Patton Avenue Sidewalk Accessibility Improvements

Happening Now

The City’s Streets Division has made strides by reinstalling the concrete sidewalk in front of the First Citizens Bank.

City staff have encountered some challenges in sourcing trees for planting at this time of year and will not be able to obtain trees as we are leaving the optimal planting season. Don’t worry, City staff will be planting a mix of ginkgos, black gum trees, and little leaf lindens in the fall, prioritizing species that thrive in our local climate and urban areas. By changing the planting schedule it ensures the trees have the best chance to flourish and enhance our community for years to come.

Starting Monday, April 29 at 8a.m. crews will be replacing sidewalk at the Asheland Ave. intersection. This means a full lane and sidewalk closure at this location (see map). Asheland Ave. will see a lane shift to accommodate the work zone. We’re working hard to maintain normal traffic patterns as much as possible. Vehicles can still turn right and left from Asheland Ave. onto Patton Ave. And if you’re on Patton, you can continue straight or turn onto Asheland in both directions. The work zone will be set up on Monday and remain in place until the end of the week, weather permitting.

More information on this project can be found in Public Input at this link.

Background

This section of Patton Avenue was identified as a high priority project for ADA compliance in the GAP Plan adopted by City Council in 2022. A walkability study conducted by the Asheville Downtown Association identified 22 defects along this section of sidewalks, including trip hazards caused by buckling pavement and bulging tree roots. The study did not include the three non-compliant curb ramps that must be replaced for ADA compliance.

On August 21 2023, the Housing and Community Development Council Committee recommended that a portion of 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds be re-allocated for the purpose of this project. This will allow the City of Asheville to utilize federal funds to make this important infrastructure improvement.

On October 24, 2023, the Asheville City Council approved a project for the repair and enhancement of the sidewalk along the section of Patton Avenue between Asheland Avenue and Coxe Avenue. This project aligns with the City’s commitment to ensure that our public spaces meet the highest standards of safety and accessibility, as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Once the project is ready for construction to begin, City staff will reach out to business owners along the corridor to collaboratively determine the best timeframe for construction in front of their businesses. We understand the importance of minimizing disruptions and will work closely with business owners to ensure that the construction process is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Timeline

Summer 2024 – Project Construction

Late Winter/Early Spring 2024 – Impacted Stakeholder Construction Input – Once City Staff has recieved approval to begin construction staff will reach out to impacted stakeholders to coordinate the construction schedule to minimize impacts.

October 24, 2023 City Council Meeting Public Comment – City Council is scheduled to vote on the CDBG allocations for 2023 at their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Public comment for this item will be accepted during the public hearing portion of the agenda. Remote comments via email (ashevillecitycounciloct242023@publicinput.com) or voicemail (855-925-2801, meeting code 2764) will continue to be accepted and reviewed by City Council prior to the meeting so long as they are received by 9:00 a.m. on October 24.

October 17, 2023 Impacted Stakeholder Meeting – Businesses, residents and those impacted along the project corridor are encouraged to join City staff at an upcoming public meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Jack of the Wood (located at 95 Patton Avenue). Drop in to learn more about the project and share your questions, concerns and feedback.