At the October 14 City Council meeting, Council members undertook consideration of several Helene Recovery agenda items as the City and community continue to move forward with recovery related projects and needs. Below is a list of the items, grouped by topic or category, actions, and impacts.
Helene recovery related items
ECONOMY
Consent Item D: Approved Unanimously
CDBG-DR Single Family Home Repair
The City Manager is authorized to enter into an agreement with the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization to provide repair and reconstruction for Asheville homeowners who were affected by Tropical Storm Helene.
“The City of Asheville is excited to partner with the State of North Carolina’s RenewNC Homeowner Repair and Reconstruction Program,” said Community and Economic Development Director Nikki Reid. “This agreement is an effort toward efficiency, collaboration, and resilience that will make the RenewNC program fully available to all Asheville homeowners who qualify.”
Resources: staff report, CDBG-DR helene website link
Under: Unfinished/ New Business
- Downtown Activation / Economic Stimulation Strategies Presentation
- Open Streets / Event Support Mini-Grants (no Council action required)
In partnership with ArtsAVL, the City launched a new Rolling Mini-Grant Pilot in early September. It complements the existing Annual Event Support Grant. The grant provides up to $1,000 for pop-up and smaller-scale events to help cover City-related fees. It is is open to nonprofit organizations in Buncombe County or for-profit businesses located within the event footprint
- Downtown Food Truck Pilot (no Council action required)
The City launched a limited series, “Food Truck Fridays” on October 3 and will continue to host 1-2 vendors every Friday through December 19 in Pack Square Park. The initiative highlights local vendors and offerings while promoting activation, and testing interest in expanded vending options.
- Temporary Noise ordinance exceedance pilot program
Council Action: This ordinance requires a Supermajority vote (5-0) which was not reached, so the item must come before Council again at the Oct. 28 meeting
Ordinance amending Section 10-88 (Noise Regulations) regarding increasing the event days of a Level 3 sound exceedance permit from 30 to 50 event days for a pilot program period with a sunset date of December 31, 2026. Resources: Staff Report
- Event-Based Social District Pilot Program
Council Action: This item was continued until the November 18 meeting
Ordinance amending Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances to establish a downtown event-based Social District Pilot Program for specified special events taking place in the South Slope area during calendar year 2026. Resources: Staff Report
“In the wake of Helene, staff, council and community partners have worked together to support activities that can help promote business district activity and recovery,” said City of Asheville Downtown Planning Manager Dana Frankel. “We are excited to see what activation the Event Support mini grants and food truck pilot programs can bring to our community and collaboration efforts as we continue Helene recovery.”
WATER SYSTEM
Consent Item F: Approved Unanimously
EDA Grant applications for a fourth water treatment plant
City Manager is authorized to submit grant applications for two proposals, an Arts and Entertainment Facility and a fourth water treatment plant, to the Economic Development Administration and any related grants that support these applications, provided they do not require a match; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution.
“Adding a fourth water treatment facility will increase production capacity and resilience to our water system in times of increasing demand,” stated Interim Water Resources Director Bill Hart. “This grant could allow us to focus on pre-development and planning activities for a fourth location.”
Resources: staff report , project pages
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Consent Item H: Approved Unanimously
Donation of playground at Stephens-Lee Community Center
The City of Asheville accepted a recovery-related donation from Superior Recreational Products and MAPA Recreation through the Superior HOPES program, providing new playground equipment for Stephens-Lee Community Center. This tower-style playground featuring a soaring deck height, multiple slides and climbers, and a large shade topper is intended to serve as a symbol of hope, resilience, and community wellness by offering a safe, meaningful space for children and families to connect as neighbors continue to rebuild following the devastating impacts of Helene.
When it opens, it will be Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s eleventh complete playground replacement since 2019 with Burton Street Community Center’s new space opening a few weeks ago and Weaver Park’s set for completion in early 2026.
“We are profoundly grateful for the kindness of Superior Recreational Products and MAPA Recreation to support our commitment to long-term health and wellbeing of our community,” according to APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “This generous donation is a powerful reminder of the support shown to our region by others from around the nation and serves as a symbol of resilience as we continue the hard work to rebuild following Helene’s destruction. The Stephens-Lee playground will be more than just a safe place to play; it is an essential space for our children and families to reconnect, heal, and find joy on our path to recovery.”
Resources: staff Report
INFRASTRUCTURE
Consent Item K: Approved Unanimously
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Roof Replacement
The City Manager is authorized to enter into a contract with AAR of North Carolina, Inc. for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Roof Replacement Project; and to execute any
change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount; and approval of a budget amendment of $538,460 to add federal funds to the General Capital Projects Fund, for both design and construction services.
“Harrah’s Cherokee Center staff is very excited to move this roof replacement project forward,” said Director of Community and Regional Facilities Chris Corl. “Repairs to the roof will allow staff to address interior water damage which adversely impacts the guest experience. We look forward to welcoming the community to experience our lineup of future events without concerning themselves with the weather forecast”
Resources: staff report / Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Consent Item N: Approved Unanimously
Azalea Park Improvements – Design Phase 2
City Council adopted a resolution to enter into a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for design and engineering services to rebuild recreation facilities and transportation infrastructure along Azalea Road and the Swannanoa River. This contract addresses the second design phase for the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery project after the first phase was approved by City Council at their September 9 meeting.
“We have a unique opportunity to look collectively at the entire area, from the pool at Recreation Park to the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex and the dog park at Azalea Park,” says Asheville Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “We are focused on transforming these spaces into a cohesive park that offers seamless connectivity and a unified recreation experience for all residents.”
Resources: Staff report, project page