2011-12-12

PROPOSED Neighborhood Advisory Committee

Asheville City Council has established more than 50 commissions, boards, and committees that advise on and regulate a variety of issues.  Chris Pelly distributed a summary of his proposal (email Chris at:chrispelly@avlcouncil.comfor a copy), to establish a Neighborhood Advisory Committee to facilitate communication and coordination between neighborhoods and City Council.  Discussion centered around how CAN could support the proposal but still remain independent in taking positions or speaking at other COA boards and commissions, such as P&Z, TRC, BOA, etc.  Also, as a 501(c)3 group, CAN raises funds for administrative purposes and for community projects, workshops, and to assist neighborhoods in furthering their interests.  

The discussion concluded that CAN could be proactive with such a committee by bringing issues to the committee for consideration and by encouraging representatives to apply for membership.

Kenilworth Caledonia Development: 

Valerie Hoh reported on recent changes for a planned apartment development on Caledonia Road; she spoke on her understanding that significant site preparation would be needed to continue this project, including an approximately 30’ retaining wall. This expense, with other potential problems, may have caused a review of the project by the developer, resulting in a redesign decision.  While the new plan would probably be for 50 units, other changes would be reviewed by the Planning Department to determine if the project was actually a “significant change”, thus requiring a new permit and a complete review through TRC, P&Z, etc..  Judy Daniel, Director, COA Planning and Development, advised new plans have not been received as of December 12, review will begin when the plans are submitted.

In response to a question on who determines if project changes are significant enough to require a new application process, Judy Daniel advised that the decision is a technical measure, such as is there a change in the number of units, the size of the project, the compliance with zoning requirements, etc.  Input from other city departments (Fire Dept., Streets, etc.) would also be considered in determining if the “new” project was a “significant change”.

Asheville Billboard Community Action Committee-DIGITAL BILLBOARDS:

Alan Escovitz attended the P&Z meeting on Wednesday, December 7, and advised Shannon Tuch presented a 3-part proposal:

1. preclude additional billboards on Merrimon Avenue
2. require a 50' setback from the roadway
3. develop a plan to remove all billboards on Merrimon

Sections of Sweeten Creek and Tunnel Roads may also be included.  P&Z staff are working on the proposals and will make another presentation on January 4. ABCAC would like citizen representation at this meeting to provide support for revisions to improve safety and preserve neighborhood streetscapes.  The city's goal is to make Asheville's streets safe for multi-modal transportation.

Talking points summary—Merrimon Avenue is a narrow road without a center turn lane, bounded by a historic neighborhood, billboards are not in keeping with the streetscape in this area of Asheville.  When operating as designed, digital billboards are a distraction resulting in a safety hazard for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclist.

Street Parking around Greenlife Grocery/Maxwell Street 

James Judd advised that a community meeting was scheduled in this neighborhood tonight to consider a permit parking plan to regulate parking. A report on results will be presented at our January meeting.

Smart Growth Coalition

Valerie Hoh discussed the formation of a citizens group studying the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and proposing changes.  Lael Grey advised there are several study areas, such as transportation and sustainability issues.  Valerie will email additional information as it becomes available, please contact her if you are interested in joining the group.

Transition Asheville 

Information was circulated from the Asheville Skill Sharing Action Group, sponsoring a community skill building workshop proposed for Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the First Congregational Church (20 Oak Street).  The workshop program is in the planning phase and seeking support.

Asheville Water System

Barry Summers reported on his visit to Raleigh earlier in the day to observe a legislative “study committee”, allegedly established to study municipal water systems.  In Barry’s opinion, this is a first step in taking control of municipal systems in North Carolina, particularly in privatizing Asheville’s water system to benefit corporate interests at the expense of Asheville.  See ashevillewater.blogspot.com for additional information. 

Lighting Ordinance

Valerie reported information from Ted Campbell in the Town Mountain community; he would like to see the Buncombe County lighting ordinance strengthened, he is working on a draft of changes and other details to develop an effective ordinance.  

Tree Commission

Amy Kemp advised on proposed changes to the UDO, such as rules for tree topping and pollarding.  City staff would like to see tree companies and owners share joint responsibility when trees are damaged due to topping.

Concerning the Wells Fargo tree removals on Patton, the trees were removed to “improve branding visibility”, that is making their signs easier to see from the street.  Wells Fargo has planted several trees at the bank location and has stated they are considering other improvements, such as planting trees along Patton Avenue.  If funds are made available, it is likely Asheville Greenworks will receive the money and work on these projects.   

CAN Nominating Committee:

Grace Curry reported on candidates for executive committee, she and Alan Escovitz and Dakota Figoria worked on filling open positions.   The following slate of candidates were unanimously approved to become members of the executive board:

• Vice President, Government Relations- Barber Melton
• Vice President, Public Relations- Joe  Masters-Emison
• Vice President, Membership- Valerie Hoh
• Members at Large- Christine Longoria, Alan Escovitz, Robert Zieber
• Treasurer- Carl Nyberg

Positions that remain open are President and Secretary.  Grace Curry suggested we consider rotating some of the positions (Meeting Facilitator and Secretary) among several people so the workload is distributed.

Neighborhood Zoning Review

Valerie Hoh spoke on the need to rezone some parts of Kenilworth and other residential neighborhoods, where changing development patterns threaten the character of residential areas.  She would like to ask City Council members to put rezoning back on their agenda.

Adjourned at 8:59