example of how the City and ADID can work together to address the construction impacts of major public investments,” said Assistant City Manager Ben Woody. “The City remains responsible for delivering the projects, while ADID can provide additional support to businesses navigating the disruption, and help maintain an active and welcoming downtown environment.”
Presentations and Reports
Manager’s Report
Public Hearings
Public hearing to conditionally rezone 99999 Tried Street and 990 West Chapel Road from RS-8 Residential Single-Family High Density District to RS-8 Residential Single-Family High Density District/Conditional Zone. APPROVED
This resolution updates the zoning for properties at 99999 Tried Street and 990 W Chapel Road to replace an older 2017 zoning agreement with a new development plan. It allows Asheville Habitat for Humanity to build five single-family homes and eighteen townhomes, with all twenty-three units designated as affordable housing. The project also establishes specific site standards, such as a 17-foot building height and dedicated open spaces, to fit the surrounding Shiloh community.
“This project is a great example of how, working with the community, neighbors can support a project that respects the existing community, and bring additional affordable housing to our City,” said Planning and Development Administrator Sam Star-Baum.
Public hearing to consider an amendment to the conditional zonings (Ord. Nos. 3921, 4856 and 4995) at 264 and 274 Enka Heritage Parkway and 1455 Sand Hill Road for the purposes of Amending the site plan and project conditions. APPROVED
This resolution updates the zoning for three properties in Asheville to create a zoning allowance for a new Costco development. It allows the construction of a large retail building, a fueling station with 32 gas pumps, and an associated parking lot. The plan also includes preserving the historic Enka Clocktower and adding a multi-use greenway path.
“The proposed development at the Enka site exemplifies responsible growth by seamlessly blending community connectivity with historic preservation,” said Interim Planning and Urban Design Director Chris Collins. “Through the inclusion of a dedicated multi-use greenway path and the preservation of the historic Enka Clocktower, this project addresses our region’s commercial and employment needs while honoring history and enhancing walkability for Asheville residents.”
Unfinished Business
Resolution approving the Substantial Amendment to the HOME-American Rescue Plan Allocation Plan. APPROVED
This public hearing was held on September 22, 2026 – No additional public comment will be taken.
This resolution approves a substantial amendment to the City of Asheville’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. It updates the city’s housing assistance rules to give priority to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those affected by Hurricane Helene. Finally, it authorizes city staff to submit the updated plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for final approval.
“With these amendments, we will align the HOME-ARP program with the most acute needs of our community and leverage existing frameworks to move resources transparently,” said Community Development Division Manager James Shelton.
New Business
This resolution allows the City of Asheville to accept a six million dollar grant from Destination Home over three years. The funds will be used for the “Right at Home” initiative to provide homelessness prevention services, such as rental assistance and case management, for at least one thousand households. Additionally, it approves a budget amendment to officially add these funds and programs into the city’s operating budget. Funds will be allocated to service providers approved by the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care (CoC) to implement the program.
“Being selected as one of only 10 pilot communities nationwide for the Right at Home initiative is a strong reflection of what’s possible with a collaborative approach to homelessness,” said Emily Ball, lead staff for the CoC. “Stopping homelessness before it starts is a key strategy, and this $6 million investment empowers us to continue pioneering effective, proactive solutions to keep people housed and address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable members of our community.”