Haywood Streetscape Improvement Project

Background

This project will include sidewalk rehabilitation, street resurfacing, stormwater improvements, sanitary sewer improvements, and the sourcing, siting and installation of various street amenities informed by public input. The project is funded by the Transportation Bond Referendum that passed in 2016, prioritized as a safety issue and a major need by the City and various boards, committees and associations over the past several years.

The general project limits will be along Haywood Street from Vanderbilt to Patton Avenue. A key component is the replacement of the blue stone in the sidewalk on much of this corridor. MSD will contribute funds and design consultation for the sanitary sewer replacement.

A contract for design and construction administration was approved by City Council on August 28, 2018.

Timeline

Design and engineering began in the fall of 2018 and will continue through summer of 2019. A detailed project schedule is being developed and will be made available by fall. Project construction is planned to begin in January of 2020 and continue for 9-12 months.

Public input was collected on major changes to the street and sidewalk (see more info below).

Further opportunities for public engagement related to construction activities are on in progress and on-going. Please contact Dana Frankel for more information or to sign up for email updates.

Next Steps for Engagement:

Updates on the construction phasing schedule be shared in summer 2019.

A stakeholder group will convene in the late summer and fall to guide the development of strategies to mitigate negative impacts of construction including a promotional campaign to support business.

Once construction begins, regular email communications and on-site meetings will provide updates on schedule and impacts.

Upcoming Meetings:

September 5, 2019 – Informational meeting to provide construction schedule overview and approach to communications during construction.

Thursday, Sept. 5
9 – 10:30 a.m.
US Cellular Center Banquet Hall (87 Haywood Street)

Meeting materials, including questions and answers will be shared by email and posted on this webpage following the meeting.

Previous Meetings and Input:

August 19, 2019 – Update to the Tree Commission
February 19, 2019 – Follow up discussion and feedback with Downtown Commission Design Review Committee
January 16, 2019 – Discussion and feedback with the City’s Bike/Pedestrian Task Force
January 2, 2019 – Discussion and feedback with residents of Vanderbilt Apartments and Battery Park Apartments
December 12, 2018 – Public input open-house meetings for design changes to the street/sidewalk and other priorities. More information about the meetings is here.
December 4, 2018 – Discussion and feedback with hospitality/tourism representatives (convened by Explore Asheville CVB staff)
November 15, 2018 – Discussion and feedback with Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors Issues Committee
November 14, 2018 – Discussion and feedback with Asheville Downtown Association Board
November 14, 2018 – Discussion and feedback with Downtown Commission Design Review Committee
November 9, 2018 – Overview and discussion with Downtown Commission
October 24, 2018 – Overview and discussion with Multi-modal Transportation Committee
September 13, 2018 – Pre Kick-off meeting (with businesses and residents in the project area)