Asheville City Council Deliberates on Proposed Reforms to Address Affordable Housing Crisis

Asheville Faces Affordable Housing Challenges Amid Proposed Changes

Asheville is buzzing this week as city council members tackle the ongoing affordable housing crisis. A fresh wave of discussions was sparked during the last council meeting, where Barry Bialik, a passionate advocate for affordable housing, presented his ideas for amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Bialik, known for his extensive experience in building homes that are financially accessible to the community, is eager to make some changes that could pave the way for more families to find a place to live.

Reflecting on Past Developments

For those who remember, there was a time not so long ago when it felt almost routine for developers, such as Biltmore Farms, to present their plans to the city council, often sparking concerns among the everyday citizens. Many felt that big players like Paul Szurek had an unfair advantage when it came to amending zoning laws, which often worked in their favor, leaving the common folk feeling overlooked. Remarkably, developments like Biltmore Park Town Square and Biltmore Lake were born from those discussions, which makes it all the more poignant that this latest conversation centers around common citizens struggling for affordable housing.

Revenue of Numbers: The Housing Shortage

In this council meeting, Bialik revealed some eye-opening statistics from the last two years. Out of all the major residential developments proposed, the city has only approved applications for just two of six proposed subdivisions and five out of fourteen Level I residential developments. To make matters even more concerning, only 146 out of 176 minor subdivision applications have made the cut. This startling reality emphasizes the pressing need for solutions, especially for those looking for affordable housing in Asheville.

Bialik’s Vision

With years of experience as the former chairman of the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and founder of Compact Cottages, Bialik came prepared with a vision. He made it clear that he has personally contributed to over half of all new homes sold in Asheville priced below $375,000 in the last three years. Bialik even set up a factory to manufacture modular cottage homes, with hopes of serving the local community, but unfortunately found himself unable to compete due to rising building codes and market prices.

Proposed Changes to UDO

Bialik proposed a couple of amendments aimed at making the situation better for the families of Asheville. First, he suggested reducing the minimum number of homes in cottage developments from five to just two. This would allow for greater flexibility, including the possibility of duplexes, which would make it easier for neighbors to share costs for things like utility lines and driveways. This idea reflects the charm of European-style community living, reminiscent of how homes were once clustered together.

Secondly, he proposed reducing the minimum street frontage for flag lots from 20 feet to 16 feet, or even to just 10 feet if there was a shared driveway. This change, he argued, would not only streamline the building process but also help save trees in the area by minimizing the need for extensive land clearing.

A Rocky Road Ahead

Despite his enthusiasm and the support he garnered from citizens, city planners voiced concerns over the proposals being generated outside of their existing systems, questioning whether they might pass necessary analyses for potential displacement. Council members expressed worries about the implications of these changes, particularly about how they could affect existing residents.

Eventually, the city council decided to postpone the vote on Bialik’s amendments until February 11. This delay aims to give city staff enough time to conduct a thorough analysis on displacement, a term that is still waiting for a clear definition.

A Call for Action

During the discussion, Bialik expressed his frustration, noting, “Y’all amaze me,” referring to the long-standing debates and drawn-out processes that only seem to delay tangible solutions for families in need. He stressed that while he understood the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of all factors, the time for action is now. He highlighted that significant zoning reforms in Asheville have remained untouched since 2016, urging the council to consider measures already in existence that simply require modification rather than starting from scratch.

In a city where unity and community spirit are held dear, the conversation around affordable housing continues to evolve. As Asheville grapples with these tough decisions, the call for creative solutions and timely action remains ever critical. The hope is that both the city council and its residents can come together to craft a future where everyone has a place to call home.