At the September 8 meeting, City Council took action on and received updates on a range of agenda items. The meeting covered both Helene recovery and non-recovery items. Key highlights included progress updates on the Parking Garage Improvements and Biltmore Village Recovery projects, ongoing support for the CAYLA youth program, and funding for critical infrastructure, such as the temporary bridge at Gashes Creek, vital to our ongoing Helene recovery.
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.
HELENE RECOVERY ITEMS
From Consent
Planning and Urban Design
The City’s Planning & Urban Design department is initiating a two-year effort to update the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to better support Asheville’s long-term resilience and recovery priorities. This project will update the City’s development regulations to reflect the updated Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan, including a focus on the promotion of goals surrounding housing and resiliency. This work is supported by a planning grant from the City’s CDBG-DR federal allocation and Stormwater Enterprise Funds.
“Tropical Storm Helene highlighted the importance of ensuring our development regulations and planning documents are flexible and well-aligned with our recovery goals,” said Chris Collins, Interim Director of Planning & Urban Design. “This project gives us the opportunity to strengthen the connection between our community’s vision for growth and the practical regulations that guide rebuilding. By updating these foundational tools, we can ensure our land use policies continue to support a resilient, sustainable future for Asheville that reflects the updated vision established by the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan.”
Recovery Funding
D. Acceptance of reimbursement for Helene Disaster Recovery and Response Expenses from State and FEMA for vital Infrastructure, and acceptance of donation to support a temporary skating rink project. APPROVED
This resolution asks the City Council to accept $4.2 million in state and federal disaster reimbursement funds to pay for projects, including building a temporary bridge at Gashes Creek. Additionally, it moves $105,000 in donated funds from the Special Revenue Fund to the General Capital Projects Fund to provide materials for a temporary skating rink for the community.
“Our ongoing Helene recovery efforts require sustained funding to address critical infrastructure needs, such as the construction of a temporary bridge for Gashes Creek,” said Helene Recovery & Resilience Director Bridget Herring.”By approving this budget amendment, we ensure that the city can continue to meet necessary financial obligations for both storm repairs and vital services. This allocation allows us to maintain our momentum in rebuilding, providing the essential support our community needs to move forward.”
Housing and Economic Development (HED)
E.Contract with City Collective, LLC to create a Master Plan for land in the Deaverview Neighborhood APPROVED 6-0 * Vice Mayor Mosley recused herself from the vote
The City purchased 65 Ford Street in 2021 with the purpose of expanding affordable housing in the Deaverview community. Currently, the City is partnering with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) and PEAK Academy to create a Master Plan that aims to develop a mixed income community that integrates housing, education, recreation facilities, and wellness to foster economic mobility and housing affordability.
J.Application to the Dogwood Health Trust Leverage Fund for grant development assistance. APPROVED
City Council authorized staff to submit an application to the Dogwood Health Trust Leverage Fund for grant development assistance. The Dogwood Health Trust Leverage Fund provides eligible public and non-profit entities in Western North Carolina (WNC) with grant writing assistance to pursue competitive federal, state, and private foundation grants.
“Grant writing support allows the City of Asheville to successfully navigate complex federal applications related to our ongoing Tropical Storm Helene recovery, “ said Recovery & Resilience Director Bridget Herring. “This partnership enables the City to maximize application opportunities for recovery funding vital to addressing unmet needs in our community.”
NON- HELENE RECOVERY ITEMS
From Consent
Housing and Economic Development
The City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) is a leadership development program that connects local high school students with paid summer internships and leadership training. The course offers assistance in college applications and since its inception, CAYLA has had a successful run, in which 100% of participants over the years have been accepted to college. With support from Buncombe County and the Asheville City Schools Foundation, the City remains committed to continuing to provide scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors.
“The City has been empowering Asheville’s youth with essential work experience, career exploration, and leadership development through the CAYLA since 2007.” Said Promise Boseman, Community Development Coordinator. “This commitment not only invests in the potential of our graduating seniors through scholarship support, but also strengthens the economic and social fabric of Asheville for generations to come.”
Public Works
G. Acceptance of $25,000 Homeland Security Grant for the Barricade Trailer Project APPROVED
The City’s Public Works department will use these funds to purchase a type of Multiple Event Response Trailer and barricades for emergency management purposes — to close off roads, divert traffic, and establish perimeters to protect people, property, and the environment.
“We’re grateful to move forward with this grant, which was originally awarded prior to Tropical Storm Helene,” said Amy Deyton, Director of Public Works. “This investment strengthens our capabilities as first responders, directly supporting our goal to keep our community safe during future emergencies.”
Presentations and Reports
- Capital Quarterly Update
- Capital & Asset Management Director, Walter Ear, updated City Council on recent milestones achieved across active capital projects and municipal facilities. The presentation featured a deep dive into the Parking Garage Capital Improvements Project and highlighted community engagement guiding the design phase of the Biltmore Village Infrastructure Recovery Project.
New Business
Amendment to the City of Asheville Code of Ordinances to provide additional protections for tenants from unsafe dwelling conditions. APPROVED