Asheville Housing Authority CEO Tells Urban Farm to Leave After 2024

Southside Community Farm Staff Told They ‘Cannot Be’ on Property After 2024

Southside Community Farm staff were told that they would not be allowed on the property “after the end of 2024” during an early-May meeting with Monique Pierre, president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville, meaning this could be the last for the farm that has served Asheville’s historically Black Southside neighborhood for the past decade.

Resolution Proposes Conversion to Playground

Pierre had introduced Resolution No. 2024-11 during a March 27 HACA Board meeting that would convert the community farm into a playground at the cost of $200,000. Surprised and shocked farm members said they hadn’t been contacted about removing the urban farm until after the resolution’s proposal.

Farm staff and Pierre met after the HACA president verbally committed to such during an April 24 meeting.

Community Farm Seeks More Time

Southside Community Farm manager Chloe Moore attended a May 22 HACA meeting, telling the board and public that Pierre told farm staff they “cannot be on the farm or in the space after the end of 2024.” Farm staff, comprised of volunteers and a five-member team, are asking for more time.

“The very minimum of what we need is more time,” Moore said during the public comment period of the May 22 HACA Board meeting. “Because that will be deeply harmful to what we have done and what we have built over the past 10 years.”

Proposed Farm Relocation

Pierre said the housing authority would not “dismantle the farm suddenly or abruptly” but did suggest moving it to an “area behind the Grant Center” less than a mile down Livingston Street. However, Moore expressed concerns that the new location is not a viable option due to limited space.

Community Response and Communication Challenges

During recent changes in housing authority programming, there have been communication challenges and confusion. Pierre cited HUD rules regarding contracts and recent changes in property usage.

Pierre’s efforts have come after community members expressed a lack of communication from HACA’s board, executive, and staff, with community members attending recent meetings to express frustration with recent HACA decisions.

Community Support and Efforts

Southside Community Farm hosts the Southside BIPOC Farmers Market on the first Sunday of each month from May to October, offering fresh produce to the historically Black Southside neighborhood. Efforts are being made to address the potential removal of the farm and find alternative solutions.