Asheville Alters Storm Debris Storage Plans Following Community Outcry

Asheville Shifts Storm Debris Storage Plans After Backlash

In a surprising turn of events, Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell announced on October 21 that the city has decided to change its plans for storing storm debris. Just a week earlier, the city had selected two residential sites in West Asheville and even the recently renovated, Donald Ross-designed Asheville Municipal Golf Course as locations where storm debris would be piled up. However, due to community concerns, the new central staging area will now be at Enka Commerce Park in Candler.

A Community Voice Heard

The initial plan, which included locations at Roger Farmer Park, 65 Ford Street, and the golf course, raised significant alarm from local residents, especially those living near the Ford Street site. Residents, including children, expressed their frustrations with makeshift signs stating, “No dumping toxic waste in our neighborhood.” The concerns were valid, and community members rallied together, voicing a collective worry about the potential negative impacts on their health and environment.

Taylon Breanne and Aislinn Dugan, two passionate residents, made their voices heard at a protest: “We were shocked when we learned about the site, just because it’s residential zoning here,” said Breanne. Aislinn added, “If we’re going to burn the trash, what kind of air pollution is the city going to be breathing in?”

New Measures for Debris Removal

Enka Commerce Park will now be the main site where storm debris will be taken to be staged, ground, compacted, and prepared for hauling out of the city,” Campbell clarified during the announcement. Meanwhile, debris at the Ford Street location will be compacted and prepared for removal, although no timeline has been set yet for that process.

Challenges Ahead

The need for staging areas for storm waste is pressing, and Campbell explained that the city is working to find temporary locations for a variety of materials including construction debris, appliances, and hazardous household waste. Due to the sheer volume of waste generated, estimated to exceed 2.5 million cubic yards, prompt and organized removal is paramount. The city has even engaged with federal and state authorities to ensure that no hazardous materials will end up at these temporary sites.

However, as Campbell pointed out, even the most organized cleanup efforts come with challenges. These debris processing activities will likely create noise, dust, and smells, leaving residents understandably concerned about their environment. As Campbell stated, “All of these activities will possibly produce noise, dust, and smells.”

Continued Community Engagement

Geoffrey Barton, president and CEO of Mountain Housing Opportunities, echoed these concerns, stating, “It doesn’t feel like sufficient thought was put into the potential long-term impacts of this on adjacent residents.” He highlighted that using the Ford Street site for debris could jeopardize future housing development plans that had been in the works.

City Council member Kim Roney has taken note of resident concerns, meeting with locals to discuss their worries about the debris sites and posting updates about the situation, indicating a proactive approach to fostering community dialogue. During a city council meeting on October 22, residents will have a chance to express their views on the issue in a public comment session.

Looking Forward

As Asheville tackles the aftermath of the recent storm, community engagement will be essential to ensure that residents feel safe and heard. While the storm itself was a disaster, the city’s handling of the cleanup is now under the spotlight. Residents continue to advocate for their neighborhoods, urging city officials to consider alternative staging locations that don’t disrupt the fabric of their community.

In the coming weeks and months, it will be essential for Asheville to balance rapid cleanup efforts with the health and safety concerns of its diverse neighborhoods. The conversation started by the members of the community is just beginning and it’s clear that collaboration will be key. As Campbell stated, “We will continue to diligently monitor the temporary sites to ensure environmental regulations are met.”