At the May 12 City Council meeting, Council members took action and were presented information on several agenda items related to continued Helene recovery in roadway infrastructure and housing. Other non- Helene recovery related issues were addressed including: the water system, community safety, and a presentation of the proposed FY27 budget. Each demonstrated the Council’s focus on transparency, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.
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 Related Items:
Public Works: Roadway Infrastructure
Consent Item I: Citywide Road Structure Repairs APPROVED
Authorizes a $6.25 million to design repairs and replacements contract for damaged bridges and large culverts as part of the Helene Recovery Project. It also approves a $7.18 million budget amendment to the General Capital Projects Fund to add federal and state funding to support the project.
“The roadway structures project is about restoring critical roadway infrastructure safely, efficiently, and in a way that makes our community more resilient to future storms,” said Public works Director Amy Deyton. “After the significant damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene, we’re taking a comprehensive approach—inspecting, designing, repairing and rebuilding bridges and culverts across 21 locations while maximizing available federal and state funding. This work not only repairs what was lost, but strengthens our infrastructure for the long term.”
Under New Business
Item A. CDBG-DR Multi-Family Project Funding: This item was broken into 2 new motions
Request to approve Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for three affordable multi-family housing projects: Terrace at River Hills by Mountain Housing Opportunities/South Creek Development, District East Commons by Commonwealth Development Corporation, and 319B Biltmore by Laurel Street.
New Motions:
Vice-Mayor Mosley moved to authorize the award of CDBG-DR Multi-Family Housing Program funds to Commonwealth Development Corporation (District East Commons), and Laurel Street (319B Biltmore). This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Turner.
Councilwoman Ullman moved to authorize the award of CDBG-DR Multi-Family Housing Program funds to Mountain Housing Opportunities/South Creek Development (Terrace at River Hills). This motion died for a lack of a second.
- District East Commons, located at 1311 Tunnel Road – $1.38 million – APPROVED
- The 319-B Biltmore project, located at 4 John Walker Avenue – $7 million – APPROVED
- Terrace at River Hills, located at 110 River Hills Road – $9.5 million – Motion to consider failed due to lack of a second
“Addressing the housing losses from Helene represents a significant milestone in our recovery efforts,” said Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring. “By integrating resilience directly into our construction, we are not only rebuilding but improving, while simultaneously making progress on the City Council’s longstanding commitment to providing high-quality affordable housing.”
Non- Helene Recovery Related Items:
Water
Consent Item E. Mills River Watershed Improvement Partnership APPROVED
Approved a multi-year agreement with the Mills River Partnership for watershed improvement work, with funding up to $180,000 over three years, depending on annual funding.
“Protecting the Mills River watershed is an investment in our community’s long-term water quality and environmental health,” said Water Resources Director Bill Hart. “By continuing our partnership with the Mills River Partnership, we’re supporting practical projects—like managing stormwater runoff and expanding education efforts—that help preserve the high water quality we’ve worked hard to achieve while planning for the future.”
Consent Item F. 2026 Water System Revenue Bonds APPROVED
Approves issuing the 2026 Water Revenue Bonds, up to a total of $51 million, to fund water system projects.
“This investment strengthens Asheville’s water system by upgrading critical treatment and distribution infrastructure, including improvements at the Mills River Water Treatment Plant and a Neighborhood Enhancement Project (NEP), said Water Resources Director Bill Hart. “These projects will improve reliability, water quality, and system resilience for customers while supporting long-term growth. Combined with grant funding and responsible refinancing, the bond issuance helps deliver essential improvements in a cost-effective way that benefits the entire community.”
Presentations And Reports:
Manager’s Report – FY27 Proposed Budget Presentation
Public Hearing
Planning and Urban Design (PUD)
Item C. Conditional Zoning Change for Caribou Rd site – DENIED
Approves a conditional rezoning for the 9.5-acre property on Caribou Rd, changing the zoning from Residential Single-Family Medium Density (RS-4) to Residential Expansion – Conditional Zone (RES EXP-CZ). This action allows the property to be developed under specific agreed-upon conditions and development standards tied to the rezoning approval.
Development Background
The development would include 100 affordable housing units across six residential buildings on the site. Plans include four one-story quadplex buildings in the northern part of the property, with each building containing four townhome-style homes. A one-story clubhouse for residents would also be located in this area. In the southern section of the site, two larger apartment buildings are planned, each standing three to four stories tall and containing 42 housing units. Additional assets include parking areas, new sidewalks, and a playground for residents.
Item D. Conditional Zoning Change for Sweeten Creek Rd site APPROVED
Approves a conditional rezoning for the property on Sweeten Creek Rd, changing the zoning from Commercial Industrial (CI) and Residential Multi-Family High Density (RM-16) to Residential Expansion – Conditional Zone (RES EXP-CZ). This change allows the property to be developed for residential use under specific conditions and development standards approved as part of the rezoning.
Development Background
The proposed development would include 126 affordable housing units in two apartment buildings. A four-story building with 96 units would be built along the north and west sides of the site, and a three-story building with 30 units would be located along the southern side. The project also includes an outdoor pavilion and shared outdoor gathering spaces for residents in the center of the property. Additional improvements include parking areas, new sidewalks, and a playground.
New Business:
Asheville Police Department (APD)
Item B.1: Federal Grant Funding Real time Intelligence Center (RTIC) APPROVED
Approves applying for and accepting a $1.14 million federal grant secured through Congressman Chuck Edwards’ office and managed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Item B.2: Consolidation and Renewal of APD Equipment & Software Contracts APPROVED
Approves a 7.5-year contract with Axon Enterprises to consolidate and renew Asheville Police Department’s body camera, taser, drone, interview room, and related technology systems. The agreement also adds new FUSUS software and includes equipment, warranties, licensing, and cloud data storage, using a discounted cooperative purchasing contract.
“By providing personnel with the ability to analyze, and disseminate real-time information to responding officers, the RTIC will enhance situational awareness and support timely, informed, and effective responses,” said Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp. “This capability prioritizes the safety of officers, residents, and the broader community.”