At the Oct. 27 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: funding for homelessness prevention and resources, Malvern pool construction, and streambank stabilization funds as part of our continued efforts to build back from Helene with resilience.
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.
Consent Agenda
Housing and Economic Development
These resolutions authorize the City Manager to execute year-one funding agreements with Homeward Bound, Operation Gateway, Pisgah Legal Services, and Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry to implement the Right at Home homelessness prevention initiative. Together, these agreements distribute portions of a $6 million implementation grant to provide essential homelessness prevention services, such as rental assistance and case management, for local households.
This resolution ratifies the City of Asheville’s submission of renewal grants for the Planning and Homeless Management Information System through the FY2026 Continuum of Care Program. It confirms the local Continuum of Care Board’s approval of these funding applications. Finally, it authorizes the City Manager to formally accept any awarded funds.
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with Buncombe County. Under this agreement, the city will accept and administer $100,000 in matching funds from the county. These funds will be used to support the Code Purple emergency shelter initiative for the 2026–27 season.
“Through strong community partnership and shared dedication, these actions supporting Right at Home, the CoC, and the Code Purple Program advance our shared commitment to supporting our most vulnerable residents,” said Housing and Economic Development Director Nikki Reid. “Thanks to strong partnerships with the county and community organizations, we continue to stand together as a community to provide vital assistance and hope to community members facing or living the impacts of being unhoused.”
Asheville Police Department
This resolution allows the City of Asheville to adopt a budget amendment of $359,822 using funds received as a result of the North Carolina state budget allocation awarding a one-time bonus to all local law enforcement officers statewide that was signed into law earlier this year. It formally recognizes this state revenue and allocates it within the Police Department’s budget. The funding covers a one-time $1,750 bonus that was distributed to 191 eligible sworn police officers.
Asheville Fire Department
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to apply for and accept a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant totaling just over $75,500. It utilizes federal funding with a 10% local cost-share match from the city’s operating budget. These funds will be used by the Asheville Fire Department to purchase essential wildland personal protective equipment, such as shelters, backpacks, helmets, and boots.
“Coming out of Helene, the Asheville Fire Department has been preparing for the response to an elevated wildfire season predicted by the USFS to occur at the 3-year mark post-storm. This time frame occurs in the days ahead and is significant because it marks when the treefall has had time to dry out and has an increased opportunity to be involved in wildfires,” said Asheville Fire Department Chief Mike Cayse. “These grants will assist the AFD in their preparations for responses to these types of events, mitigating the damaging effects of wildfire within our community.”
Capital & Asset Management/ Parks and Recreation
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute a construction contract amendment with Harper General Contractors Inc. for $4.4 million to build a new municipal pool and renovate the pool house at Malvern Hills Park. It also grants the City Manager the authority to approve project change orders up to a contingency amount of $560,000. Funding for these contract costs will be provided by the 2024 Parks General Obligation Bond.
“Malvern Hills Park Pool is a beloved amenity that has served generations of Asheville residents,” said D. Tyrell McGirt, Asheville Parks & Recreation Director. “Reaching the construction phase brings us one step closer to bringing public swimming back to West Asheville. We are deeply grateful to our community whose dedication and input during the engagement process directly shaped a final design everyone can be proud of.”
Recovery and Resilience
This resolution authorizes the City Manager of Asheville to become an official sponsor of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. It allows the city to assess damage, remove debris, stabilize streambanks, and protect homes and infrastructure from future flooding at approved sites. Additionally, it approves a $20,773.45 budget amendment for streambank stabilization to be fully reimbursed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“As we continue our recovery following Hurricane Helene, it is important that we pursue all funding sources that allow us to rebuild along our vulnerable waterways with real intention and long-term resilience,” said Recovery and Resilience Director Bridget Herring.
Presentations and Reports
Manager’s Report – Quarter 1 Financial Update
Public Hearings
Public hearing to consider amending the conditional zoning at 21 London Road APPROVED 4-3
This project is seeking technical modifications to zoning standards regarding maximum building height, residential density, and yard setbacks. The proposal is to develop a vacant 2.63-acre site at 21 London Road into a new seven-story multi-family residential building containing 252 dwelling units. The development includes structured parking, courtyards, improved sidewalks, and the relocation and upgrade of a nearby transit bus stop. To make this possible, the applicant is seeking technical modifications to zoning standards regarding maximum building height, residential density, and yard setbacks. This is an amendment to a previously approved conditional zoning from 2024. The applicant is proposing one additional story to the building with an increase of 44 dwelling units.